Board of Trustees meets

The PCSAO Board of Trustees held its first 2025 meeting virtually on Jan. 8 and welcomed three new members: Otis Crockron, Athens County Children Services; AJ Lill, Erie County JFS; and Rick Tvaroch, Mahoning County Children Services. Officers for this year include Amy Frame, Perry County JFS, President; Julie Gilbert, Butler County JFS, Vice President; Heidi Burns, Morgan County JFS, Treasurer; and Kristen Fox-Berki, Lorain County Children Services, Secretary. To view the entire Board of Trustees, click here. The Board reviewed and approved Dec. 2024 meeting minutes and Nov. 2024 financial report. The Board received Association updates pertaining to its investment, 2025 membership dues, office move, equity planning, staff changes, the 2025 communication plan, and recent orientation presentations and visits with county PCSAs. Trustees discussed possible agenda topics for the Executive Membership Meeting on Mar. 6-7 and received updates on DCY communications, the placement crisis, kinship, legislation, rules, Ohio START, PACT, Treatment Foster Care Collaborative, Fellowship Program, and Child Match. The Board of Trustees will meet virtually on Feb. 5.

Rules Committee meets

The Rules Committee met Jan. 9 and received updates from DCY on Continuous Adoption Approval and Bridges. Internally, the committee reviewed the Rules Committee roles and responsibilities and received PCSAO policy updates. The committee meets next on Feb. 6.  

OCWTP meets

The Ohio Child Welfare Training Program Steering Committee met Jan. 8. Among the updates provided: Dr. Randi Burlew and Dr. Kira Banks continue facilitating monthly race equity professional development sessions to OCWTP partners and offered their first session to trainers, coaches, and producers, “Leaning into Discomfort.” Upcoming Supervisor Summits offered by DCY's Children Services Training and Development Team are scheduled for Jan. 23 and Feb. 3. Caregiver coaches continue to work collaboratively through their Regional Training Centers with regional Child Care Resource and Referral Hubs and are meeting the needs of caregivers in their regions through individual and group coaching. The state training manager’s (OUCCAS) Substitute Care and Permanency Division is developing skill-based microlearning for Independent Living workers and Assessor populations as well as a Sexual Abuse Education learning pathway for caregivers; the first in a series of self-directed courses featuring Dr. Joseph Crumbley is available for kinship caregivers. This month’s Equity Insight discussion focused on medical racism and the need to help staff and caregivers advocate for youth in care. Finally, committee members discussed ways to meet the training needs of constituents more quickly. The next meeting will be Feb. 12.

We're hiring: PCSAO seeks Initiatives Manager

PCSAO is seeking a full-time Initiatives Manager to manage the early-stage installation and implementation efforts of COSTARS (CrOss System Technical Assistance for Retaining Staff) for Ohio START (Sobriety, Treatment, and Reducing Trauma) and PACT (Practice in Action Together). The hybrid position offers remote work opportunities while also requiring work in PCSAO’s downtown Columbus office. Review the full position description. A cover letter and resume must be submitted using this portal. 

Ohio START

Ohio START welcomes intern

Ohio START is pleased to welcome Molly Richards as the new Ohio START intern. Richards is an advanced standing MSW student at OSU having completed her BSW last year, minoring in English. Her BSW internship was completed at KIPP Columbus Elementary where she worked directly with students and staff. With experience as a research assistant, Molly will be a great asset to the Ohio START evaluation team.

Lucas County Certification

Congratulations to Lucas County Children Services on completing their certification review to become a Certified START Affiliate! Certification in the START model shows that the county is serving START clients with model fidelity which leads to better outcomes for families while keeping child safety a priority.

Save the Date: 2025 Ohio START Summit

The 2025 Ohio START Summit will take place May 13-14 at Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center near Columbus. This event brings together more than 200 caseworkers, supervisors, behavioral health providers, and family peer mentors for networking and learning how best to serve Ohio's families struggling with co-occurring child maltreatment and substance use disorder. Registration is anticipated to open in March.

Call for presenters

Ohio START is seeking proposals for unique and energizing workshops targeted towards child protection, peer support, and substance use treatment professionals. We are especially interested in workshops featuring local presenters and panel discussions. Workshops that can be offered for CEUs are preferred. The deadline to apply is Feb. 3. Apply here.