History
History of Ashtabula County Children Services Board
Care of indigent or mistreated children has always been a problem for communities. Early settlers solved it by someone taking the child into their home, or relief was given under the "Overseer of the Poor," an elected official, in the early days of the county. In 1886, the Masonic Fraternity gave the proceeds of their "Grand Charity Ball" to the young women of the Dorcas Society who were laboring for the poor. Out of this came a suggestion for a children's home which was met with hearty approval. The amount received from the Ball was $346, which went a long way at that time. Mrs. Jesse Benham was first matron. On May 9, 1886 the first child was admitted.
The original home, located on North Main Street, remained as the Children's Home until a new facility at 2036 East Prospect was occupied in May of 1928. This building was built by the Ashtabula County Commissioners. In 1945, state law created the Children Services Boards which were responsible not only for operation of the children's home, but also for provision of services to and protection of children in their own homes and in foster homes.
In the late 1960's, the East Prospect facility was reduced to a receiving center for short-term care of children; most children separated from their families were placed in foster homes.
On February 16, 1985, the agency moved to its new facility at 3914 "C" Court in Ashtabula Township. This Donahoe Center facility consists of agency offices and a Receiving Home for up to 24 children.
On April 7, 2003, The Ian B. Wheeler Treatment Center for Children opened its doors at the same location.
