Cincinnati’s child welfare system is straining at the seams.
In the past two years, the number of abused and neglected children getting referred to the juvenile court system has increased a whopping 34 percent, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. That means Tracy Cook (’90) and her team at ProKids are very busy.
ProKids’ mission is “a safe, permanent, and nurturing home for every child.” Through community volunteers and coalition partners, ProKids elevates the voices of area children in order free them from abuse or neglect and provide them of environments in which they can thrive. A difficult job made all the more challenging as their client base increases against the backdrop of decreasing or stagnant funds. In November, voters approved a levy approved that maintained $40 million in funding for Hamilton County Job and Family Services, the local agency charged with handling the many cases of abuse and neglect. While this victory staved off budget cuts, it doesn’t provide additional dollars to address the ballooning population of children needing help.
So, what can be done to make a difference? Ms. Cook comes to UC College of Law on February 27 to discuss her work at ProKids and strategies for making sure children in our community are getting the help they need and deserve. Please join us!
Coffee Corner with Tracy Cook; Monday, February 27 at 12:15 in the Crow’s Nest