Carbon County has named June 1-5 as Child Welfare Professionals Appreciation Week.

On Thursday, the board of commissioners adopted a proclamation supporting the Gov. Tom Wolf’s action to recognize the efforts of these people who serve the children of Pennsylvania.

Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein read the proclamation, which states, “Every day in Carbon County, local children are at risk of child abuse and neglect. Some have been removed from their homes due to such abuse and neglect. We, the Commissioners of Carbon County, recognize the risks and the need to intervene to protect the children of this county. ...

“Children and Youth Services provides the needed services that allow a child to remain safely in their home or return home as expeditiously as possible. ... The professionals of Carbon County Children and Youth Services endeavors to protect the children of Carbon County, often with long hours, tremendous demands, little appreciation and great criticism.”

Nothstein thanked the department and stressed that they follow the letter of the law when handling cases, even if some people feel they don’t.

“In my opinion, the caseworkers and staff in Children and Youth have the most difficult job in this county,” he said.

Commissioners Rocky Ahner and Chris Lukasevich also thanked the department for what it does to help the children.

“As county commissioners, we unquestionably appreciate the challenge they face and the work they do,” Lukasevich said.

Jill Geissinger, director of Children and Youth, said that her staff of 11 caseworkers handles on average between 15 and 30 family cases a month and some of these cases can take up to 60 days to complete an investigation on a report of abuse or neglect.

“The agency investigates an average of 1,100 reports a year and provides ongoing and placement services to over 50 families each year,” Geissinger said. “We have over 70 children in out of home placement. Since last year, we have worked diligently to find families and doubled the number of children who are placed with relatives and close friends, reducing the trauma of going to a stranger.

“Caseworkers work long hours and dedicate time away from home to meet with families in need and find services that can help promote a healthy, nurturing environment,” she added. “Our current staff are truly fighting for the outcomes where children can remain safely in the home with their parents or loved once and if not, return home safely as soon as possible.

“It is great to be recognized by the county commissioners and so appreciated that we can celebrate the outstanding efforts made and recognize the difficult job that they do.”