A quick rundown of Ohio child protection news this week
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Weekly Update for January 30, 2017
Association Updates

Governor releases Executive Budget for SFY 18-19
Governor Kasich unveiled his executive budget proposals for State Fiscal Years 2018-19 today. The budget has been named "Building for Ohio's Next Generation". Included in ODJFS' budget is $11 million/year to support Ohio's new program called "Bridges" that was established with the passage of H.B. 50 in June 2016. Bridges will provide housing and supportive services to youth who age out of foster care, and those adopted after age 16, through their 21st birthdays. PCSAO will share more budget updates in the near future. 

PCSAO Legislative Committee meeting
The PCSAO Legislative Committee met on January 23.  The agenda included updates from PCSAO and ODJFS, as well as an overview of what happened during lame-duck 2016.  With the start of the 132nd General during the first week of January, the committee is gearing up to monitor new legislation that is introduced.  The Legislative Committee next meets on Feb. 27.  For more information, contact Mary Wachtel, mary@pcsao.org.

PCSAO Southeast District meeting
The PCSAO SE District met on Jan. 23 and received updates related to the CFSR Review, Title IV-E Review, and ESSA from ODJFS. PCSAO provided updates on the ongoing efforts to impact multi-system youth, current challenges related to managed care, upcoming SFY 18-19 budget, BRIDGES, membership meetings dates, kinship, and lame duck conclusion. OCWTP discussed the ITNA. SE District is scheduled to meet next on Apr. 24.

2017 PCSAO, OJFSDA and OCDA Statehouse Day
Tri-Association Statehouse Day is Mar. 14, sponsored by PCSAO, OJFSDA and OCDA.  This is a good opportunity for members to come to Columbus and meet with their state Representatives and Senators.  For Association members only – register by Feb. 24.

2017 PCSAO Annual Conference cover contest
Do you know a youth with amazing art skills? We are looking for a youth to design our 2017 PCSAO Annual Conference's registration and program covers. Our theme is “Everyday Heroes”, inspired by our social workers and members of child protection communities who dedicate their lives to protecting children and strengthening families.  

Contest participants are encouraged to use their artistic talents to create a cover inspired by the theme of “Everyday Heroes”. All entries will be judged on best representation of the theme, effective use of color, and creativity. The cover must be the participant’s original artwork and fit on a 8.5” x 11”page. Any electronic submission less than 300 dpi will not be considered. Please include a short-written description of the artwork. Here are some sample covers from the past.  The winner will be recognized in the program and at the conference. Entries must be submitted to jeed@pcsao.org by Mar. 15. 

AOF moves to the Center for Community Solutions
The  PCSAO bids farewell to Advocates for Ohio’s Future (AOF) on Feb. 1 as it moves to the Center for Community Solutions. PCSAO has served as AOF’s administrative agent since its inception in 2010 and found the partnership to be very rewarding. AOF promotes health and human service budget and policy solutions so that all Ohioans live better lives. Rebecca Krelko, AOF’s Program Director, will be leaving PCSAO with this transition. We wish Rebecca and AOF the very best under its new fiscal management.

Ohio Reach update
On January 26, William Murray, Director of Ohio Reach, in collaboration with Kimberly Rhyan, Director of Student Engagement and Leadership (SEaL) from Columbus State Community College, and Twila Murray, Student Affairs Program Coordinator from Wright State University, presented at the Ohio College Personnel Association Conference. Their presentation was on Building a Foster Friendly Campus: The Importance of Strategic Planning and Partnerships for Former Foster Youth. Learn more about Ohio Reach.
Predictive analytics kickoff meetings
Franklin County Children Services and Hamilton County JFS staff worked with the ODJFS Office of Families and Children this week during a site visit by Eckerd, the company contracted to develop a predictive analytics system in Ohio to identify child fatalities and near fatalities. The two counties will pilot the project this year before statewide adoption. Eckerd partners with a technology firm to develop an algorithm based on existing SACWIS data. High-risk cases are flagged, leading to case consultation between the caseworker and supervisor at the agency and trained quality assurance staff. Franklin and Hamilton plan to house the QA staff internally, but OFC will hire staff to support smaller counties. 

Announcements and Resources

Help educate tax filers about the Earned Income Tax Credit
Tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) deliver critical work supports for employees earning low to moderate wages. Claiming these tax credits can put an eligible worker – parents, former foster youth, and many kinship providers – on the path to securing better housing, obtaining dependable transportation, paying for quality child care, or pursuing higher education. Learn more at http://www.eitcoutreach.org/. To benefit from any tax credit, eligible workers must file a tax return. Preparing a tax return can be complicated and may seem overwhelming, but free filing is available at http://www.ohiobenefits.org.    

Child Protection in the News
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      Feb. 1   I Board of Trustees Meeting
      Feb. 2   I Rule Review Committee Meeting
      Feb. 3   I Community Education Committee Meeting


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