Weekly Update: June 21, 2021 |
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Race, equity learning series explores terminology
In the second training in PCSAO's Race, Equity and Inclusion Learning Series June 15, children services leaders identified a shared language around equity concepts, including anti-Black racism, color-blind ideology, othering and microaggressions. Facilitated breakout sessions helped participants consider how to have difficult conversations about race with staff. A follow-up reflection session will take place July 20, and the next training, "History of Racism in Children Services," will be Aug. 17. The training is led by the Center for the Study of Social Policy with generous support from Casey Family Programs.
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Come work with us!
Ohio START is seeking a regional manager to assist with management and implementation of our program, focused on the development and oversight of technical assistance in a specified region of the state. Read more and apply here.
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Presenter applications open
PCSAO is planning its 36th annual conference, "Facing the Future Together: Our World, Our Commitment," for Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at the DoubleTree Worthington. You are invited to submit the application below by July 2 if you would like to be a presenter at our conference. Presenters at PCSAO's conference are volunteers; there is no compensation. If you would like to preview the application to see the pieces of information required to complete it, download an example here. You will need to download this template and upload it with your application. When you are ready, submit your application here by the July 2 deadline.
Become conference sponsor, exhibitor
The PCSAO annual conference is an opportunity to reach more than 500 children services professionals across the state. The audience includes child protection caseworkers, supervisors, administrators, attorneys, directors, students and advocates. As a sponsor, you will benefit from face-to-face networking, organization logo included in conference material, on-site sponsorship recognition and publicity on PCSAO’s website. Exhibitor tables may be limited in number depending on health measures in effect at the time of the conference. Become a sponsor here.
Nominate professionals, youth, families for our annual awards
Many youth served by Ohio's child protection system have done wonderful things with their lives. They have broken generational cycles of abuse, gone on to jobs or college, become successful parents or contributed to their communities in meaningful ways. Do you know young people who fit that description? Nominate them for our Rising Up and Moving On Award.
PCSAO wants to recognize families who stand out within the children services system, including
birth families who have stayed together or been reunified, as well as kinship, foster, or adoptive families who opened their homes. Do you know families whose accomplishments and hard work deserve recognition? Nominate them for Family of the Year.
Each year, PCSAO also recognizes the achievement of professionals who serve Ohio’s public children services agencies. Do you know a child protection caseworker, support staff, or supervisor whose accomplishments and hard work deserve recognition? Nominate a staff member here.
All nominations must be submitted by July 2.
Thanks to our World Champion Sponsor
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Clearance: As of June 18, no children services-related rules are in clearance.
JCARR: The following rules have been filed with JCARR:
The following rules have been final-filed with an effective date of July 1:
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5101:2-47-07, Notice of right to a hearing for foster care maintenance.
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5101:2-42-18, PCSA and PCPA approval of placements with relative and nonrelative substitute caregivers.
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5101:5-1-01, Regional prevention council operation and regional prevention council member duties.
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5101:5-1-02, Regional prevention coordinator duties and selection process.
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5101:5-1-03, Boards of county commissioners appointing of regional prevention council members.
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5101:5-1-04, Regional prevention council designations.
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One-third of Cuyahoga foster youth identify as LGBTQ+
The Institute for Innovation & Implementation has published The Cuyahoga Youth Count: A Report on LGBTQ+ Youth Experience in Foster Care. The study found that 32 percent of youth in Cuyahoga County’s foster care system identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+), compared to 9.2 percent of all youth nationwide age 13-17. The study also found that LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk for substance abuse, placement instability, and adverse physical and mental health conditions. Intersectionality was also indicated, as the majority of youth who participated in the study identified as Black/African American (53.3 percent) or multiracial or another race (31.1 percent). This report is one of the first of its kind to be conducted in a Midwestern state, where available data on LGBTQ+ youth is limited. It follows similar studies in New York City and Los Angeles showing equally high representation of youth with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) in foster care. Together these studies provide evidence that in the middle of the country, as well as in large urban areas, a greater proportion of LGBTQ+ youth are represented in foster care than in the general population. Learn more about Cuyahoga's partnership with Kinnect for the Chosen Affirming Family Program. and check out these resources from the Children's Bureau to support LGBTQ+ foster youth during Pride Month.
