Melanie Fling was reappointed to a second term as Licking County's representative to the Ohio Children's Trust Fund Central Regional Council during the Board of Commissioners April 23 meeting.
Fling's reappointment matters because the council is responsible for administering child abuse and neglect prevention programming and services in the region. According to the agenda for the board's meeting, Fling, who serves as multi-systems services supervisor for Licking County Children and Families First Council, was recommended for a second term by the council. The new term runs from April 23 to April 22, 2028. Fling's first term ended April 22 according to the agenda.
According to the meeting agenda, Ohio Revised Code allows each board of commissioners with a region to appoint up to two county prevention specialists to represent their county. This includes persons who have demonstrated knowledge in programs for children serving counties within the region according to the meeting agenda.
The Ohio Revised Code created eight child abuse and child neglect regional prevention councils. These councils are designated to administer child abuse and child neglect prevention programming and services approved by the state's children's trust fund board according to the agenda.
According to its website, Licking County Children and Families First Council was established in 1995 as an association of public and nonprofit organizations, schools clergy, parents, and elected officials. Its mission is "to build community capacity, coordinate systems and services, and empower families." The council serves families with children from birth through age 21 who have needs in more than one system of care. It brings together community members, families, and providers to assess needs and identify gaps in service. Members develop shared plans addressing those needs while ensuring parents and youth have a voice on the council. Early intervention services are also provided according to Licking County Children and Families First Council.
The Central Ohio Regional Prevention Council represents 13 counties including Licking County. Its mission is "to prevent child abuse and neglect through investing in strong communities, healthy families, and safe children" according to the Ohio Department of Children & Youth.
