Leader of Montgomery County Children Services leaving

The leader of Montgomery County Children Services is taking another job and leaving the agency.

The agency has faced public scrutiny this year after high-profile child death and abuse cases, plus a review ordered by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.

Jewell Good’s last day is Sept. 18.

“Montgomery County deeply appreciates the years of skilled leadership Jewell Good has provided to our agency,” County Administrator Michael Colbert said. “Leading a children services agency for a metro county is a 24/7 job with its fair share of difficulties, yet Jewell has met each new challenge with poise and professionalism.”

Good told the Dayton Daily News that she made a five-year commitment to lead Children Services, and that is up in November. She said that she found another position that fits her core values.

“I feel like this is a good time for new eyes to look at our agency and move forward with our new strategic vision, and that this person will be able to add to and enhance the work we’ve already done,” she said. “We have done a lot of work to improve our operations, so I feel confident in the next leader’s ability to be successful.”

The local Children Services has been under public scrutiny for months following the deaths of 10-year-old Takoda Collins and other children.

In February, DeWine ordered the state to review certain cases handled by Montgomery County Children Services over the past six months. DeWine said a baby’s death held similarities to the death of 10-year-old Takoda Collins on Dec. 13 after his alternative response case was closed by Montgomery County.

In June, The Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office released eight reforms to child abuse investigations and an end to what the office called a “shroud of secrecy” around the reporting, investigating and responding to child abuse and neglect.

Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. told the Dayton Daily News that he believed Montgomery County Jobs and Family Services — which oversees Children Services — was working alongside his office and implementing the changes.

Good said her decision to leave the office is her own.

“This decision is in the best interest of my family, my personal health, as well as my future plans for my career. While times have been challenging, I have never felt anything other than support from my boss and County Administration,” she said.

She said she has worked alongside a strong team of professionals and have improved practices and changes for the betterment of the community.

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