The Ohio Supreme Court’s Children and Families Section is encouraging judges to attend a series of regional forums aimed at reviewing the state of Ohio’s foster care system and developing recommendations for improving the experience of children and families.

Last week, Gov. Mike DeWine announced the formation of the Children Services Transformation Advisory Council to review data, trends, and policies regarding the current foster care system.

David Edelbute, manager of the Court’s Children and Families Section, works directly with the advisory council.

“The regional forums, over the next two months, are an excellent opportunity for Ohio’s citizens to be directly involved in the very critical role of the Advisory Council,” Edelbute said.

“The council will develop recommendations for needed foster care reforms, strengthened children services practices and system improvements that prioritize the safety, permanency, and well-being of Ohio’s children and families,” he said.

The following regional forums will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.:

• Southeast Region – Nov. 13 − Athens Community Center, Athens
• Western Region − Nov. 18 − Auglaize County Educational Service Center, Wapakoneta
• Central Region – Nov. 21 − Central Ohio Technical College, Pataskala Campus
• Northwest Region − Dec. 9 − Wood County Department of Job and Family Services, Children Services/Visitor Entrance, Bowling Green
• Northern Region − Dec. 11 − Medina County University Center (University of Akron), Medina
• Southwest Region − Dec. 17 − Lebanon Conference and Banquet Center, Lebanon
• Northeast Region − Dec. 19 − United Way of Greater Stark County, Canton.

Paulding County Juvenile Judge Michael Wehrkamp, who sits on the advisory council, encourages his colleagues to attend the forums.

“Supporting foster children and their families is key to building a brighter future, but unfortunately, they face more challenges today than ever before,” Judge Wehrkamp said.

“I look forward to working with others across the state to improve the children services system. The foster care forums will serve as an excellent springboard for the Council’s work, and I’m hopeful they’re well-attended,” he said.

For those interested in providing testimony, the council asks you visit the foster care reforms website.