OAPG hears PASSS update

The Ohio Adoption Planning Group met March 19 to hear updates from PCSAO and other partners. Kinnect provided an overview of the Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy. OAPG includes public and private agency adoption recruiters and placement specialists. To learn more or join, contact Jessica Swaisgood.

Southwest District meets

The PCSAO Southwest District met March 19 and received updates from OCWTP and PCSAO. The district shared county updates focused on workforce successes and challenges, April’s Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month events, Ohio START, PACT, Ohio Fellowship Program, UPP, Treatment Foster Home Pilot, and OhioRISE. The district meets next on May 21.

Ohio START

2025 Ohio START Summit registration now open!

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. Learn more on the event website and register here by May 1. Please contact anne@pcsao.org with any questions.

Award nominations open through April 1

Each year, Ohio START recognizes agency staff and partners for their service to Ohio families. For the first time, Ohio START will also honor an Ohio START Family of the Year. Those working on START teams are encouraged to nominate outstanding Ohio START caseworkers, supervisors, family peer mentors, community partners, and families to be honored during the 2025 Ohio START Summit. See here for information about who is eligible for each award and to submit a nomination. Nominations are due April 1.

Sponsor this year's Ohio START Summit

The Ohio START Summit is a great opportunity to reach Ohio professionals serving families affected by substance use and child maltreatment. Sponsors can benefit from face-to-face networking, brand promotion, and more! Learn more about the available sponsorship levels and sign up here. Space is limited. Sponsorships will close April 14.

About this year's conference

The 2025 PCSAO Annual Conference, "45 Years of Impact: Celebrating Progress and Innovation," will take place Oct. 1-3 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton, inviting children services professionals from around Ohio for three days of learning, networking, and celebrating past accomplishments while looking ahead to the future. Please contact anne@pcsao.org with any questions.

Presenter application now open

PCSAO is now accepting presenter applications for the 2025 PCSAO Annual Conference. PCSAO is seeking unique workshops 1-3 hours in length that can be offered for social work/counselor CEUs and/or CLEs. Preview the application. Learn more and complete the application here. The deadline to apply is May 1.

Request for training topics

In order to provide the most valuable and relevant content, the PCSAO Conference Planning Committee is seeking recommendations for training topics that are not currently offered through OCWTP or easily accessible elsewhere. Your suggestions will help tailor the conference to better meet the needs of those working in the field. Submit a training idea here.