Cuyahoga County News Now

March is National Social Work Month and we have a lot to celebrate in Cuyahoga County. As part of our mission to help our residents thrive at every age and stage of life, the Department of Health and Human Services employees approximately 2300 people. They include licensed social workers, child protection specialists, adult protection workers, adoption coordinators, eligibility specialists, case workers, counselors and more.

It’s no secret that the recession caused an economic decline in communities across the country, including Cuyahoga County. Jobs were lost and the population decreased. If that wasn’t bad enough, the housing market crashed due to factors such as predatory lending. As a result, Cuyahoga County was left with an oversupply of housing that did not meet the needs of their current and future households. This lead to foreclosed, vacant, and blighted structures, posing safety concerns and depressing home values in many parts of the county.

“Normal business hours” don’t work for everybody. We know some consumers have trouble finding time during the day to call consumer advice lines. So during National Consumer Protection Week (March 5-11), Cleveland-area consumer agencies are participating in evening and weekend events designed to get you expert advice -- on your schedule.

In 2013, Cuyahoga County commissioned a Disparity Study and Procedure Report which examined county buying practices, policies and bonding requirements. In 2014, results of the study found that between 2009 and 2012, minorities received $9.3 million of Cuyahoga County combined subcontracting and prime contracting awards, a value equal to 1.4 percent of all awards made by the county.

As you’re shopping for groceries or buying gas, look for the county’s new 2017 Weights and Measures seals on deli scales and gas pumps. A current Weights and Measures seal shows you’re getting what you pay for.

The vision of a family may seem impossible for those families separated due to homelessness and/or foster care. Many social, economic, and personal factors can lead to families becoming homeless. Substance abuse, domestic violence, untreated mental health are some of the factors that lead to unsafe family situations and result in children needing to come into foster care.