Agencies reflect on implicit bias training
PCSAO's 2021 Race, Equity and Inclusion Learning Series formally concluded Nov. 16 with a reflection session on October's implicit bias training. After four trainings and four reflection sessions that began in April, PCSAO is working with the Center for the Study of Social Policy on a plan for 2022. We are grateful to Casey Family Programs for supporting the opportunity to become more informed about these critical issues and begin to address racial disproportionality in the children services system.
Tiered foster care workgroup meets
ODJFS led a summary meeting to finalize child characteristics for stakeholders Nov. 18, pulling together recommendations from two different breakout groups that met earlier in the month. The group will next focus on caregiver characteristics. The workgroup is developing new standards around foster care training, supports, rates and level of care, to be implemented next fall.
Metro directors report staffing, placement shortages
At a monthly meeting Nov. 18, leaders from metro children services agencies discussed workforce and placement challenges. While the struggle to find qualified applicants to fill open caseworker positions is not new, it has been exacerbated by the so-called "Great Resignation." The majority of vacancies are in the assessment/investigation units. Similar challenges in the provider sector are creating a bottleneck for placements. The group next meets Dec. 16.
Legislative Committee meets
The PCSAO Legislative Committee met on Nov. 15 to review pending legislation and receive PCSAO updates. The committee’s last meeting of the year is Dec. 20.
UPP develops strategic plan
The University Partnership Program met Nov. 19 for strategic planning. Campus coordinators are examining how they can expand the benefit to additional PCSAs, increase and diversify the student population, and improve data management.
PCSAO says farewell to Bhumika Patel
Bhumika Patel will be leaving PCSAO and her position as Ohio START Coordinator; her last day in the office will be Nov. 30. She is moving on to take a role at the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County. We appreciate all of Bhumika’s hard work for PCSAO since 2018, both as the Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator and as the Ohio START Coordinator. We wish her the best of luck on her new adventure.
Boone named interim director of Knox County JFS
Scott Boone was named interim director of Knox County JFS following the resignation of Matt Kurtz. Danielle Swendal will serve as the child welfare lead for Knox County. Congratulations to both, and thanks to Matt Kurtz for the leadership he has consistently provided to PCSAO, and his service to families and children.