Report changes to Child Support cases online
June 3, 2008 -- Child Support customers now can report a change of name, address or employment online. Simply click on the Report a Change link on the www.hcjfs.org home page.

In the past, customers had to print out, sign and mail or fax in forms to report changes.

Last month, the agency began offering the online form to food stamp, Medicaid and Ohio Works First (OWF) customers.

Sherry Kelley Marshall, president and executive director of the Southwest Ohio Region Workforce Investment Board, attributes the high job placement rate to the efforts of the Super Jobs Center staff who assist local employers in filling job openings and to the collaboration among partners located at the Super Jobs Center.

Chuck Walters, the center's business services manager, said:"Our placement success comes from understanding and responding to the needs of local employers. Some employers need a large pool of qualified candidates and a space for mass hiring. Others need help conducting pre-screening and testing. The Super Jobs Center can accommodate these needs and more."

Further, data collected by Hamilton County Jobs and Family Services (HCJFS) reflects that the center continues to excel in numbers of job placements, in the average pay rate attained by people placed through the center and in the numbers of job seekers it serves.

"The Super Jobs Center clearly sets the statewide standard for quality and value-added work with both employers and job seekers," said Kevin Holt, section chief at HCJFS.

The 10^th annual event will be held June 17 at the University of Cincinnati’s Tangeman University Center. A College Information Session will begin at 5 p.m. to help get the teens acquainted with college life. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m.

The event, hosted by Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services and the Foster Child Enrichment Council, is a chance to celebrate the teens’ hard work to overcome tremendous obstacles and complete high school. The teens invite their foster families and other important people in their lives, such as caseworkers, CASAs and guardian ad litems.

The event includes dinner and an awards ceremony featuring student speakers, a keynote speaker (former foster child) and speeches from both agency and county leaders. The ceremony also includes the presentation of certificates and scholarship awards, door prizes and other gifts for the graduates. “Celebration of Dreams” and the scholarships are funded through private donations made to the Foster Child Enrichment Council.

“In many instances, these teens, their foster parents and those close to them have worked very hard to make sure graduation day arrived,” said Moira Weir, director of the Job and Family Services Department. “They’ve overcome obstacles their high school peers did not have to face. This event is a fantastic opportunity to say congratulations to our foster children on their hard work and thank you to our foster parents, caseworkers and others who have provided the necessary support to make this day a reality.”

Weir said she is hopeful this is not an end for the graduates, but a beginning that will include college, a trade school or success in the working world. Many foster children who turn 18 often find themselves on their own, long disconnected from their biological families and without roots and a support system. They’re especially vulnerable to social problems and struggle when it comes to financially supporting themselves.

 “This group has already shown they are fighters,” she said. “Taking the next step will be a challenge, but their dedication and determination will help them be a success at anything they choose to do.” 

Hamilton County’s Department of Job and Family Services currently serves about 850 foster children a day. Citizens interested in becoming a foster parent and helping to change a child’s life should call 632-6366 or visit www.hcfoster.org.  Those interested in making donations to the Foster Child Enrichment Council can call 732-5151 or visit www.helpfosterchildren.org