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OHIO FAMILY & CHILDREN FIRST COORDINATORS ASSOCIATION
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A MESSAGE FROM JANE WHYDE
OFCFCA PRESIDENT
As I was wrapping Christmas presents this year, I came across the wrapping paper that I used a couple of years ago. It has Zebras with Santa hats on, Lions with wreaths around their necks, Antelopes with Christmas balls hanging from their antlers, etc. - you get the picture. I started thinking about one of my bucket list items - taking my grandchildren to an African animal preserve. Seems like that is one of the few places left where the animals (including the human ones) are still "getting it right". When protected from human interference, animals take care of their babies, pay attention to their mother, do not eat each other (figuratively or literally) except to survive, and spend most of their day appreciating their world in the African sun. I'd like my grandchildren to learn those life lessons someplace where the "circle of life" actually works out the best it can. In the meantime, my New Year's Resolution is to be more bold and more creative as I do the best that
I can to support families and children so that they also have a shot at "a good life on the Savannah". As this year draws to a close, I hope that you take a moment to recognize that that your vision and efforts throughout the year truly make a difference. Jonathan Swift says that "Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others". When it seems a little overwhelming, hang onto the vision that the families we serve, given some support, can also walk "the Savannah" that many of us, who are more fortunate, have been able to call home. Do not ever underestimate the power of your efforts to change the world!
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CHAD HIBBS
DIRECTOR - OFCF
On behalf of Ohio Family and Children First, I would like to thank all of you for the hard work and dedication that you have shown while working with the youth and families that have been connected to Family and Children First. It has been both a rewarding and challenging 2017, and I look forward to working with all of you in 2018! May you and your families have a blessed holiday. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW???
STILL CONNECTING THE DOTS!
TINA MOHRING
Tina worked for FCFCs in several different roles between 2000 and 2009. She was the Youth Activities Director for Paulding County, then the FCFC Coordinator for Defiance County, and then the Partnerships For Success Coordinator for Putnam and Henry counties. In 2009, Tina started working at Defiance College, first as a grants writer and then in the Business Office. When asked if she missed anything about working with FCFC, Tina said she "missed knowing so many people in the community! There was such an opportunity to be aware of, and involved in, a variety of initiatives."
MELISSA RUPP
Melissa was the Williams County FCFC coordinator and later director from March 2000 until December 2010. She currently works with the Ohio State University Extension in Fulton County as the Family & Consumer Sciences Educator. Between the time she left William County's FCFC and September 2017, Melissa worked at Northwest State Community College as the Director of Grants. When asked if working with FCFC taught her anything that is helpful in her jobs since leaving, Melissa said "ABSOLUTELY". According to Melissa, her 10 years with FCFC taught her about community, county, and state relationships.
It also increased her political awareness. "I began learning about grants and then refined those skills as an FCFC director. I went on to write over 13 million dollars in successful grant applications for the college. Those dollars impacted students and programs that will, in the long term, impact our region in workforce and economic stability for individuals and families." Melissa misses the network of "passionate individuals in the tangible fight to help and protect Ohio's families and children" that she worked with when she was at FCFC. According to Melissa, there is an "exhausting satisfaction" when working with programs and policies that touch "Ohio's best asset, the family." Working with OSU Extension, Melissa is back in the direct education game. She is looking forward to working with the Fulton County FCFC and being a contributing member. She wants everyone to know she misses the other coordinators and wishes everyone well. "OFCFCA is a truly emergent leadership entity that draws on strengths of its membership...Such a treasure!"
Thanks to Tina and Melissa for sending their updates! If you know of other FCFC-related people who might be willing to share updates, please send me their contact information or ask them to contact me. (suegigaservices@ yahoo.com)
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WEBSITE OF THE QUARTER
SUE GIGA - OFCFCA
INTERNET SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS-GUIDE FOR PARENTS
Internet Safety Tips for Kids-Guide for Parents is a nine-page article that helps parents protect their kids from online predators, cyber-bullying, online pornography, and sexting. There are some great links in the article for those who would like to learn about avoiding online scams, setting up parental controls, and internet addiction.
Since I am old enough to remember "punch cards", I appreciated the article's simple and clear language. The website that contains the article also has some useful sections, for those of us "technologically impaired", about thing we wish we understood (e.g., steaming).
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OFCFCA'S COMINGS & GOINGS
WELCOME!
MELISSA BAYER SMITH (ERIE)
JASON KING (UNION)
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HERE'S WHAT YOU THINK!
Question of the quarter: If you could go anywhere you want for your birthday in 2018 (FOR FREE!!!), where would you go and why?
