Intake Services Department

Per Ohio law (RC 5153.16), Mahoning County Children Services (MCCS) is required to “Make an investigation concerning any child alleged to be an abused, neglected, or dependent child.” The Intake Services Department provides assessment and investigative services for families whose children are at risk of abuse, neglect or dependency. The assessment/investigative process begins with a report made to this agency which is screened in per screening guidelines established by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. With the goal of safety, permanency and well-being of children, Mahoning County Children Services strives to adhere to the following principles throughout our assessment and intervention with families:

• Whenever possible, MCCS respects family choices in the selection of services.
• When families cannot ensure child safety, it is necessary for the agency, courts, community, and/or extended families and kin to take appropriate action to provide protection.

• Child safety comes first, and all policies, guidelines and practices are child-centered and family-focused.
• MCCS emphasizes family engagement and involvement in all aspects of our practice.
• MCCS supports assessment and intervention processes that focus on family strengths while addressing the underlying conditions and contributing factors that impact child safety.
• Child safety is best achieved through active, collaborative and respectful engagement of parents, family, community and all other stakeholders.
• MCCS strives to identify family needs and find creative solutions, including formal and informal supports and services to ensure child safety.
• Whenever possible, MCCS respects family choices in the selection of services.
• When families cannot ensure child safety, it is necessary for the agency, courts, community, and/or extended families and kin to take appropriate action to provide protection.

The Intake Services Department staff objectives are to be proactive in identifying families in need and to be responsive to the community. In doing so, MCCS works closely with schools, mental health professions, drug and alcohol professions, medical professions including Akron Children’s Hospital’s Child Advocacy Center, law enforcement, prosecutor’s office and many other social service agencies to ensure the safety of children.