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Updated: 6:59 PM Jun 19, 2009
Cut Services Could Create Devastating Cracks
Down on your luck, with nowhere to go -- it's a daunting thought that could be close to a reality for some in Gallia County.
Posted: 6:42 PM Jun 19, 2009Reporter: Carrie Cline Email Address: carrie.cline@wsaz.com |
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5 Comments 
GALLIA COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Down on your luck, with nowhere to go -- it's a daunting thought that could be close to a reality for some in Gallia County.
As Ohio trims its state budget down to the bare bones, social services in Gallia County say they're being cut off.
“There are kids that are going to hurt, there are families that are going to be ripped apart,” said Chandra Shrader.
That's the reality of painful state budget cuts in Ohio -- many targeting the most crucial services. Shrader is the director of Gallia County Children's Services. Her department will lose more than 50 percent of its employees, who work everyday to save children from dangerous situations. When you only have 17 employees, losing nine to eleven of them will mean drastic changes in child protection.
“There will be many cases that will slip through the cracks," Shrader said. "I've had girls in the schools working with children one-on-one; those services are going to be cut.”
But, she is making her own sacrifice to try and save two jobs.
“After we did the initial layoffs, we realized there's still not going to be enough money and there's nowhere else to cut," she said. "So, I'm retiring. To be quite honest with you, I'm not sure that's enough.
“Unfortunately, when kids are abused and neglected, children die. It's tough enough with what we're doing to try to keep children safe and now that those services aren't here, I don't know what's going to happen. Drugs and alcohol-recovery services are cut, mental health services are cut. Where are the parents going to go for help?”
“Everything in this agency is going to be affected,” said Dana Glassburn.
He’s the director of Gallia County Job and Family Services. His agency is also taking a hit -- a 30 percent cut or $700,000.
“That means individuals out there who need food, shelter, they're not going to get that service as fast,” Glassburn said.
The agency has already cut its phone operator, and staff is doubling up on work trying to be as efficient as possible. But, the reality is the caseloads are growing just as resources are being cut.
“In a situation, 30 days doesn't seem like a long time, but if you're sitting there with no paycheck, no food in your cabinet, the food shelters being empty, it's important to be able to have the staff to provide those services,” Glassburn said.
Earlier this week, we featured the Gallia County Adult Protective Services on Elder Abuse Awareness Day. That division has saved many elderly from financial and physical abuse. But, under current budget proposals, that unit also would be eliminated.
Latest Comments
I for one, did not vote for Strickland... and any of his changes...
I 2nd that!!! Look at all the "great" changes we have seen since so many people ran to vote for the change. If you voted for change than dont complain.
You ask for change - you got it!
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