
WHY WE EXIST
To Promote
Healthy Children
Strong Families
Thriving Communities
WHAT WE DO
We Ensure
Shared Responsibilites
Shared Resources
Shared Results
HOW DO WE DO THIS
Accomplished by
Alignment
Access
Accountability

Washington County Family and Children First Council mission is to promote coordination and collaboration among county and local governments, non-profit organizations, businesses, schools and families in a manner which fosters wellness and self-sufficiency for families and increases child well-being.
The Vision of the Washington County Family & Children First Council is that all children and families thrive and succeed within healthy communities.
Established in 1995, the Washington County Commissioners voted to transition the Inter-System Cluster to a Family and Children First Council. Council consists of mandated members per Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 121.37, Parent Representatives, and Community Representatives. Council meets 10 times a year.
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Council elects an executive committee who act on behalf of the governing board on an emergency basis and specific duties. Standing Committees were established under the Council Constitution and Bylaws and specialize in particular subject areas.
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A Council Coordinator (Director) is hired to control and oversee all of Council operations, staff, programs, and initiatives. The Director develops and executes grants applications, communicate and maintain trust relationships with agencies, business, and partners. Ensure policies and guidelines are developed and communicated, oversee Council financial performance, and provide strategic advice to Council. Other staff is hired to maintain office duties and work on specific programs.
COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Each county council shall designate an administrative agent for the council. A county council's administrative agent shall serve as the council's appointing authority for any employees of the council, The council shall file an annual budget with its administrative agent, with copies filed with the county auditor and with the board of county commissioners, unless the board is serving as the council's administrative agent. The council's administrative agent shall ensure that all expenditures are handled in accordance with policies, procedures, and activities prescribed by state departments in rules, grant agreements, or interagency agreements that are applicable to the council's functions.
Washington County Commissioners
Charlie Schilling
James Booth
Eddie Place
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GOVERNING BOARD
Each board of county commissioners shall establish a county family and children first council. The board may invite any local public or private agency or group that funds, advocates, or provides services to children and families to have a representative become a permanent or temporary member of its county council. Each county council must include individuals listed in Ohio Revised Code 121.34 (B)(1)
COUNCIL MEMBERS
City of Marietta*
Marietta/Belpre Health Department*
Marietta City Schools*
Ohio Department of Youth Services*
Ohio State University Extension
Parent Representatives (3)*
Southeastern Ohio Counseling Center
Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities*
Washington County Children Services*
Washington County Department of Job and Family Services*
Washington County Health Department*
Washington County Behavioral Health Board*
Washington/Morgan Community Action Program*
*Mandated Members
COUNCIL OFFICERS
President - Rachel Shipley
Vice-President - Amanda Bohlen
Treasurer - George Goddard
Secretary - Dawn Rauch
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
2023
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2024
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2025
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September 2025 Minutes
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October 2025 Minutes
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December 2025 Minutes
COUNCIL STAFF
Cindy Davis - Director
Jon Higgins - Financial Officer / Office Manager
Teresa Schilling - Office Assistant
Elaine Corbitt - FCF Service Coordinator
Megan Gilliam - FCF Service Coordinator
Andrea Nichols - Early Intervention Service Coordinator
Liz VanPelt - Early Intervention Service Coordinator
Jennifer Clatterbuck - Early Intervention Service Coordinator
Christina Coulter- Home Visiting Program Manager / Supervisor
LeAnn Welch - Home Visitor
Laura Langley - Home Visitor
Kym Bungard - Home Visitor
Tanica Casterline - Home Visitor​
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