Weekly Update: August 22, 2022
Association News
Conference registration will close Sept. 3
Registration for the 2022 PCSAO Annual Conference, "As Our World Turns," is open and will close when we reach capacity or by Sept. 3. Read about the conference agenda, keynote speakers, awards, sponsors, and more on our conference webpage. Register here.
Southwest District meets
The PCSAO Southwest District met on Aug. 17 and received updates from OCWTP, the PCSAO Board of Trustees, and PCSAO. The district discussed OhioRISE, the ODJFS Children Services Workforce grant, ongoing placement challenges, and county updates. The district meets next on Oct. 19.
OAPG Meets
The Ohio Adoption Planning Group met Aug. 17 for its quarterly meeting and heard updates from PCSAO, ODJFS, Ohio Children’s Alliance, OCWTP, and more. The remaining 2022 meetings will be Oct. 19 and Dec. 21 beginning at 10 a.m. Join the Zoom meeting using this link.
Metro directors meet
Senior leaders from metro children services agencies met via Zoom Aug. 18 to discuss workforce and placement challenges, workforce grant proposal ideas, and OhioRISE. The next meeting is Sept. 15.
PCSAO seeks Initiatives Coordinator
PCSAO is seeking a full-time Initiatives Coordinator to manage grant-related projects and coordinate strategic initiatives that advance children services practice as identified in the Association’s strategic plan. PCSAO is a friendly, collegial team that values diversity. To apply, review the job description for duties and qualifications; submit a cover letter and résumé through the application portal. Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Ohio START
START to present at Peer Support Conference
The Ohio START team at PCSAO, along with current and former family peer mentors, will present at the OhioMHAS Peer Support Conference next week. The session will discuss how imposter phenomenon can affect confidence and professional growth. Participants will also learn how to develop confidence and use their story to have a positive impact on the recovery community. If you are a peer supporter and would like to register for the virtual conference, visit their website at 2022 OhioMHAS Peer Support Conference (cvent.com).
Rules Update
Clearance: As of Aug. 8, the following rule is open for comment until Aug. 22:
 
Filed with JCARR: The following rule was final-filed on Aug. 15 with an effective date of Aug. 25:
Annual Conference
Registration now open to everyone!
PCSAO members and non-members are invited to register here.

About the 2022 conference
PCSAO is holding its 37th annual conference Monday through Wednesday, Sept. 19-21 at the Hilton Easton. Our theme, “As Our World Turns,” recognizes that the children services field is in the midst of many changes and it can feel like we are spinning so fast, we can’t slow down. At the same time, the theme employs lighthearted humor around soap operas. Thank you to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for serving as our first-ever conference partner. Read about the conference agenda, keynote speakers, awards, sponsors, and more on our conference webpage.

Call for gift baskets
PCSAO is collecting gift baskets from agencies to be raffled off during the conference. These gift baskets will serve to engage attendees and show appreciation for all involved. Basket themes should be family friendly (no alcohol) and appeal to a wide audience. For planning purposes, notify Anne Potts at anne@pcsao.org by Sept. 2 if your agency is interested in providing a gift basket. Baskets can be brought directly to the conference and dropped off at the help desk.

Thanks to our World Champion Sponsor


Thanks to ODJFS for being our Conference Partner!


Thanks to The Buckeye Ranch for sponsoring the conference!
Resources and Clips
Resources and Opportunities
DeWine announces extended health coverage for new moms
Last Tuesday, Gov. Mike DeWine announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Ohio Medicaid’s extended coverage for new moms from 60 days to 12 months after the birth of the child. With this extension, CMS estimates approximately 21,000 Ohio women annually will be eligible for this extended health coverage. “Maternal health is a strong predictor of a child’s health, so by extending health coverage for new moms, we are helping to provide the healthiest possible start in life for Ohio’s children,” said Gov. DeWine. "For moms who need it, available coverage includes treatment for postpartum depression; medical care for chronic conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes; breastfeeding resources; and evidence-based nurse home visiting.  

