Rep. Brent announces $122 million to confront child and elder abuse, mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and support affordable housing projects

Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) announced today that the state Controlling Board approved several items of note this week, including the allocation of $9.5 million, through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) and the Child Abuse Prevention Act, to confront child and elder abuse, as well as an additional $7.5 million over the next two years to conduct home assessments for children in foster care.

“I am glad to hear that the Controlling Board allocated $9.5 million to confront child and elder abuse and $7.5 million to conduct home assessments for foster care. These actions will protect our most vulnerable population of children and elders,” said Rep. Brent. “Making sure all foster care homes are equipped to protect and nurture a child during this vulnerable period is vital to future success of our children. Furthermore, preventing child and adult abuse is essential to protect their the physical, emotional and mental health . This is how we truly take care of Ohioans.” 

The Controlling Board approved other measures Monday to support Ohioans amid the coronavirus pandemic, including:

• $36 million for nonprofit homelessness providers and local governments;
• $35.6 million to purchase rapid COVID-19 testing kits;
• $24 million to rehabilitate dams across Ohio;
• $8 million from ARPA to support local health departments and mitigate the spread of COVID-19;
• $1.4 million that will be distributed to the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, the Ohio CDC Association, Habitat Humanity of Ohio, and the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing.