The Income Maintenance Division assists adults and families with minor children through a variety of financial assistance programs.  These include Ohio Works First cash assistance, Disability Assistance, Food Stamps, Prevention, Retention and Contingency benefits, and an array of medical programs including: Medicaid for residents of Nursing Homes, community based medical benefits and health insurance for low income families and children. Eligibility requirements vary according to the program.  The division also subsidizes child care and certifies professional and parent/provider inspected child care home providers.

OHIO WORKS FIRST

     This is a cash assistance program for pregnant women and families with minor children.  As a result of welfare reform in 1996, cash assistance is time limited and each adult applying for or receiving benefits participates in a plan to assist them in establishing and maintaining self sufficiency through assignments to job search/job readiness activities and linkage to community supports in overcoming barriers to employment.

FOOD STAMPS                                                  

     Assistance is provided for the purchase of food products by determining eligibility based upon factors including assistance group size, gross monthly income and consideration of resources ie., savings, and expenses including rent and utilities.  Benefits are accessed through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Ohio Directions Card which is used like a debit card.  Benefits are loaded monthly at the client identified locations and may be use at any store in the state of Ohio which participates in the program.

PREVENTION, RETENTION AND CONTINGENCY BENEFITS

     This program is potentially available to pregnant women and families with minor children to provide assistance for emergent needs.  This includes, but is not limited to: potential assistance with rent and/or security deposit for those who are homeless or at risk of eviction, have utility shut off notices or may need assistance with car repairs to accept or maintain employment. 

MEDICAID/HEALTHY START

     Medical assistance is potentially available to pregnant women, low income families with minor children and those who are aged, blind or disabled residing in the community or in a nursing home.  Consideration is given to gross monthly income and resources.  Benefits potentially include medical coverage for physician office visits, prescriptions, hospitalization, in home services and nursing home care who are Medical providers.  Benefits may also include subsidizing Medicare Part B premiums and co-pays.

CHILD CARE

     Assistance is provided to subsidize the cost of child care to eligible families with children under age 12 whose parent/caretaker (s) are employed, attending school or cooperating with their self sufficiency contract.  Over 70 licensed child care centers in Lake, Ashtabula, Geauga and Cuyahoga counties are under contract with this Department for the purpose of providing subsidized child care.  Additionally the Department certifies professional home care providers and parent/provider inspected homes. 

TO REQUEST AN APPLICATION FOR ANY OF THESE PROGRAMS PLEASE CALL:

440-350-4483, 440-918-4483 or 440-298-3357

Whenever referrals prove true, the Division must request assistance from the County Prosecutor to file a complaint in Juvenile Court on behalf of the alleged child victim.  In some cases, the Juvenile Court awards custody of the child victim to the department.  When this occurs, the Division immediately initiates the provision of case management services to the family and the child.  Services provided are intended to eliminate or alleviate the factors that contributed to the abuse, neglect or dependency of the child victim.

Emma Caley Receiving Home is administered by the Children Services Division.  The Emma Caley Emergency Receiving Home has been in operation since 1948, and has provided care to many children throughout the years.  The home is licensed to provide temporary care to sixteen children between the ages of   7 to 18.  The home offers a structured behavior modification program under the clinical direction of a full time therapist and three shifts of treatment staff.

In the year 2003, the Division received more than 4000 calls regarding children who were abused or neglected.  Some of these children had skull fractures and other broken bones; some have been burned with cigarettes.  Other children have been sexually abused.  Some children were found left alone without supervision.  One child was so starved for food he lost his teeth and hair.  While Lake County does not appear to be a metropolitan region with "big city" problems, there are problems from which there is no escape.

On any given day, this Division is working with over 550 families who have a variety of problems which cannot be resolved with a "quick fix."  Many families need long term intervention and involvement with service providers who can help to break the cycle of abuse.

Additionally, the Children Services Division recruits and certifies foster care homes, and provides adoption services for the children in our custody. There is a great need for foster homes in Lake County. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent or adopting a child please contact the agency at (440)350-4218 or (440)918-4218 to learn more information.
  
                                                        Adult Protective Services

This Department is mandated to investigate referrals involving adults 60 years of age and older who live in the community and who are alleged to be abused, neglected or exploited. The assigned social worker is responsible for meeting with the client to assess the alleged concerns and linking that client to appropriate services within the community, including but not limited to home delivered meals, in-home care, probate court and financial assistance.

To report adult protective concerns, please call: (440) 350-4422 or (440) 918-4422
 

To report suspected child abuse or neglect,

please call the

24-Hour Child Abuse Hotline at

A new 39-station computer resource room with Internet access allows jobseekers to search job postings and help wanted ads, apply for jobs, and post their resumes online through the Division's website, http://www.lake1stop.org

Help is available for resume writing and interviewing. Other resources enable individuals to learn popular business software applications, keyboarding, and English or Spanish as a second language. Jobseekers needing to contact employers can use free phone, fax, and copier service. Searchable employer directories and a comprehensive career information system are other tools for customers' use. Employment and Training Division staff are on hand to provide orientation and guidance. These services are free and open to the general public.

Patricia Gromack, Personnel Officer (440) 350-4255