Weekly Update: May 31, 2022 |
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ODJFS PfOF Advisory Board meets
The ODJFS Partners for Ohio’s Families Advisory Board held an ad hoc meeting May 24. Discussion items included identifying a PCSA and private agency to serve as tri-chairs, the new Ombudsmen Office that goes live today (May 31), introduction of the new Family Ombudsman (Jennifer Sheriff) and Youth Ombudsman (Jenny Stotts), ASAP and Mindshare updates, and the adoption subsidy. The PfOF Advisory Board's next ad hoc meeting is June 28.
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Legislative briefing covers Children Services 101
PCSAO thanks Rep. Susan Manchester (pictured, center), who helped coordinate -- as well as the state representatives, senators, aides, and ODJFS staff who attended -- PCSAO's May 25 legislative briefing at the Statehouse to learn more about "Children Services 101: What Children Services Is and Is Not." The briefing covered basic roles and responsibilities of PCSAs, overall system partners, and how decisions are made. Julie Gossard (right), Auglaize County JFS Director, and Pam Schwartz (left), Auglaize County JFS Children Services Administrator, joined PCSAO’s Mary Wachtel and Scott Britton to discuss these issues and engage in dialogue with the legislators.
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Potts promoted to Events and Operations Coordinator
Anne Potts is now serving in a new position at PCSAO, Events and Operations Coordinator. In this role, Anne will oversee the annual conference, support other meetings and training events, and assist with office operations. An OSU graduate, Anne joined PCSAO last June as administrative assistant, and has contributed significantly to the office in that time. Congratulations, Anne!
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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.
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Pre-Clearance: As of May 27, there are no children services-related rules in pre-clearance.
Clearance: As of May 27, there are no children services-related rules in clearance.
Filed with JCARR: The following rules were revise-filed on May 20:
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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.
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Meet Our Conference Keynotes |
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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.
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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.
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Resources and Opportunities |
Letter outlines OhioRISE intersections with ODJFS
ODJFS released a Families and Children Letter May 11 that includes important information about the launch of OhioRISE and the Next Generation of Managed Care, coming up July 1. The letter covers the staggered roll-out of services, SACWIS changes, upcoming training, and more. Read the letter here.
Every Student Succeeds Act Lunch and Learn Series
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) are offering free trainings on navigating the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Learn more here. For questions, contact Lucy Gobble.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness application deadline this fall
A time-limited opportunity to apply for public service loan forgiveness expires Oct. 31. Human services professionals, including county children services agency staff, may be eligible for this program. Credit can be given for past periods of repayment, even if you missed a payment. Learn more here, access a help tool here, and review the FAQ here.
Module 4 of OhioRISE training series
The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) offers Module 4 of the OhioRISE community and provider training series to help prepare for implementation in July. This module covers local and statewide systems engagement. Youth and families, all local system community partners and providers who serve youth with multi-system needs are encouraged to attend. Click here to register.
Youth to Youth partners with CareSource to provide opportunities to youth
Youth to Youth, in partnership with CareSource, is offering free registration for Ohio youth groups for their summer conference. This four-day, three-night conference is youth-led and will help participants feel more engaged, connected, and motivated. Learn more here. Youth to Youth and CareSource have also partnered to offer a motivational mental health and leadership training for youth and their adult allies. Participants will learn how their response to difficult situations impacts their life, relationship, and mental health. Find the application here.
Kinnect plans launch of Youth Navigator Program
Kinnect is launching Ohio’s new Youth Navigator Program this fall for people up to age 21 who are currently in foster care and/or transitioning out of it. Like OhioKAN, it will provide 1:1 navigation services to youth, including information and referral, resource linkage, and direct services. The program is currently recruiting people to serve on the Young Adult Advisory Council. This is a great opportunity for youth to use their voice and knowledge to inform the framework of the Youth Navigator Program. Council members will be compensated for their time at a stipend rate of $20 per hour and can receive peer support for meetings. Youth who are interested in serving can contact Marissa Tuma.
OFCA announces conference agenda
The Ohio Family Care Association has released the agenda for the 2022 annual conference, "This Is Us: The Role We All Play in the Future of Ohio's Families," June 17-18 at the Embassy Suites Columbus Airport. The conference is offered in collaboration with Ohio Gap Closers and will feature results of research conducted by the two groups over the last year along with a number of other workshops. Register here.
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.
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Child Protection in the News |
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Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Second Lady Tina Husted joined NBC4 digital anchor Kristine Varkony on Thursday to discuss National Foster Care Month. The trio talked about the options and resources Ohioans have if they would like to learn more about becoming a foster parent.
When fentanyl became a staple in the drug supply in 2016, Carfentanil appeared in Cincinnati and Hamilton County, and we no choice but to change our approach to addiction. Overdose rates doubled from an average of 10-25 a week with the organic opiate of heroin to 50-70 a week with the introduction of synthetic opiates. The latter numbers have become the new normal, even after stabilizing the rates.
Whenever Brenda Milliken drove by the sign on John Scott Highway advertising foster parenting classes being organized, something always tugged at the Steubenville woman's heart strings.
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Calendar and Job Postings |
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June 1 | Board of Trustees Meeting
June 3 | Community Education Committee Meeting
June 9 | Rule Review Committee Meeting
Note: Some meetings are being held via web and others in-person.
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Looking for a career in child protection? Or a new position to challenge yourself?
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