Association News
Weekly Update: May 16, 2022
OCWTP meets
At its monthly meeting May 11, the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program State Steering Committee discussed research on CAPM (formerly CAPMIS), Safe & Together training, and preservice revisions. The group engaged in a lengthy conversation about improving the learning catalog. Kelly Lippincott was introduced as the new director of the Western Ohio Regional Training Center, succeeding Dale Hotaling. The next meeting will be June 8.

Community of Practice digs into survey responses
The Racial Equity Community of Practice met May 12 to review overall and agency-specific responses to an organizational assessment developed by consulting partner Center for the Study of Social Policy. The 10 participating agencies will use the data to identify a policy or practice change that will improve outcomes around issues of equity and disproportionality. The initiative is made possible with support from Casey Family Programs.
PCSAO seeks Communications and Policy Coordinator
PCSAO is seeking a full-time Communications and Policy Coordinator. PCSAO is a friendly, collegial team that values diversity. Review the job description for duties and qualifications; submit a cover letter and résumé via this online portal. Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Ohio START
4th annual START Summit a success!
More than 220 Ohio START staff from around the state came together at the 4th Annual Summit. MelRo Potter started the day with a powerful and moving keynote. Breakout sessions included themes of fostering resilience, the critical role of Family Peer Mentors, engaging families, and race equity and inclusion. The day concluded with stories of success and networking. We look forward to planning the 2023 Summit!
Rules Update
Pre-Clearance: The following rules are open for comments until May 17:
  • Rule 5101:2-38-05.2 - PCSA Family Case Plan requirements for Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP).
  • Rule 5101-2:56-01 - Administration of the state kinship guardianship assistance program (KGAP).
  • Rule 5101-2:56-02 - Eligibility for the state kinship guardianship assistance program (KGAP).
  • Rule 5101-2:56-04 - Requirements for the state kinship guardianship assistance program (KGAP) past age eighteen.
  • Rule 5101-2:56-05 - Reimbursement of nonrecurring state kinship guardianship assistance program (KGAP) expenses.
  • Rule 5101-2:56-06 - Termination of the state kinship guardianship assistance program (KGAP).
  • Rule 5101-2:56-07 - State kinship guardianship assistance program (KGAP) requirements.
  • Rule 5101:2-56-03 - Public Children Services agency (PCSA) eligibility determination of the state kinship guardianship assistance program (KGAP).
  • Rule 5101-2:55-02 - Eligibility for Kinship Guardianship Program Connection to Twenty-One (KGAP C21).
  • Rule 5101:2-55-01 - Administration of Kinship Guardianship Program Connection to Twenty-One (KGAP C21).
  • Rule 5101:2-55-03 - Payments for Kinship Guardianship Program Connection to Twenty-One (KGAP C21).
  • Rule 5101:2-46-01 - Administration of the Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP).
  • Rule 5101:2-46-02 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Eligibility Criteria.
  • Rule 5101:2-46-03 - Initial Determination of the Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Monthly Payment Amount.
  • Rule 5101:2-46-04 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Agreement and Duration: Provision for Financial Support and Services.
  • Rule 5101:2-46-05 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP Monthly Payments.
  • Rule 5101:2-46-06 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Ongoing Verification.
  • Rule 5101:2-46-07 - Amendment of the Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Agreement.
  • Rule 5101:2-46-08 - Suspension of Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Payment.
  • Rule 5101:2-46-09 - Termination of a Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Agreement.
  • Rule 5101:2-46-10 - Case Record Requirements for Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP).
  • Rule 5101:2-46-11 - Title XIX Medicaid Coverage for Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Eligible Children
  • Rule 5101:2-46-12 - Reimbursement of Title IV-E Nonrecurring Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Expenses.
  • Rule 5101:2-46-13 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Intercounty and Interstate Case Management Responsibility.
  • Rule 5101:2-46-14 - Requirements for Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Past Age Eighteen.
 
The following forms are open for comments until May 17:
  • JFS 00128 - Application for State Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program Payments.
  • JFS 00129 - State Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program Agreement.
  • JFS 00129-I - Instructions for Completing JFS 00129 State Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Agreement.
  • JFS 00137 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program Connections to Twenty-One (KGAP C21) Application
  • JFS 00138 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program Connections to Twenty-One (KGAP C21) Notice of Eligibility Approval.
  • JFS 00139 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program Connections to Twenty-One (KGAP C21) Agreement.
  • JFS 00140 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program Connections to Twenty-One (KGAP C21) Notice of Redetermination
  • JFS 00141 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program Connections to Twenty-One (KGAP C21) Young Adult Semi-Annual Assurance of Kinship Caregiver Responsibility and Eligibility for Continued Medicaid Coverage.
  • JFS 00142 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program Connections to Twenty-One (KGAP C21) Kinship Caregiver Semi-Annual Assurance of Kinship Caregiver Responsibility and Eligibility for Continued Medicaid Coverage.
  • JFS 00143 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program Connections to Twenty-One (KGAP C21) Notice of Termination.
  • JFS 00144 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program Connections to Twenty-One (KGAP C21) Notice of Continued Approval.
  • JFS 00131 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Application for Initial Eligibility.
  • JFS 00132 - Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Mediation Conference Request.
  • JFS 00133 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Agreement.
  • JFS 00134 - Application for Reimbursement of Nonrecurring Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Expenses.
  • JFS 00134-I - Instructions for Completing JFS 00134, Application for Reimbursement of Nonrecurring Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Expenses.
  • JFS 00135 - Agreement for Payment or Reimbursement for Nonrecurring Expenses Incurred in a Kinship Guardianship Placement.
  • JFS 00136 - Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) Annual Assurance of Legal Responsibility, School Attendance and Eligibility for Continued Medicaid Coverage
 
Clearance: The following rules are open for comments until May 19:
  • Rule 5101:2-47-21 - Title IV-E Foster Care Maintenance (FCM) reimbursement for a child placed into a Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP).
  • Rule 5101:2-47-23.1 - Title IV-E agency contracting and contract monitoring.
 