Ohio organizations to host 'Ways Parents Can Help Their Kids Thrive' webinar
Just in time for back-to-school season, Ohio’s 529 CollegeAdvantage Plan, OhioMHAS and Your Teen Media are teaming up to host a Ways Parents Can Help Their Kids Thrive webinar on Aug. 24 at 8 p.m. Featuring a discussion with OhioMHAS Director Lori Criss and others, this free webinar aims to teach parents and caregivers ways they can support kids’ mental health and help them thrive as they return to the classroom. Click the link above for more information and to register. 

PreventionFIRST! to host 2022 Coalition Academy 'Building Equity in Prevention'
PreventionFIRST! will host its 2022 Coalition Academy, “Building Equity in Prevention,” on Sept. 13 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason. Mary Roary, Ph.D., director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Behavioral Health Equity, will provide keynote remarks. Cost is $60 ($40 for PF! member coalitions). Click HERE to view an agenda and HERE to register online.
 
OhioMHAS to host two-day Virtual Youth Peer Support Summit
OhioMHAS is hosting a two-day Virtual Summit Sept. 13-14 focused on how agencies can successfully utilize Youth Peer Supporters. Vanessa Vorhies Klodnick, Ph.D., LCSW, a national expert on engaging young adult peers, will provide keynote remarks. Other presentations will include tips for supervising young adults, shared experiences from a panel of Youth Peer Supporters, strategies for funding Youth Peer Support, and information about services that Youth Peer Supporters can provide. The Summit is free and open to all who would like to learn more about Youth Peer Support. CEUs will be provided. Email YouthandFamilyPeerSupport@mha.ohio.gov with any questions.
  • Register for Day 1 Here
  • Register for Day 2 Here

NCWWI to host Child Welfare Worker Recognition Event
As part of Child Welfare Worker Appreciation Week, Sept. 12-16, the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute and the Children’s Bureau are hosting a one-hour virtual recognition event Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. EDT. This event is about taking time to reflect, connect (with our mission and each other), and recharge. More information and registration can be found here.

Pandemic Health Emergency to continue after Oct. 15
Given that Aug. 15 came and went without HHS signaling that it would allow the public health emergency (PHE) to expire on Oct. 15, the PHE will continue, promising a 60-day notice to state and local governments before it would expire. This means that if Oct. 15 arrives with no such notice, there will be another 90-day extension of the PHE.

OhioRISE PCSA office hours scheduled
The Ohio Department of Medicaid launched OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) on July 1. OhioRISE is Ohio’s first-ever highly specialized program to help youth with complex behavioral health and multi-system needs who are served by Medicaid. All PCSAs are invited to attend special office hours available each Friday from 10-11 a.m. through Aug. 26 to get OhioRISE questions answered and problem-solve any issues. To join these office hours, click here. For more information about the launch of OhioRISE, click here.
Child Protection in the News
The Ohio State COC has worked with Montgomery County Children Services for more than five years to help students in need, according to the organizations.

When the federal Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities released its 2016 report, Within Our Reach, Commission Chair David Sanders sought to challenge the notion that we cannot prevent all maltreatment fatalities. 

Franklin County drug overdose deaths spiked for a second year in a row, an increase largely driven by an influx of fentanyl.

A federal judge in Cleveland awarded $650 million in damages Wednesday to two Ohio counties that won a landmark lawsuit against national pharmacy chains CVS, Walgreens and Walmart, claiming the way they distributed opioids to customers caused severe harm to communities and created a public nuisance.
Calendar and Job Postings
Sept. 1 | Rule Review Committee Meeting
Sept. 7 | Board of Trustees Meeting
Sept. 12 | Legislative Committee Meeting
Sept. 19-21 | Annual Conference

Note: Some meetings are being held via web and others in-person.
View the full calendar for details.
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