MANSFIELD — The Richland County Children Services Board has announced the appointment of Tara Lautzenhiser as the new Executive Director. Lautzenhiser succeeds Nikki Harless, who retired on Jan. 31 after more than 32 years of dedicated public service. Lautzenhiser will assume her new role on Feb. 3. Lautzenhiser brings to her new role more than a […]
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Richland County Children Services opens search for new executive director
MANSFIELD — Richland County Children Services has opened a search for a new leader. Long-time agency employee Nikki Harless, who was selected as the agency’s executive director in 2020, has announced she is retiring, effective Jan. 31. The Ontario resident, who began working at RCCS as an intern in 1992 while attending The Ohio State […]
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Governor’s office presents Richland County Children Services with proclamation
MANSFIELD — Gov. Mike DeWine has recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Ohio, issuing a proclamation in commemoration. Tammy Puff, Director of Military and Veterans Relations for Gov. DeWine, presented an official copy of the proclamation to RCCS Executive Director Nikki Harless and DEI Officer La’Shaun Reuer, on Wednesday, April 3, at Richland […]
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Richland County commissioners, judges reach agreement on staff salary issues
MANSFIELD — Richland County commissioners and the Common Pleas Court general division judges reached agreements Thursday to help resolve issues that cropped up four months ago during annual budget discussions. And the steps were taken without adding funds to the court’s 2024 budget — at least as of now — and came after a wage […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Tie Blue Ribbons for April Child Abuse Prevention Month
MANSFIELD — April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month and throughout the year, Richland County Children Services (RCCS) encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Richland County a better place for children and families. The theme this year is “Doing Things Differently: Moving from the Challenge to the Change.” […]
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RCCS, Mansfield United Lions Club annual Valentine’s Card Drive collects 8,000+ items
MANSFIELD — Richland County Children Services (RCCS) and the Mansfield United Lions Club’s Valentine Card Drive has surpassed last year’s total of 4,700 items with this year’s collection of 8,156 items. This marks the second year for the project that was created to show foster youths love with Valentine’s Day cards. The Mansfield United Lions […]
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RCCS & Mansfield United Lions Club combine for Valentine’s card drive
MANSFIELD — A project to help foster youths in Richland County know they are loved is returning. Richland County Children Services (RCCS) and the Mansfield United Lions Club are showing foster youths love with Valentine’s Day cards. The Mansfield United Lions Club and RCCS will be collecting Valentine’s cards for children in foster care ages 0–6, […]
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Richland County Children Services seeks property tax levy renewal on Nov. 7
MANSFIELD — The fate of at-risk children in Richland County is in the hands of voters asked to renew a property tax levy that benefits Richland County Children Services. The 10-year, 1-mill property tax levy generates about $2.3 million annually for RCCS and provides funds for the support of children services and the care, protection […]