Ukrainian child welfare advocate visits ACCS
July 17, 2009
ATHENS - Ukrainian child welfare advocate Raya Shelashskaya along with Betsy Keefer-Smalley and Norma Ginther from the Columbus-based organization Institute for Human Services met with Adoption and Placement Services staff from Athens County Children Services on Wednesday, July 1. The visit was prompted by the Ukrainian government’s desire to expand its range of child welfare services.
Ukraine is making strides to further develop foster and adoptive homes for children who are currently living in orphanages. The Ukrainian government in collaboration with private agencies is actively seeking creative solutions for the needs of children in difficult circumstances, including some children who are living on the streets at a very young age.
Athens County Children Services staff members Andrea Glass, Danielle Fagen and Carol Cockrill shared strategies for the recruitment of foster and adoptive families and for the home study process. Athens County Children Services was chosen for the site visit in part because of its Post Adoption Services program which is offered to families on a voluntary basis following the legalization of an adoption. Families can approach Athens County Children Services for assistance with advocacy, finding resources, networking as well as other services whether they have adopted domestically or internationally.
The Institute for Human Services, responsible for the development and oversight of the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program, has assisted similar groups in Belarus, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan in their efforts to further develop their child welfare services.