Filed with JCARR: As of May 13, there are no children services-related rules filed with JCARR.
Annual Conference
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.

Become a sponsor!
The PCSAO Annual Conference is an opportunity to network with more than 500 children services professionals across Ohio. See our sponsorship flyer for more information regarding sponsorship levels and benefits. See a preview of the application here. Ready to become a sponsor? Complete this form. Sponsorship closes Sept. 1.

Award nominations
Each year, PCSAO recognizes and celebrates the achievements of our youth and families who have been served by Ohio’s public children services agencies, as well as the achievements of our child protection professionals who have served them. We are now accepting award nominations from public children services agencies for the Leaders of Tomorrow, Family of the Year, and Child Protection Worker, Support Staff and Supervisor of the Year awards. Nominations are due by July 8. The 2022 PCSAO award winners will be announced during the annual conference. Local agencies will notify winners prior to the event, and help make their arrangements. Read the descriptions and find nomination links on our awards page.
Meet Our Conference Keynotes
Elliott Orrin Hinkle (they/them) is a skilled facilitator, trainer, and advisor focused on elevating lived expertise in systems that serve children, youth, and families. They are a graduate of Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Women, Gender, Sexuality, and Queer Studies. Elliott has lived experience in the Wyoming Foster Care System as a young person but calls Oregon home. Elliott is the principal and founder of the consulting firm Unicorn Solutions LLC, which seeks to create positive futures for youth and young adults impacted by systems such as Child Welfare and Youth Mental Health, particularly at the intersections of LGBTQ youth within these systems. Elliot will deliver the keynote address Monday, Sept. 19.
LaShaun K. Carter currently serves as the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer for Mecklenburg County (Charlotte, NC), where he oversees the Office of Equity and Inclusion and leads through community partnerships, policy analysis and development, training, and data collection. Previously, Carter served as the Assistant Executive Director/Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for Franklin County Children Services and led the development of a first-of-its-kind department designed to collect, curate, and analyze data to inform service delivery and strategic alignment. Ultimately, the goal was to elevate the role data plays in making a difference in the community. A career educator, LaShaun has also led efforts around the critical academic needs of youth in central Ohio. His educational focus revolved around the early warning indicators that predict dropout risk and social-emotional learning data. Notably, his recent work in convening the Columbus community around social justice strategies has resulted in his collaborating with partners seeking to implement similar programs across the country.
Resources and Clips
Resources and Opportunities
OhioRISE 1915(c) Home and Community Based Waiver training
The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) is hosting a two-part training on May 18 from 1-3:30 p.m. to prepare for the July 2022 implementation of the OhioRISE 1915(c) Home and Community Based Waiver. The first segment will provide an overview of the waiver, and the second will cover provider details and responsibilities. This training is open to youth and families, all local system and community partners, direct service providers, state agencies, managed care entities, and others interested in learning more. Register here. 

Ohio Reach Scholarship application now open
The Ohio Reach scholarship is a $1,000 renewable award that will be given to three students who are currently enrolled in higher education in Ohio and spent at least one day in foster care after the age of 13. The deadline to apply is July 31. See here for the application. 

CANS training availability update
As of May 3, the Center of Excellence (COE) updated the number of seats available for CANS and Care Coordination trainings being offered through the end of June. This training meets the live training requirements to prepare a participant for CANS certification. See here for training dates and availability. The COE is currently developing the training schedule for July 2022-January 2023.
Child Protection in the News
Jefferson County commissioners have approved the juvenile court the appropriate funding, along with grant money, toward a counseling service to help families reunite after being torn apart from addiction.

County voters turned down a .4 mill levy for the placement and care of children in the custody of Preble County Children Services during last week’s Primary Election.

A Columbia University epidemiologist testified Tuesday that the opioid epidemic in Trumbull and Lake counties hit thousands of people and affected hundreds of children.
 
Each year April is designated as Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Month in counties and states across the nation. But while the spotlight shines a little brighter during April, Perry County Children Services is focused on prevention all year long.
 
Rabbi Susan Silverman said she knows that about a third of Americans consider fostering or adopting children, but most don't take the concrete steps to do it.
 
May 8 – Overdose deaths hit record high in Mahoning County – Youngstown Vindicator
Mahoning County had 161 drug overdose deaths in 2021, according to preliminary data released by the Mahoning County Drug Overdose Prevention Coalition — marking the highest-ever total in the county.
 
May is National Foster Care Month and Lucas County Children Services is seeing a prolonged shortage of foster parents. Right now, Lucas County Children Services has about 220 foster homes when they need closer to 400. LCCS hopes this month the community can join them in helping change the lives of kids in need.
Calendar and Job Postings
May 16 | Legislative Committee Meeting
May 18 | Southwest District Meeting
May 20 | Conference Committee Meeting

Note: Some meetings are being held via web and others in-person.
View the full calendar for details.
Looking for a career in child protection? Or a new position to challenge yourself?