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A quick rundown of Ohio child protection news this week
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Weekly Update for April 9, 2018
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Association Updates
PCSAO issues policy solutions for gubernatorial candidates
PCSAO has released a set of policy solutions to give candidates running for governor an overview of the challenges facing county children services agencies – along with recommendations for addressing them.
Foster Hope for Ohio’s Children
highlights policy solutions for Ohio’s children services system in crisis from decades of reduced investment combined with more regulations and requirements. Read
more
.
Board of Trustees meets
The PCSAO Board of Trustees met Apr. 4 and approved last month’s minutes and Treasurer’s Report. The Board discussed the final membership dues report for 2018; recent legislative activity; the latest updates pertaining to the electronic document management system including mobility for child protection; the Rapid Safety Feedback pilot; and the release of the policy solutions paper for gubernatorial candidates. The Board meets next on May 2.
PCSAO seeks AmeriCorps*VISTA
With support from the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities Foundation is working with PCSAO, local ADAMH Boards and other partner organizations to develop a statewide Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) project designed to impact the opioid epidemic in Ohio. The Ohio START VISTA will work in conjunction with the Director of Ohio START and other team members to provide support and management of the Ohio START Pilot Program in the Appalachian region of Ohio. The VISTA will engage and support family peer mentors and Ohio START caseworkers in peer-to-peer learning activities; provide support for current funding sources, research potential funding sources and write grants in support of sustaining Ohio START; research and write educational materials and papers related to the opioid epidemic and child welfare; and serve as Ohio START pilot liaison to county hubs to combat opiate addiction. The Ohio START VISTA will be an integral part of the START team providing support and leadership for the PCSAs implementing the program and creating a sustainability plan to allow the program to continue and grow. For more information about the Ohio START VISTA position, click
here
.
Foster Care Advisory Group close to finish line
The Foster Care Advisory Group met Apr. 4 to finalize recommendations to support caregivers and respond to the opioid epidemic, and to nail down the language and structure of the report before the final meeting Apr. 18. Based on initial data analysis regarding certified foster homes that have not had placement in two years, a survey was sent to the field to collect more information. Initial responses were shared at the meeting, allaying earlier concerns and demonstrating that there are, in fact, few homes in that category. Further analysis on these responses will be competed.
Ohio voter registration ends today for May 2018 primary election
Today is the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration information ahead of Ohio's May 8 primary. Children services levies will be on the ballot in Cuyahoga, Hancock, Hocking, Jackson and Washington counties. Be sure that you are registered to vote at
MyOhioVote.com
.
Rules update
5101:2-40-06
, Kinship child care program,
was final-filed on Apr. 3 with an effective date of May 1.
4751-1-08
, Registration of educational institutions and continuing education training agencies; approval of courses of study and programs of instruction, and
4751-1-10.1
, Timely renewal of certificate of registration, were final-filed on Apr. 2 with an effective date of Apr. 16.
5101:2-47-14
, Foster care maintenance program eligibility: ADC-relatedness, was revised-filed on Apr. 3 with a public hearing on Apr. 23.
4751-1-13
, Continuing education, was refiled on Apr. 2.
The following rules were submitted for original filing on Apr. 2 with public hearings on Mar. 8:
The following rules are under five-year review:
- 5101:2-5-04.1: Acceptance of accreditation in lieu of certification requirements
- 5101:2-5-14: Treatment or diagnostic services
- 5101:2-5-15: Volunteers and college interns
- 5101:2-5-34: PCPA and PNA case plans and administrative case reviews for direct placements
- 5101:2-9-04: General maintenance of a residential facility
- 5101:2-9-07: Emergency planning and preparedness
- 5101:2-9-09: Emergency medical plan and first aid supplies
- 5101:2-9-15: Residential facility handbook for residents and their families
- 5101:2-9-18: Recreation and leisure activities and equipment
- 5101:2-9-26: Living rooms, dining areas and lounges
- 5101:2-9-31: Laundry facilities
- 5101:2-9-35: Additional programmatic requirements regarding behavior management
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Announcements and Resources
Registration open for OFCA’s 42nd annual resource family conference
OFCA is excited to host its 42nd annual family conference, "Connecting Families, Healing Lives!" Join OFCA Jun. 8-9 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Columbus as families, child welfare workers, and leaders in Ohio's public and private child welfare agencies hear interactive presentations from state leaders and panels of families. They will address strategies and best practices that include childhood trauma, the impact of the opioid crisis on families and children, and cultural competence strategies in child welfare. Up to 14 foster caregiver training hours are expected to be available (CEU approval pending at this time). More information about the statewide conference can be found
here
or contact Wendi Turner at
wendi@ofcaonline.org.
Second annual upper northeast regional trauma-informed care workshop
Registration is now open for the second annual Upper Northeast Regional Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Workshop, “The Cost of Helping – An Organizational Approach to Building Resiliency in the Helping Professions," Apr. 26. This workshop is presented by The Center for Health Affairs, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities as part of the Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Initiative. Space is still available. Click
here
to register
Call for presentations: “Family-Centered Approach for Children of Addicted Parents" conference
The Collaborative for Children of Addicted Parents(CCAP), GLAD House, and Cincinnati Children’s will be holding its third annual conference Nov. 14 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, KY. The conference title is “Family-Centered Approach for Children of Addicted Parents.” You are invited to submit a session proposal for the upcoming conference. Proposals should explore family-centered practices utilized to provide services to children impacted by addiction. Proposals are sought from authors representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and voices. Click
here
for details. All submissions must be received by Jun. 27. Watch for updated conference information
here
.
PCSA attorney survey open
The PCSA Seminar Planning Committee's annual conference is Jun. 29 at the ODOT building in Columbus. The training is free and a registration email has already been sent to PCSA attorneys. This year, the committee is requesting that caseworkers and supervisors complete an anonymous survey. Survey results will be used to help attorneys better understand how to represent casework and supervisory staff in their work, so input is extremely valuable and will guide the focus of the training. On behalf of the many attorneys attending this training, the committee appreciates each and every response, as well as the work done every day for vulnerable children and families. Click
here
to complete the survey by May 31.
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Child Protection in the News
The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board serving Coshocton, Guernsey, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble and Perry counties will host a public appreciation event for individuals on the front line fighting Ohio's opiate epidemic at 4:15 p.m. Monday, April 9
On Monday, Allen County Children Services began their efforts at raising awareness about child abuse with a balloon launch. 129 balloons sailed into the sky; each balloon signifies ten children identified as alleged child victims during 2017 investigations
Not only does this reduce the costs associated with any one case, but it could abate the high rate of turnover from job stress among caseworkers, which, according to Public Children Services Association of Ohiodata, costs the state an alarming $24.3 million in 2016.
Every child has the right to be loved and supported in a safe and caring home, free of violence. The reality, however, is that child abuse occurs at every income level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all education levels.
The passage of the State of Ohio’s Capital Budget could see some big projects come to southern Ohio, according to State Sen. Joe Uecker.
According to Uecker, Adams and Brown, as well as Clermont and Scioto counties, will receive approximately $2.96 million in funding for a variety of important community projects.
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Apr. 12 | Rules Review Committee Meeting
Apr. 13 | Conference Planning Committee Meeting
Apr. 16 | Legislative Committee Meeting
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"If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children."
— Mahatma Gandhi
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Public Children Services Association of Ohio | 614-224-5802 |
www.pcsao.org
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