An operator of group homes for teens and young adults is closing its facility in North Linden by March 3rd. Jim Letizia reports.
Pennsylvania-based New Story of Ohio says 53 people will lose their jobs. New Story has provided residential and behavioral health care to youth in county child-welfare systems for six years. A spokesperson blames the closure on problems hiring and retaining workers in an era when unemployment is low, and low wages are driving employee turnover. The company also says public social service funding has not been enough to meet demand, and children service agencies have been trying reduce reliance on group homes in favor of family-based settings for foster youth. The closure also comes at a time when more children are being placed into foster homes because of the nation's opioid crisis. Franklin County Children Services is trying to find new places for young people in the facility.