SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Lackawanna County Commissioners are making changes to their troubled office of youth and family services.
It all comes after charges of child negligence were filed and dropped against five caseworkers earlier this year, which prompted procedural changes, as well as staff shortages.
Last week, they announced a first-of-its-kind effort in Pennsylvania called the "Family First Community Pathways Project."
Beverly Mackereth, Lackawanna County Consultant and former state secretary of human services is a principal architect of the Family First Community Pathways project. Wednesday morning, she spoke to the Lackawanna Interagency Council, an umbrella organization of more than 60 community-based and public social service agencies.
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"If they belong in this community, and they care about this community, they belong at the table. And so, this is just a group that asked us to come and talk about it, but if any organization wants to be part of it, they can be," said Mackereth.
The office of Youth and Family Services has been operating under a provisional license since last May, in addition to facing legal troubles, staff shortages, and an increased caseload. The county is redirecting resources to OYFS from the Department of Health to strengthen the organization.
"The goal of the program is to create a community-based system where prevention comes first. Where we can meet the needs of family and children when they need it most," continued Mackereth.
The office currently has 114 staff members, 30 vacant caseworker positions, and a 700-case backlog.
Treating child welfare as an urgent public health matter involves all community organizations.
"Having this opportunity to network monthly, and now to work with the county in our community-based programs with them to help promote safe families, we're very grateful to be a part of that," added Cindy Kennedy the president of Lackawanna Interagency Council.
The county's plan is currently pending state approval. You can learn more about it, and view job openings on their website.
