(Plain Press January 2024) Cuyahoga County announced that it plans to partner with The Centers to create an enhanced health and wellness plan for children in the County’s care. Plans call for expanding the Cleveland Christian Home facility at 11401 Lorain Avenue to develop the Cuyahoga County Child Wellness Campus.

   In recent years Cuyahoga County’s Division of Children and Family Services has had a severe shortage of access to places where children in their care can be safely placed and receive needed services. Stories of youths being housed in the agency’s downtown office building circulated in the local media.

   In a press release, Cuyahoga County says the new Child Wellness Campus “is part of a comprehensive effort to address a lack of suitable placement and treatment options for youth who need intense care for medical, mental health, behavioral health and/or trauma related issues. Through the development of the Childhood Wellness Campus, the County aims to provide these children with the care they need in a setting that prioritizes health and safety.”

   In 2022 The Centers took over administration of the Cleveland Christian Home bringing substantial resources to the nonprofit youth residential treatment facility. The Centers helped bring financial stability to the Cleveland Christian Home.

   “Cleveland Christian Home has long been a place of respite and shelter for children facing critical situations, making this location an optimal match for the Cuyahoga County Child Wellness Campus,” said Eric L. Morse, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Centers. “Our team at The Centers is fully dedicated to providing an optimal experience for kids in need, and we are proud to partner with Cuyahoga County to bring this essential asset to our region.”

   Cuyahoga County spokesperson Jennifer Ciaccia in a statement provided to the media says that “once fully developed, the Child Wellness Campus will provide a safe location where youth who are awaiting placement can be assessed and begin to receive treatment. The campus will also provide residential treatment and other support for youth and families, with the objective of helping children return safely to their families or another family-like setting, with the support of the County and partner agencies.

   “The children in the care and custody of the County are the children of our community, and we must all be concerned for their safety and wellbeing,” said Jacqueline Fletcher, Director of Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services. “It will take a community effort to solve the treatment and placement crisis we face. That is why we are so grateful for our partners at The Centers for stepping up to help us build better solutions and resources for our kids.”

   The Child Wellness Campus project is a collaborative project, which in addition to The Centers, includes Cuyahoga County’s Department of Children and Family Services, Juvenile Court, Family and Children First Council, the Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County.