Quarterly training scheduled for Plans of Safe Care
The Governor's Children's Initiative will hold four virtual trainings over the next year following this month's kickoff of the Pathways to Community Plans of Safe Care. Training is focused on implementation of the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act and will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. on July 15 and Oct. 14, 2021, and on Jan. 13 and April 14, 2022. Topics include building community collaboratives, family-centered practice, Plan of Safe Care innovations, lessons learned and sustainbility. Learn more and register here.
Supreme Court releases toolkit on quality hearings in children services
The Ohio Supreme Court recently published a toolkit dedicated to quality hearings, judicial proceedings predicated on increased involvement and buy-in from parents separated from their children. The process is based on the idea that greater interaction will lead to local courts gathering more of the necessary information in abuse, neglect, and dependency cases. Quality hearing components include the active presence and participation by key parties, engagement of parents and youth, a discussion of key topics, and oral findings being made on the record. Within the toolkit is a judicial bench guide highlighting the points of emphasis throughout the hearing that examine the dynamics of each case, such as the family profile, the child’s educational status, parental employment, and details of the child’s placement. As part of the process, the hearings provide children, parents, foster parents, caregivers, and kin the opportunity to address their needs and concerns as well as make sure they understand the courses of action. See also the news item below.
June is Reunification Month
Successful partnerships between caseworkers and parents make all the difference when trying to reunify families. Take the time this month to explore the Children's Bureau's collection of resources on reunification. You can find information to help parents with substance use issues, who are incarcerated, and who are affected by other barriers. By engaging parents and making sure families have the resources they need, children services agencies can help families get back together sooner. Learn more.
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Child Protection in the News |
The Supreme Court on Thursday said that Philadelphia violated the First Amendment when it froze the contract of a Catholic foster care agency that refused to work with same-sex couples as potential foster parents because the agency believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman. See also: The Imprint.
In the two months that followed a Columbus police officer fatally shooting 16-year old Ma'Khia Bryant, opinions have varied over the same 11 seconds of video. Some see Columbus Police Officer Nick Reardon using deadly force to respond to a threat as Ma'khia Bryant is seen holding knife in a confrontation with others. Others see the same video much differently - as the adultification of a young Black girl who was killed unnecessarily by law enforcement. Separate investigations into the deadly use of force and Ma'Khia Bryant's experience in the foster care system are underway. And earlier this month, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), along with Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to take a deeper dive into the foster care system.
Ohio courts have a new aid to develop better engagement with parents and children in child abuse, neglect, and dependency cases for the purpose of reuniting more families.
In Ohio, so-called kinship care providers are compensated at a much lower level and for shorter periods than professional foster parents. Recent legislation to boost kinship pay isn’t enough, advocates say.
Two more children were placed in the custody of Highland County Children Services for one year Tuesday morning, after a hearing in Highland County Juvenile Court.
Danny Brenneman, director of Coshocton County Job and Family Services, said he's encouraged by additional state funding earmarked for children services, but more will be needed to meet new state and federal mandates. Recently, an omnibus amendment was introduced in the Ohio State Senate with several provisions, including $10 million for child welfare needs and an additional $10 million for kinship placements. Brenneman said Coshocton County should receive $50,000 to $60,000 from each funding allocation if approved.
Each spring, Lucas County Children Services recognizes its teens who are graduating from high school or a GED program.
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Calendar and Job Postings |
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June 21 | Legislative Committee Meeting
June 23-24 | Executive Membership Meeting
Note: Some meetings will be held via web meeting 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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