Weekly Update: May 2, 2022 |
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McCoy chosen to lead Coshocton County
Jed McCoy has been appointed to succeed Danny Brenneman as director of Coshocton County JFS. In addition to serving as business administrator and then assistant director, McCoy until recently was treasurer of the JFS Human Resources Association. Congratulations!
Governor addresses placement crisis with residential investment
On April 29, Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order increasing capacity at youth treatment centers. The $4.5 million investment, approved by the Controlling Board earlier in the week, will increase staff and reopen beds in licensed residential facilities. PCSAO's appreciation was included in the Governor's news release, as it is responsive to the placement crisis we identified in February. “We are grateful to the Governor, the Controlling Board, Department of Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director Lori Criss, and Department of Job and Family Services Director Matt Damschroder for taking this action to impact our placement crisis for youth with complex behavioral health needs,” said PCSAO's Executive Director Angela Sausser in the Governor's release. “We are hopeful that this relief will increase capacity at children’s residential facilities so the acute behavioral health needs of youth can get appropriately addressed, and county agencies can receive some relief from this placement crisis.”
Voters in Ashtabula, Preble to decide levies
In tomorrow's "partial" primary election, voters in two counties will consider children services levies. Ashtabula County has a 1.75-mill renewal levy on the ballot, while Preble County has a .4-mill replacement levy. Best of luck to both agencies, and thanks to voters for their consideration!
New agency leaders gather for orientation
PCSAO hosted its first in-person New Executives Orientation since 2019 on April 28-29. More than two dozen directors, administrators and other agency leaders gathered for learning and networking. Thanks to all of the presenters who shared their knowledge and expertise, including ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder and his staff, veteran directors and agency leaders, association partners, OCWTP, and those with lived experience in the system. All presentations and materials from the orientation are available on PCSAO's Teams site.
Northeast District meets
PCSAO's Northeast District met virtually on April 25 and received updates from trustees and staff. Much of the discussion focused on the PCSA workforce crisis, the need to take action now to address it, and updates on workforce-related discussions with Director Damschroder and his staff. PCSAs provided updates on their counties, with most focused on workforce shortages, QRTP/CANS status, visitation centers, and the foster parent recruitment and retention grants. The district meets virtually next on July 25.
Legislative Committee meets
The PCSAO Legislative Committee met April 25. The committee heard PCSAO updates, reviewed several recently introduced bills, and discussed emerging issues. In addition, the committee thanked Katerina Papas, Deputy Director/General Counsel of Summit County Children Services, for her longtime service and wished her well on her upcoming retirement. The committee next meets on May 16.
Conference recognizes outstanding trainers
The Ohio Child Welfare Training Program and Ohio Human Services Training System hosted a trainer conference April 25 to improve delivery of online training and ensure equity within training delivery. The OCWTP Regional Training Centers presented LaToya Logan with the Rising Star Award, and Marlin Cheyney won the Linda Pope Award.
PCSAO issues 2021 annual report
Check out PCSAO's annual report for 2021, which includes accomplishments in public policy advocacy, workforce, children's continuum of care reform, and race and equity.
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PCSAO seeks Communications and Events Manager
PCSAO is seeking a full-time Communications and Events Manager. 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: The following rule is open for comments until May 5:
Clearance: The following rules are open for comments until May 2:
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Rule 5101:2-5-28 - Agency cause for denial of initial certification, denial or recertification or revocation of a foster home certificate.
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Rule 5101:2-5-33 - Foster caregiver pre-placement and continuing training.
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Rule 5101:2-5-38 - Payment of foster caregiver training stipends; reimbursement of training allowances to recommending agencies.
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Rule 5101:2-33-26 - The county child abuse and neglect memorandum of understanding.
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Rule 5101:2-36-12 - PCSA requirement for cross-referring reports of child abuse and/or neglect.
The following rules are open for comments until May 4:
The following forms are open for comments until May 4:
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JFS 01200 - Fire inspection report for homes or residential facilities certified by ODJFS.
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JFS 01348 - Safety audit.
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JFS 01385 - Assessment for child placement update.
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JFS 01447 - Assessment of relative or nonrelative substitute caregiver.
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JFS 01653 - Medical statement for foster care/adoptive applicant and all household members.
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JFS 01667 - Adoption information disclosure.
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JFS 01673 - Assessment for child placement.
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JFS 01691 - Application for child placement.
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JFS 01692 - Application for adoption of a foster child.
Filed with JCARR: As of April 29, there are no children services-related items filed with JCARR.
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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.
Call for presenters opens
Our call for presenters is now open! Presenters at PCSAO's conference are volunteers; there is no compensation. See a preview of the application here. Ready to apply? Complete the application form here. Applications are due by May 13.
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 |
CANS IT system launches
The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) announced the May 2 launch of the Ohio Children’s Initiative Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Information Technology (IT) for use across Ohio’s child-serving systems. The new CANS IT system will improve continuity and cross-system coordination by making documentation and information accessible within one shared system. Become a certified Ohio Children’s Initiative CANS assessor here in order to register in the CANS IT System and complete a CANS assessment with a child/youth. See here for the Ohio Children’s Initiative CANS IT System User Guide. Please note, Ohio Children’s Initiative CANS assessors are not required to enroll with Medicaid if they do not intend to bill Medicaid for the service. You may be a certified assessor and register in the CANS IT System without enrolling as a Medicaid provider.
OhioRISE training resources available
ODM offered Module 3 of the OhioRISE community and provider training series last week. This module covered enrollment, OhioRISE services, billing and claims, and IT systems. A recording is available on the OhioRISE webpage if you were unable to attend. Office hours will be held on May 10 from 11 a.m.-noon and 2:30-3:30 p.m., and on May 12 from 9-10 a.m. Module 4 will cover local and statewide systems engagement. Look for more information on it soon.
Ohio Children’s Trust Fund seeks Family Success Network pilots
The Ohio Children’s Trust Fund (OCTF) is releasing a Request for Grant Applications for Family Success Network Expansion to four additional pilots. PCSAs are encouraged to apply. Details about the request for grants can be found here. Register here. Find more information about Family Success Network here.
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Child Protection in the News |
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During the Lucas County Children Services annual children's memorial, Robin Reese, the executive director of LCCS, made a plea to the community: that we have to do better.
Uprooting is something many area children within the foster care system face consistently, according to area children’s services leaders. But an area couple and their church hopes their donations can help make moves and relocation a bit easier for these children.
April is an important time for us at Hamilton County Job and Family Services. It’s Child Abuse Prevention Month.
OraLee Macklenar, LISW-S, LCDC III, CEAP, from the Mercy Health Toledo Trauma Recovery Center, spoke about stress and the services offered by the Toledo-based center, which also is open to Michigan residents.
Since the coronavirus pandemic began, the number of homeless children living at city shelters has increased significantly. Youngstown City Schools officials have also identified three times as many students in need of assistance this year, compared to 2019.
A pilot research program called Healthy Beginnings at Home found access to affordable housing decreases infant mortality outcomes.
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Calendar and Job Postings |
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May 4 | Board of Trustees Meeting
May 5 | Rule Review Committee Meeting
May 6 | Community Education Committee Meeting
May 16 | Legislative 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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