NEWS RELEASE:
BUCYRUS — A new Director has been chosen to lead Crawford County’s Family and Children First Council. Amy Billa, MA, LSW, joined forces with the existing Council members in June and brings with her extensive experience spanning mental health, court investigations, and continuing education provision to nurses and behavioral healthcare professionals. The Director position remained vacant for several months as the Council vetted candidates with innovative ideas and leadership skills to enhance existing programs for Crawford County.
The Family and Children First Council (FCFC) has a representative leading the Council in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. The purpose of FCFC is to streamline and coordinate existing services for families and children who are involved with more than one agency or service: juvenile court, academic interventions, developmental disabilities, child protective services, Job and Family Services, addiction and mental health services. Billa reported, “Often families involved with multiple agencies have additional stressors and needs. FCFC works to make sure families have access to as many resources as Crawford County can provide and keep children in their home whenever possible.”
Crawford County residents from birth through age 21 and/or their guardians are eligible to access service coordination through FCFC. Typical requests include those seeking resource information, potential funding for needs beyond what can be provided by involved agencies, and referral to unique services such as High-Fidelity Wrap-Around and Intensive Home-Based Treatment. Billa is fluent in sign language and deaf guardians are encouraged to email for further information. The Crawford County Family and Children First office is located at 113 West Rensselaer Street in Bucyrus and can be reached by emailing ccfcfcouncil@hotmail.com.