Weekly Update: July 25, 2022 |
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Conference registration opens for members
PCSAO conference registration is now open to member agencies!
Staff of PCSAO member agencies are invited to register for the 2022 PCSAO Annual Conference: As Our World Turns. Access to early registration is exclusive to members. The general public will have the opportunity to register when registration is fully opened on Aug. 1. Read about the conference agenda, keynote speakers, awards, sponsors, and more on our conference webpage. Register here.
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Lucas director Robin Reese announces retirement
After 38 years of protecting Lucas County children from abuse and neglect, Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) Executive Director (and PCSAO Trustee) Robin Reese will retire at the end of October 2022. Beyond her work in Lucas County, Reese sat on many statewide panels and frequently advised Gov. Mike DeWine and his staff on child welfare matters. She worked closely with other national organizations to influence social work practice on a national level. Under her leadership, LCCS achieved reaccreditation by the independent Council on Accreditation. She will be missed!
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OHIO YAB offers insight into shared practice model
At the Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board meeting July 21, PCSAO shared draft values from our work on a shared practice model with the young people in foster care and received feedback. Youth emphasized the need for timely engagement and follow-through, honest sharing of information, and a trusting personal relationship. PCSAO appreciates the youth for sharing their experiences and OHIO YAB organizers Lisa Dickson and Doris Edelmann for inviting PCSAO to present.
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Metro directors talk placement, workforce
At their monthly online meeting July 21, metro agency leaders provided updates on vacancies and other workforce challenges while continuing to struggle with appropriate, accessible placements for older multi-system youth so that they do not have to spend the night at the agency. Media coverage, worker safety, and lack of behavioral health services were also discussed. The next meeting will be Aug. 18.
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Northwest District meets
Directors and senior leaders from the Northwest District met virtually on July 21. Discussion included tiered foster care development, QRTP issues, OhioRISE, revised screening guidelines, and the new workforce grant. The district next meets on Oct. 20.
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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.
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Thanks to local START teams!
The Ohio START team at PCSAO would like to recognize the hard work and dedication of the local START teams. During a time of significant workforce and acuity challenges, Ohio START teams continue to move forward with implementing this evidence-based model to achieve improved outcomes for families affected by caregiver substance use disorder. Many teams have shared recent success stories of caregivers achieving early recovery and overcoming barriers that were unmovable without the support of Ohio START. We are constantly amazed by the dedication of peer mentors, caseworkers, supervisors, and administrators serving Ohio START families.
Ohio START continues to emphasize cross-system collaboration
Ohio START continues to highlight the importance of cross-system collaboration to support families affected by child maltreatment and substance use disorder. Cross-system collaboration can improve communication to manage risks and accelerate access to care for families needing treatment. Last week the Ohio START team met two substance use disorder treatment providers to strengthen relationships between child protection and behavioral health.
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Pre-Clearance: As of July 22, there are no children services-related rules in pre-clearance.
Clearance: The following rules are open for comments until July 25:
Note: Three amended and two new OAC rules are related to licensing of Children’s Crisis Care Facilities, Residential Infant Care Centers, and Family Preservation Centers. These rules have been amended and developed in accordance with new requirements resulting from Sub. HB 265.
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Rule 5101:2-1-01 - New definitions to the Children Services Definitions of Terms. (Note: The amendment to this rule includes two new definitions, Family Preservation Center and Residential Infant Care Center, along with a reference correction for the definition of relative.)
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Rule 5101:2-5-03 - Guidance on foster care certifications from ODJFS.
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Rule 5101:2-9-36 - Requirements for children’s crisis care facilities with the primary purpose of residential care for pre-teens.
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Rule 5101:2-9-43 - Requirements for residential services for infants affected by substance use.
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Rule 5101:2-9-44 - Requirements for new certificate for licensed children’s crisis care facility.
Filed with JCARR: As of July 22, no additional children services-related rules have been filed with JCARR.
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Registration is now open for members!
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.
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.
Thanks to our World Champion Sponsor
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Resources and Opportunities |
Ohio CASA Celebrate Kids! conference registration opens
Registration is open for the 2022 Ohio CASA/GAL conference Sept. 21-23 at the Hyatt Downtown Columbus. Up to 12 hours of free Rule 48, CLE and CPE hours are available. Register and learn more about the conference. Questions about the conference? Contact mheydlauff@ohiocasa.org. If you are an attorney who has represented a child in an Ohio juvenile court as counsel or a guardian ad litem within the past three years, you are eligible to have your registration waived. For additional information, contact kgilbert@ohiocasa.org.
CASA: Say thank you to a colleague
Do you know a social worker, attorney or CASA volunteer who goes “above and beyond” in their work on behalf of children who have experienced abuse or neglect? Give them some recognition! Each year at the Celebrate Kids! statewide conference, Ohio CASA honors individuals whose dedication has made a difference in the lives of Ohio’s children. Learn more and submit a nomination. Questions? Contact kglumac@ohiocasa.org.
PHE extended through Oct. 15
On July 15, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services extended the public health emergency declaration for an additional 90 days. HHS has also promised state and local governments that it will give a 60-day notice before it expires. Given that assurance, stakeholders will await a possible announcement in mid-August on whether to plan for an end of the PHE in October.
New video series aims to advance trauma-informed care
The Advancing California’s Trauma Informed Systems (ACTS) project recently launched their Video Training Series platform, which features training videos developed to support child-serving systems in advancing trauma-informed care. Currently, there are three video series that each consist of four to five animated microlearning videos with a discussion guide to facilitate continued conversation and learning.
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Child Protection in the News |
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Butler County will make a pitch to voters in November to preserve the Children Services levy that supports 59% of the agency’s services that protect children and try to help heal broken families.
A nine-year-old boy was in Imonie Hackett‘s apartment in Austintown when his mother was shot by state troopers yesterday. Throughout the 19-hour ordeal, police said they were reluctant to storm Hackett’s apartment fearing the woman would hurt her son.
In November, a levy will be placed on the ballot from Ross County Children Services to renew its 1-mill levy and continue providing for foster children. South Central Ohio Job and Family Services Director Jody Walker met with the Ross County Commissioners Monday to discuss starting the process to place the levy on the ballot. The levy would be ten cents for each one hundred dollar valuation for five years, first due in 2024. The levy will cost $100 a year for properties assessed at $100,000.
Overdose death rates increased 44% in Black communities and 39% for American Indian and Alaska Native communities from 2019 to 2020, according to a new Vital Signs report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Drug overdose deaths in Trumbull County may be the highest in a five-year period, if the 21 pending death investigations are all found to have been caused by drug use. As of May 11, the county has confirmed 30 overdose cases.
It's almost like something out of a Charles Dickens novel.
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Calendar and Job Postings |
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July 25 | Southeast District Meeting
July 25 | Northeast District Meeting
July 27 | START Leadership Council Meeting
August 3 | Board of Trustees 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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