Weekly Update: June 6, 2022 |
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Board of Trustees meet
The PCSAO Board of Trustees met in person on June 1 and approved monthly financial statements, revisions to fiscal policies, and the 2021 Audit which was clean again with no material findings. The Board discussed recent PCSAO staff changes, approved a partnership with Aetna, reviewed the final Executive Membership Meeting agenda, and provided feedback on ODJFS FFPSA guidance. Trustees received updates on the PCSA workforce crisis, Children Services Transformation recommendations, OhioRISE, legislative and rules, Ohio START, the annual conference, REI efforts, shared practice model and safety culture. The Board of Trustees meet next in person on Aug. 3.
Community Education Committee Meets
The PCSAO Community Education Committee met virtually on June 3. David Kuhn, Governor-Elect of Ohio Kiwanis, shared about his upcoming project to provide backpacks to youth ages 12-17 who are in foster care. Look for more information closer to the October kick-off. Amanda Pittner (Lorain County CSB), Courtney Lower (Knox County JFS), and Valarie Nash (Summit County CSB), representing Ohio Job and Family Services Human Resources Association (OJFSHRA), presented an in-depth look at employment trends, their respective agency recruitment and retention practices, and emerging best practices. This prompted great discussion and sharing among the group. The Committee next meets on Aug. 5.
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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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Congratulations to START!
The Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse released new ratings this week. We are thrilled to share that START earned a “Supported” rating, moving up from the previous rating of “Promising”! The re-review of START was possible due to evaluation research provided by the program developers at Children and Family Futures (CFF). The studies identify START as having positive effects on child safety and permanency. This is great news for Ohio START and Family First prevention services! This is great news for START, Ohio START, and Ohio Family First prevention services! To read more about the rating visit here.
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Pre-Clearance: As of June 3, there are no children services-related rules in pre-clearance.
Clearance: As of June 3, there are no children services-related rules in clearance.
Filed with JCARR: The following rules were final-filed on May 31 with an effective date of June 15:
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Rule 5101:2-33-55 - Education and in-service training requirements for PCSA caseworkers.
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Rule 5101:2-33-56 - Education and -in-service training requirements for PCSA supervisors.
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Rule 5101:2-42-12.1 - Assessment for a child when a non-qualified residential treatment program meets qualified residential treatment program certification requirements.
The following rules were final-filed on May 31 with an effective date of July 1:
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Rule 5101:2-44-13 - Public children services agency (PCSA) administration of the post adoption special services subsidy (PASSS) program.
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Rule 5101:2-44-13.1 - Eligibility and application process for the post adoption special services subsidy (PASSS) program.
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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 |
Ohio’s Youth and Family Ombudsmen Office opens
Ohio’s first-ever Youth and Family Ombudsmen Office began operations on May 31. The office, as recommended in Governor Mike DeWine’s Children’s Services Transformation Advisory Council Final Report, is housed in the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The office consists of both a Youth Ombudsman and a Family Ombudsman, who will ensure the independent and impartial review of youth, family, and community complaints and concerns, while attempting to resolve the issues. Jenny R. Stotts will serve as the first-ever Youth Ombudsman, while Jennifer A. Sheriff will serve as the first-ever Family Ombudsman. Youth, individuals, or families wishing to bring a matter before the Youth Ombudsman or to report unresolved concerns to the Family Ombudsman can call 1-877-649-6884 or 1-877-OH-YOUTH, Monday –Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Concerns can also be submitted online at YouthOmbudsman.ohio.gov or FamilyOmbudsman.ohio.gov.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline coming soon
Ohio’s launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is fast approaching. Beginning on July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) will transition to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Ohioans who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, and their family members, will be able to call, text, or chat the 988 number in order to reach a trained counselor who can offer help and support.
Moving to the easy-to-remember, 3-digit number will provide greater access to life-saving services, and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) has been planning for this transition over the last 18 months to ensure Ohio is ready for 988.
Ohio’s 988 implementation plan is part of the state’s larger commitment to providing quality, person-centered crisis supports in communities across the state. You can read more about Ohio’s 988 implementation here and view a fact sheet here.
Direct Care Working Group survey
Direct care workers are the cornerstone of Ohio’s health care system. They help older adults, people with disabilities, and those with special health care needs remain connected to their communities and live as fully and independently as possible, with the safety, dignity, and respect they deserve. Due to the emotionally and physically demanding job duties, coupled with low wages and the perceived lack of advancement opportunities, Ohio continues to face a growing deficit of direct care workers. Recognizing these challenges, several state agencies are partnering with stakeholders to identify potential solutions for both the state as a whole and Ohio’s communities.
A taskforce consisting of 11 state agencies including ODJFS will meet over the next several months, with invited expert testimony and extensive opportunities for public comment (written and oral). Kicking discussions off prior to that, the taskforce is seeking written feedback on the following via https://forms.office.com/g/RxHWr6evbt.
- Rules, Regulations and Laws
- Education and Training Support
- Scope of Practice
- Employee Wellness and Social Supports
- Leverage Technology and Innovations
Please share with others and provide any feedback by close of business on Friday, June 17. Information gathered will be shared with the task force and the public. If you have questions, please email Jonathon Field at Jonathon.Field@jfs.ohio.gov.
Black Child Development Institute offers webinar
The Black Child Development Institute - Cleveland is holding a webinar titled Black Child National Agenda: America Must Deliver on its Promise on June 9 in recognition of Black Child Development Week. The event will feature Dr. Ihoema Iruka and focus on the National Black Child Agenda and how organizations and individuals can partner and shift the trajectory for Black children to achieve positive outcomes. Learn more here.
CASA 27th Annual Celebrate Kids! Conference
Court Appointed Special Advocates 27th Annual Celebrate Kids! Conference will be held September 21 - 23 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus in downtown. Featured workshops cover topics such as bullying, human trafficking, and medical marijuana; as well as a few repeat favorites including supporting LGBTQ+ youth and a CASA Volunteer panel.
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Child Protection in the News |
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The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) condemned last night's passage in the Ohio House of HB 151 legislation that seeks to prohibit transgender students from playing sports consistent with their gender identity. The legislation, which the House passed on its last day of session until the fall, is the most recent in a long line of bills passed this year in statehouses across the country to attack and stigmatize LGBTQ+ youth, even as one recent analysis finds that more than 60% of LGBTQ+ Ohioans have suffered from depression in the past two weeks.
More than a hundred children have died while in the custody of the Ohio foster care system in the past seven years, an investigation by local news outlet 10TV found. Fifty-five of the 128 deaths occurred within agencies run by the state's three largest counties: Cuyahoga, Hamilton and Franklin - where Ma'Khia Bryant was killed last year - the report states.
Ohio's first-ever Youth and Family Ombudsmen Office began operations today. The office, a recommended in Governor Mike DeWine's Children's Services Transformation Advisory Council Final Report, is housed in the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The office consists of both a Youth Ombudsman and a Family Ombudsman, who will ensure the independent and impartial review of youth, family, and community complaints and concerns, while attempting to resolve the issues.
National Foster Care Month in May celebrates Ohioans who care for children in times of crisis, and as the calendar turns, the focus shifts to an important objective. June is National Reunification Month, which highlights bringing families back together. In 2021 about 4,500 Ohio children in the foster care system were successfully reunified with their birthparents.
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Calendar and Job Postings |
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June 9 | Rule Review Committee Meeting
June 17 | Conference 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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