Media Contacts: Jennifer Ciaccia: (216) 250-5863; jciaccia@cuyahogacounty.us

Cuyahoga County will partner with The Centers to begin first phase of project, concentrating on hiring and training staff, and space planning

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH –  Today, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne and County leaders announced a partnership with The Centers to begin work on developing the Cuyahoga County Child Wellness Campus. Once approved by Cuyahoga County Board of Control, funding for the first phase of the project will focus on hiring and training staff, and space planning.

The Centers currently operates Cleveland Christian Home, an emergency childcare facility on Cleveland’s west side. That facility will be expanded to develop the Cuyahoga County Child Wellness Campus.

The campus is part of a comprehensive effort to address a lack of suitable placement and treatment options for youth who need intense care for medical, mental health, behavioral health and/or trauma related issues. Through the development of the Childhood Wellness Campus, the County aims to provide these children with the care they need in a setting that prioritizes health and safety.

“Cuyahoga County wants to ensure that the children in our care have a safe place to receive services, while being nurtured and guided toward a path to a stable and promising future. Our partnership with The Centers will help us work toward this goal,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne.

“Cleveland Christian Home has long been a place of respite and shelter for children facing critical situations, making this location an optimal match for the Cuyahoga County Child Wellness Campus,” said Eric L. Morse, President and CEO, The Centers. “Our team at The Centers is fully dedicated to providing an optimal experience for kids in need, and we are proud to partner with Cuyahoga County to bring this essential asset to our region.”

Once fully developed, the Child Wellness Campus will provide a safe location where youth who are awaiting placement can be assessed and begin to receive treatment. The campus will also provide residential treatment and other support for youth and families, with the objective of helping children return safely to their families or another family-like setting, with the support of the County and partner agencies.

“The children in the care and custody of the County are the children of our community, and we must all be concerned for their safety and wellbeing,” said Jacqueline Fletcher, Director of Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services. “It will take a community effort to solve the treatment and placement crisis we face today, that is why we are so grateful for our partners at The Centers for stepping up to help us build better solutions and resources for our kids.”

The Child Wellness Campus project is a collaboration with Cuyahoga County’s Department of Children and Family Services, Juvenile Court, Family and Children First Council, the Board of Developmental Disabilities, and the Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County.