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Youth Navigator Network launches
Young people in or formerly in foster care have a new resource, the Youth Navigator Network. YNN is specifically available for youth and young adults up to 21 years of age who are currently in out-of-home care, have had an open case with children services within 24 months, or have aged out of care. YNN can help navigate systems, access resources, and expand young people's network of connections and supports. Navigators meet youth where they are, listen first, and offer direct help as able. Areas where YNN can be most helpful include basic needs, food and shelter, health and well-being, housing access, family and relations, school and education, and more. Navigators are available to listen and support Mondays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Tuesdays through Fridays 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Learn more or call toll-free 1-833-OHIO-YNN (644-6966).
Congressional Research Service updates
The Child Welfare Brief provides national information for members of Congress on the various federal programs supporting children and their families.
'Using a Culturally Responsive Leadership Framework' paper released
The authors of the Using a Culturally Responsive Leadership Framework (CRLF) paper developed a framework to address context, distributive leadership, and cultural responsiveness. Examining these elements strengthens an organization's ability to meet the changing needs of employees and communities and helps leaders create inclusive environments for diverse stakeholders. View a one-page summary here.
SAMHSA releases new report on crisis care
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a new report, National Guidelines for Child and Youth Behavioral Health Crisis Care, which describes the urgent need to improve crisis response services for children, youth, and families and provides guidance on how communities can address the existing gaps in care for youth. The Guidelines offer best practices, implementation strategies, and practical guidance for the design and development of services that meet the needs of children, youth, and their families experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
Generations United issues report on nutrition of relatives raising children
Generations United has released the 2022 State of Grandfamilies Report, "Together at the Table: Supporting the Nutrition, Health, and Well-Being of Grandfamilies," which includes the latest findings on grandfamilies facing high rates of hunger and food insecurity, as well as policy recommendations to help feed grandfamilies.
Ohio to continue with crisis academy series
Ohio’s SFY 2023 Crisis Academy series will continue Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. with The EmPATH Model and Behavioral Health Urgent Care. This webinar will focus on both the Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing (EmPATH) and Behavioral Health Urgent Care models and how they are being used within the crisis continuum of care. Dr. Scott Zeller, the developer of the EmPATH model, will be sharing how hospital systems have utilized this model to improve client care while avoiding unnecessary time in traditional emergency departments. Travis Atkinson from TBD Solutions will provide an overview of behavioral health urgent care models. Additionally, two local system of care will share their experiences starting a psychiatric urgent care unit, the challenges and opportunities they have encountered, and how the unit has improved crisis care in their community. CEUs are being requested for Ohio social workers, counselors, SUD treatment and prevention professionals, and peer supporters. Registration and more information can be found here.
Family Engagement Center seeks parents, caregivers for advisory council
The Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center at The Ohio State University is seeking parents and caregivers to join its Advisory Council for the 2023 calendar year. The Center's mission is to bring diverse experiences and perspectives to guide the Center and represent the diversity within Ohio's student population. Applications are limited to parents/caregivers of children birth to grade 12 with children enrolled in the public school system who are not professional educators or administrators. The State Advisory Council meets virtually four times a year for about three hours. Families and caregivers can apply at the State Advisory Council website.
Upcoming webinar on KGAP offers training, resources
Children services staff, administration, and court personnel are invited to attend “Implementing the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KGAP) in Ohio,” an overview scheduled through a Teams Live event Dec. 7 from 1-3 p.m. The two-hour training will focus on how kinship caregivers caring for Ohio’s children will now have access to financial and medical benefits when taking legal custody or guardianship of the children in their care. The training team will review PCSA and ODJFS responsibilities, as well as the varied eligibility criteria for KGAP programs. Agencies are encouraged to send staff whose regular work duties and responsibilities include family case planning, kinship care, permanency, and IV-E eligibility. Register for the training HERE. A link will be available after successful registration through a pop-up. This training will be recorded and posted on the Children Services Training and Development Webpage along with all materials and the Q&A. The team also has a Microsoft Stream Channel where content is stored.
Workforce retention conference opens registration
DHCM Consultants is hosting a workforce retention conference Jan. 31 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. It will cover topics including supervising for colleague retention, professional development, agency culture and climate, and mental/physical/emotional well-being. Attendees will leave with specific tools to implement immediately into practice. More information about the conference can be found here.
OhioRISE/PCSA open office hours
Virtual open office hours for OhioRISE and children services staff occur weekly on Fridays at 11 a.m. Here is the link to join the Teams meeting.
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