Association Updates
Executive Membership holds last meeting for 2017
The PCSAO Executive Membership met on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. On the first day, members heard updates pertaining to the Board, legislative and rules. Carla Carpenter, ODJFS OFC Deputy Director, provided updates pertaining to several initiatives including CARA, Kinship Child Care, and Bridges. Eileen Dray-Bardon, Columbiana County JFS, and Scott Ferris, Lorain County CS, were recognized for their dedicated service to the Board of Trustees. Kate Offenberger, Carroll County JFS, and Randy Muth, Mahoning County CS, were recognized for their outstanding leadership to PCSAO. On the second day, members discussed future options pertaining to kinship supports, how to address residential placement issues, and improving foster parent recruitment and retention. Deven Mehta, Department of Administrative Services; Greg Tipping and Rich Bowlens, Northwoods; and Joel Potts, OJFSDA, shared details pertaining to the Document Imaging proposal and fielded questions. The Executive Membership will meet next on Mar. 12-13.
Board of Trustees meeting
The PCSAO Board of Trustees met in the evening of Nov. 30 and approved Nov. 1 meeting minutes and the November Treasurer's Report. Carla Carpenter, ODJFS OFC Deputy Director, met with the Board and discussed ways to improve communication and partnership on future initiatives. The Board discussed the initial residential action plan and managed care technical assistance needs for 2018. The Board received updates pertaining to priorities and legislation. The Board will meet next on Jan. 3.
Foster Care Advisory Group meets
A group authorized by the state budget to examine streamlining certification for foster parents and improving recruitment and retention to help address the opioid epidemic met for the third time Nov. 29. At this meeting, the group of public and private agencies and foster caregivers examined national standards for caregiver certification, discussed training requirements, and assessed additional data needs. The group is meeting monthly and must submit a report to the General Assembly by May 1.