Your Responses:
For my 2018 birthday, I want to go to Australia! I've wanted to go since I was a young child because of my love for koala bears :) Brooke Pauley (Meigs)
I would be in California, driving Highway 1 up the coast with my husband for a three-week trip out west. Tessie Swain (Fairfield)
I would choose to spend my 2018 Birthday with my wife in Italy on the Amalfi Coast-I love the sea and the mountains and the Amalfi has both. I would love to see and meet people in their daily life there and enjoy the Italian wine & cuisine-need I say more? Dave Kontur (Lucas)
If I could go anywhere in the world in 2018, I would go to Poland. My grandfather immigrated from Krakow Poland in 1917. My father served in the clean up of Auschwitz at the end of WW2 and I would like to walk some of their footsteps and possibly meet any cousins that may still be alive. I don't have much family connection left on my father's side, and have always longed to find some connection to my heritage. Margaret Demko (Vinton)
My birthday is in June, but 3 of my closest friends will be joining me to celebrate my 60th on Maui in February! Aloha :) Anne Denman (Wyandot)
Heaven...to visit with my loved ones. Margaret Osbourne (Ottawa)
I would go to Fairbanks AK for the world championship sprint dog sled races. Rebecca Wheelersburg (Scioto & Pike)
I would love to return to Paris for my birthday in 2018. Margie Alexander (Trumbull)
Oahu North Shore because its my happy place. Amber Martin (Allen)
I would love to go to Bora Bora and stay in one of those over the water huts! YAY!!! Just me and my hubby, because we like each other. Kanda Benner (Morrow)
I would love to travel to Europe and especially Italy to explore the culture and ruins. The ancient villages that are not commercialized would be fascinating. Taking Latin in high school fueled my interest in the region. Kendra Warthman (Perry)
Ireland, since I've never been there and I love everything about the country. Also because I have family heritage on both my parents' sides of the family...our ancestors came from Ireland. Amy Frese (Ashland)
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STRENGTHENING
SERVICES FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES
AN INTERVIEW WITH JOYCE CALLAND
We all know the next few years will bring many changes to behavioral health care for kids and it is very easy to "see the forest and not the trees". I had an opportunity to interview Joyce Calland (Bureau of Children, Youth, and Families, OhioMHAS) in December about two such trees: System of Care Expansion and Sustainability Grant (ENGAGE 2.0) and Youth Treatment Implementation Grant (YT-I). First, let me warn you-both of these trees have a lot of branches! Behind both grants is the hope to create a comprehensive behavioral health continuum of care for Ohio's youth.
Q: How does ENGAGE 2.0 relate to ENGAGE 1.0?
ENGAGE 2.0, a four-year implementation grant, builds on advances made in ENGAGE 1.0 which started in 2013 and ended in 2017. Although the current grant does not fund wraparound service delivery directly, in terms of funding the local process and staffing, it does provide continued statewide training and support opportunities (coaching, website resources).
Q. So what will be new in ENGAGE 2.0?
Lots! The grant includes funding for "Mobile Response and Stabilization Services" (MRSS). This new service involves a 24/7 hotline through which the situation can be triaged. It is planned that the team that will be deployed will include a clinician staff person and peer support. The peer support person will be there to offer support for the youth or parent from someone who has been through a similar "lived" experience. The team will go where ever the crisis is occurring, like a school or a hospital. They will assess, deescalate, stabilize and be able to follow the youth/family to get them to needed follow-up services. The "Ohio model" for MRSS is still under development with national technical assistance and input from areas of Ohio that have developed models (i.e. MRSS Learning Community). The Center for Innovative Practice at Case Western Reserve is leading the model development.
Q. Where does the funding come from and what counties are involved?
ENGAGE 2.0 funding comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Initially, MRSS will be developed in two hubs, based in Butler and Lucas counties. Each hub will work with several counties and, in total, fifteen counties will be involved. Over the next 4 years, expansion into other counties and the development of another hub is planned.
Q. How many kids will benefit directly?
We anticipate 5,000 children, youth, and young adults will be served annually; 20,000 over the four-year grant. The grant serves ages from 0 to 21.
Q. Tell me about the Youth Treatment-Implementation (YT-I) grant. Is it also a federal grant?
Yes-this grant also comes from SAMSHA. It focuses on youth, ages 12 to 25, with substance abuse disorders. It is a four-year implementation grant, following the State Youth Treatment Planning Grant we had for SFY2016 & 2017. Initially we will be working with three ADAMHS Boards: Montgomery; Gallia, Jackson, Meigs; and Hancock. Each will work with other counties. In total, there are nine counties served in the first year. We hope to expand to other counties in the future.
Q. That's an interesting combination of hub counties. Why were they selected?
The ENGAGE 2.0 hubs were selected based on their success with ENGAGE 1.0 and they partnered on the application with SAMHSA. YT-I isfocusing on the disparities that exist in rural and Appalachian areas, and the selected boards submitted proposals to a Request that was issued in August 2017. There is some overlap with the counties being served with MRSS through the ENGAGE 2.0 and YT-I grants. Both of the grants are focused on needed services that will enhance the current behavioral health continuum of care.
