NILES, Ohio – Cadence Care Network has acquired Youth Advocate Services, a nonprofit based in Columbus that provides treatment foster care and behavioral health services.
The acquisition expands Cadence Care’s presence into central Ohio and strengthens the agency’s ability to respond to children’s behavioral health and child welfare needs. Youth Advocate Services has served more than 52,000 children and families since its founding and is among the top 10 most-purchased service providers for Franklin County Children Services.
The merger will add more than 20 employees to Cadence Care’s 300-member staff and extend its geographic footprint beyond Niles, Boardman, Ashtabula, and Toledo. The agency said the move will enable it to serve more children and families than at any point in its 35-year history.
“We are extremely excited to partner with Youth Advocate Services to expand our mission of helping children and families live their best possible lives,” said Cadence Care Network CEO Matt Kresic. “This acquisition allows us to build on the solid foundation of foster care, early intervention, and behavioral health services currently provided by YAS in Franklin County by incorporating our expertise in developing innovative home and community-based behavioral health services.”
In 2024, Cadence Care provided mental health treatment to more than 2,400 children and their families. The agency reported a 10% increase in foster care families served and a doubling in the number of foster children adopted compared to the previous year. More than 3,000 students received services from Cadence Care social workers or therapists across 15 school districts and technical centers.
“As we begin this new chapter, I reflect on how amazing it is to be able to say that YAS has served the Central Ohio community for more than 46 years,” said YAS CEO Sarah Steuer. “This merger allows us to do things we have dreamed of in expanding our programs, adding services, increasing our resources, and providing more opportunities for our staff.”