State lawmakers and child advocates say Hershall’s death earlier this month — reportedly following prolonged neglect despite prior reports to child protection authorities — underscores long-standing gaps in the system designed to protect vulnerable children.
Gov. Laura Mitchell on Monday directed the Department of Job and Family Services to conduct an independent audit of child welfare procedures statewide. The review will assess response times, caseworker workloads, and interagency communication between schools, law enforcement, and child welfare offices.
“This tragedy is unacceptable,” Mitchell said in a statement. “Every child in Ohio deserves to be safe, and we must do everything possible to make that a reality. If that means reforming the entire system, then that’s what we’ll do.”
Early proposals circulating among lawmakers include establishing new oversight mechanisms, increasing funding for caseworker training, and creating an independent child welfare ombudsman’s office. Several legislators are also pushing for a bill requiring faster review of high-risk cases.
Advocacy groups have long warned that heavy caseloads and inconsistent protocols across counties have weakened the state’s ability to respond effectively to child neglect or abuse.
The legislative session reconvenes in January, and officials say a formal reform package could be introduced as early as February following completion of the state review.