Thanks to an incredible collaboration spanning two states and two sections within Hamilton County Job and Family Services, four children are in a safe place tonight.

Authorities in Kalamazoo, Michigan contacted HCJFS for help after a mother vanished with her four children. The authorities had obtained an emergency custody order, but before they were able to gain physical custody, the mother fled. The woman had known relatives in the Cincinnati area and authorities suspected she might be staying with them.

With this information, Children’s Services Investigator Shellie Sullivan contacted Monica Lang, an eligibility technician in the Family and Adult Assistance Division (FAA). Lang was able to confirm that the mother had applied for assistance and had  scheduled a face-to-face interview the next day.

FAA Team Leader Detra Jett contacted the mother to verify the next-day appointment and personally conducted the interview. Through a series of question, Jett was able to discover the exact location of the children and quickly emailed the information to Sullivan. Sullivan then called Cincinnati Police to assist her with picking up the children, all while the mother was still being interviewed at HCJFS. Sheriff’s deputies were also contacted because the mother had an outstanding warrant.

“I finished the interview and stalled her for about 45 minutes, trying to make her comfortable so I could find out as much information as possible to help (Children’s Services),” said Jett, who emailed continuous updates to Sullivan throughout the ordeal.

The children were safely recovered and brought back to HCJFS to visit with their mother and say goodbye under close supervision. The children were able to spend a few hours with her before being taken back up north by Michigan Children’s Services workers.

“It was great coordination between Children’s Services and FAA. We wouldn’t have found these children and ensured their safety without the different departments talking,” Section Chief Traci Marr said.

Children’s Service Manager Brandon Kiley agreed.

“This was a difficult case and it had a successful outcome because of everyone's communication and diligence. I just wanted to take the time to say thank you and let everyone know the great work that took place over the past few days,” Kiley said.