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Innocent Victims

Harrison County has a problem.

Authorities there have seen a dramatic increase in the number of children who are under the care of the county Department of Job and Family Services. Director Scott Blackburn attributes the rise mainly to a single factor – illegal drug use, specifically opioid abuse.

According to Blackburn, there are about 64 children who have been removed from the custody of their parents or guardians and are now in the care of the county. That is an alarmingly high number, considering the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of Harrison County at just 15,450 in 2015.

Fortunately, most of the children have been placed in the care of other relatives. But Blackburn said around 30 children are currently in residential or foster care. Blackburn said DJFS workers make every effort to place children with relatives in hopes of keeping their time in the care of the county at a minimum. But some of those youngsters may remain in the system until they reach 18 years of age.

Harrison County commissioners transferred $50,000 from the county general fund to the DJFS last week, providing money to be used to help those children in a number of ways. Blackburn said the funds, part of $200,000 allocated to the DJFS this year, helps pay for food, housing and counseling for children who might need professional help.

Sadly, Blackburn speculated that Harrison County is probably in the “middle of the road” in terms of numbers of children the DJFS serves. He believes a collective, community effort will be required to effectively combat the opioid problem.

“The bottom line is the safety of the children,”Blackburn said.

He is right about that. And the commissioners were right to provide the needed funds. Now more needs to be done in counties across the state and the nation to help children who are innocent victims of drug abuse.

Blackburn said members of the public could help as well, perhaps by serving as foster parents or in other ways. To get involved in the department’s efforts, call the Harrison County DJFS at 740-942-2171 to learn how you can help.

We all need to help ensure that the youngest residents of our region are not the ones paying the price for others’ poor choices.

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