Why Hamilton County’s Children’s Services Levy Matters

Protecting Children, Strengthening Communities

At NewPath, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to heal and thrive. That’s why we stand in support of continued funding for Hamilton County Children’s Services. Learn more about the Children’s Services levy and help us advocate for the needs of vulnerable children and families.

Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued. Yet in our own community, many children face abuse, neglect, and unstable living conditions. For them, Hamilton County Job & Family Services (HCJFS) Children’s Services is often the first line of protection, and sometimes their only lifeline.

As Hamilton County looks ahead to a Children’s Services levy on the November 2026 ballot, the question before us is simple, but critically important: Will we continue to invest in protecting our most vulnerable children?

The Role of Children’s Services: A Lifeline for Families

Children’s Services fulfills one of the most essential responsibilities of local government, protecting children who cannot protect themselves. These programs remove children from abusive or neglectful situations and lead them toward stability, healing, and a brighter future.

These services are not optional, but mandated by state and federal law and include:

• Child protection investigations
• Foster care placement
• Family reunification services
• Adoption support

At NewPath, we see the impact of these services firsthand. Many of the children and families we serve rely on the wider system of care funded through this levy. Without it, the safety net that supports them would be at risk.

Rising Costs, Growing Needs

The need for Children’s Services is growing, and so are the costs associated with providing care. In Hamilton County alone, the annual cost of caring for children in custody has increased by 70% in just three years, from $105.9 million in 2022 to $180.4 million in 2025. [hcjfs.org] Behind these numbers are real children, each with unique challenges, trauma histories, and needs for stability and support.

This surge reflects:

• Increased placement costs in foster homes and treatment facilities
• Greater demand for specialized care for children with complex needs
• National trends that are impacting local systems

What Happens If the Levy Is Not Renewed?

The current Children’s Services levy is set to expire at the end of 2026. Hamilton County is legally obligated to provide these essential services regardless of whether voters approve the proposed levy. But without dedicated levy funding, the financial burden would shift to the county’s General Fund.

Potentially impacting:

• Public safety services
• Emergency response systems
• Other critical community programs

In other words, failing to renew the levy doesn’t eliminate the need. It simply spreads the strain across other vital services.

Investing Today, Strengthening Tomorrow

Investing in Children’s Services doesn’t just support youth today. It also creates stronger, healthier communities for years to come. Programs such as foster care, independent living (ILS), and transitional services equip young people with the tools they need to succeed beyond childhood. When youth receive consistent care, guidance, and access to stable housing, they are far more likely to build productive, self-sufficient lives.

At NewPath, programs such as ILS and My First Place demonstrate the long-term impact of this investment. Youth who participate in independent living programs are less likely to:

• Experience homelessness
• Engage in substance use
• Become involved in the justice system

Instead, they are more likely to pursue education, maintain employment, and contribute positively to their communities.

These outcomes don’t happen by chance, but are the result of intentional investment in systems that support youth during critical transitions. Early intervention reduces long-term costs and helps break cycles of trauma and instability.

By equipping young people with stability, life skills, and support networks, we help break cycles of crisis and create pathways to opportunity. When we fund Children’s Services, we aren’t just responding to immediate needs, but actively shaping a safer, more resilient future for all of Hamilton County.

NewPath’s Call to Action

At NewPath, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to heal and thrive. That’s why we stand in support of continued funding for Hamilton County Children’s Services.

We encourage our community to:

• Learn more about the Children’s Services levy
• Stay informed as details are finalized for the November ballot
• Advocate for the needs of vulnerable children and families
• Vote in support of the Children’s Services levy

Together, We Can Protect What Matters Most

This levy is more than a funding mechanism—it is a commitment. A commitment to children who need protection, to families working toward stability, and to a community that believes every child deserves a safe and hopeful future.

Let’s stand together to protect our most vulnerable and invest in a brighter tomorrow for Hamilton County.