The Clermont County Department of Job and Family Services’ Children’s Protective Services division has presented the Board of Clermont County Commissioners with a quilt that features the artwork of abused and neglected children from across the county.

“Two of the children whose artwork is featured are brothers, who were neglected, watched their parents abuse drugs, and lived in filth,” said CPS Deputy Director Tim Dick. “One artist is a little girl who was sexually abused by her father. The children’s stories are horrible, but because they are now with loving and caring foster families, these young people are starting to feel safe and loved. They are learning to trust again.”

Dick presented the quilt during the commissioner’s session on Wednesday, April 13, 2011. The quilt will be on display for several weeks at the Clermont County Administration Building, located at 101 East Main Street in Batavia.

“The children created the pictures in the ART for Life program, designed to help them express their feeling through art,” he said. “Art is a great outlet for children who aren’t ready to talk about the trauma they have experienced.”

The colorful artwork featuring a puppy, doll, and self-portraits, was done with squares of cloth that was turned into a quilt by volunteers from the Withamsville Church of Christ sewing circle.

“We have over 300 children currently in foster care in Clermont County and we really need more foster parents to help provide these kids with the love and support they need to get through a difficult

time,” said Clermont DJFS Director Mike Pride. “It continually amazes me how resilient these kids are,” added Dick. “After all they have been through, with love and support from a nurturing foster family, they can once again be happy with a safe place to call home.”

If you would like more information about becoming a Clermont County foster parent, call (513) 732-7173 or visit the website www.ClermontForKids.org.