Q. Can you talk about some of the services to be developed under the YT-1 grant?
Sure. The YT-I grant is designed to further develop a continuum of care that starts with promotion and prevention through treatment and recovery. Funding from this grant focuses on the development of several services in the treatment and recovery portions of the continuum. One such focus is on an intensive Integrated Co-occurring Treatment (ICT) model (which is a home-based treatment). A second focus is on earlier intervention treatment modalities. Counties can choose to implement either Motivation Enhancement Therapy/Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (MET/CBT) or Motivation Interviewing (MI). A third focus is on Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). MAT is the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders and prevent opioid relapse. MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. A fourth focus is on Alternative Peer Groups (APGs). APGs are peer groups, overseen by an adult, that provide age-appropriate and fun activities. They are designed to help youth find alternatives to substance misuse and to build a peer support group to help during the recovery phase and ongoing chronic disease management of substance use disorders.
Q. How do you see these grants working with local Family and Children First Councils?
To be successful, these grants will need to work closely with local service coordination and wraparound systems. Young people have told us through focus groups and surveys that they need assistance navigating the various supports and treatment services that exist. And, many young people need assistance finding activities that will help them in maintaining wellness after treatment ends. In addition, it is important that local social service providers are aware, and supportive of, the services available, so local councils will be important in promoting and supporting successful implementation. They are also essential in assisting young people through transitions from one service to another/one level of care to another.
Q. What do you see as the major challenge to the success of these grants?
It is important that both grants fit in with all the changes occurring such as the Medicaid behavioral health redesign and managed care. There are state-level structures involved with, and supporting, these grants. Structures such as the Ohio Family and Children First Cabinet Council, the Cabinet's Deputies Group, and the Ohio Interagency Council for Youth will serve as "think tanks" and will help ensure coordination with the other changes occurring.
Q. What are you most excited about in these grants?
I see both grants as an opportunity to provide services in the least restrictive environment. They are both family driven and take family choice to a new level. The involvement of the Youth and Family Network will help to ensure peer support to both youth and families. I am also excited about the extent to which both social marketing and data tracking are involved. Both grants will be utilizing the Fidelity EHR system that is also being rolled out to FCFCs. Both grants rely on cross system communication, cooperation, and collaboration. I see these grants as a great opportunity to provide the right service, at the right time, to the right young person.
Q. Who can folks contact for more information about these grants?
Wilma Townsend is the new ENGAGE 2.0 Project Lead at OhioMHAS and can be reached at (614)466-9995 or [email protected]. You may also continue to contact Holly Jones at [email protected].
Joyce Calland is the contact for the Youth Treatment-Implementation grant and can be reached at (614)752-9308 or [email protected]
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DUE DATES
SYSTEM OF CARE (FCSS)
JANUARY 11, 2018
Submit RR forms for reimbursement funds.
FEBRUARY 1, 2018
SFY18 Semi-Annual Report Due
(via online survey, link will be provided)
FEBRUARY 1, 2018
SFY18 Projected Expenditure Form
FEBRUARY 1, 2018
SFY18 FCSS Needs/Services Tracking Grid
(Submit EXCEL form via email to OFCF Regional Coordinator)
EARLY INTERVENTION
According to DODD staff, the Early Intervention Grant System has replaced GMIS. In order to get paid, your Expenditure Report should be submitted by the 24th of the month. It is not necessary to file monthly expenditure reports but you cannot go more than three months without filing one.
DON'T FORGET...
A cash basis report is due to the State Auditor's Office 60 days after the end of your council's fiscal year.
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OFCFCA MEETINGS
JANUARY 19, 2018
OFCFCA Executive Committee meeting
FEBRUARY 23, 2018
OFCFCA State Meeting
MARCH 16, 2018
OFCFCA Executive Committee meeting
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OFCF REGIONAL MEETINGS
CANTON
JANUARY 16, 2018
MARCH 23, 2018
ZANESVILLE
JANUARY 29, 2018
MARCH 26, 2018
JACKSON
JANUARY 22, 2018
MARCH 19, 2018
FINDLAY
JANUARY 25, 2018
MARCH 29, 2018
DAYTON
JANUARY 31, 2018
MARCH 21, 2018
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ALWAYS CHECK IF IN DOUBT!
Things change and typos occur so always check with the sponsoring group if in doubt about any due date or meeting/training date.
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The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself--the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us--that's where it's at.
Jesse Owens (four-time Olympian gold medal winner, 1936)
Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard.
Colin Powell (first African-American Secretary of State)
Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations.
Dr. Mae Jemison (first African-American female astronaut)
February is Black History Month-a month dedicated to recognizing the central role of African-Americans in U.S. history.
Click here to learn more!
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