Ohio foster care pilot returns $4 for every $1 invested

By Farah Siddiqi

An innovative foster care program in Northwest Ohio is saving taxpayer dollars while improving outcomes for children with complex needs.

A new study from Ohio University’s Voinovich School found the pilot program, which began in Sandusky County, generated more than $2 million in what it called "social value," or about $4 for every $1 invested. The initiative trains and licenses treatment-level foster parents, so kids in the system can remain near their families instead of being sent to distant group homes.

Melanie Allen, director of Sandusky County Job and Family Services, said building the local network has changed everything for their region.

"By licensing our own treatment foster homes, we were able to keep kids closer to home, avoid separating siblings, reduce caseworker travel and reunify children with their parents more quickly," Allen explained. "Yes, we saved money but even more importantly, we avoided additional trauma for these kids and the long-term negative consequences of that trauma."

The initiative was launched by Sandusky County Job and Family Services and expanded through the Public Children Services Association of Ohio. The study found the program saved almost $2 million in placement, staff time, health care and education costs, with 90% of children in the pilot avoiding placement disruption.

Scott Britton, assistant director of Public Children Services Association of Ohio, said the pilot has inspired similar collaboratives in 36 other counties.

"For every $1 invested in the program, it was returning $4 in savings to taxpayers, benefits to the agencies themselves, benefits to the foster parents," Britton reported. "It’s really more than a win-win. We’re just really thrilled that we were able to fund this report and get it out there."

The model now serves as a blueprint for rural counties across Ohio. Leaders said it not only strengthens families but also restores hope by transforming child welfare from institutional care to healing within homes and communities.