New Execs Orientation offers learning for new agency leaders

PCSAO’s annual New Executives Orientation welcomed 25 PCSA and JFS directors and other senior leaders April 25-26. Panel presentations focused on leadership and culture, building effective agencies, fiscal management, and policy advocacy. Partners from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth and fellow human services associations joined as well. PCSAO congratulates all of the new county leaders!

ASRC plans for upcoming system improvements

The Automated Systems Review Committee met April 24 to review system priorities for next year, plan for data quality, and learn about updates to the placement location solution. Volunteers will be sought for a separate but related data quality workgroup. ASRC meets next on May 22.

NE District meets

The Northeast District met online April 22 and welcomed Marti Taylor, the new CEO of OhioRISE at Aetna, to discuss services, capacity, and child welfare-involved youth with developmental disabilities. Updates from the Northeast Ohio Regional Training Center and PCSAO followed, along with discussion on the tiered foster care pilot and county updates. The district next meets July 22.

SE District meets

The Southeast District met April 22 and received updates from PCSAO staff and Trustees. The district discussed a variety of topics including child abuse prevention month activities, fellowship program, staffing updates, background checks, car insurance, court items, youth transitioning, OhioRISE, and placement challenges. The district will meet next on July 22.

EC District meets

The East Central District met on April 19. Brian Wear and Jennifer Atkinson discussed recent and upcoming trainings sponsored by the East Central Ohio Regional Training Center. Other agenda items included Trustees updates, PCSAO updates, district plans for the tiered foster care pilot grant opportunity, the ongoing placement crisis, and the challenges of continuing to have to place youth in PCSA custody out of state. Jed McCoy, Coshocton County JFS Director, was elected to PCSAO Board of Trustees, replacing Deanna Nichols-Stika who is leaving Wayne County CSB in May.  

Ohio START

Ohio START Summit is just around the corner!

The Ohio START Summit is this week and more than 200 Ohio START staff from across the state will come to Central Ohio for a day of learning and networking. This year we are excited about the engaging workshops, the Ohio START fatherhood panel, and the 2^nd annual staff awards! For more information about the Summit, visit the event website. Please contact anne@pcsao.org with any questions.

Ohio START regional manager presents in Nashville

Ohio START Regional Manager, Jen McClellan, attended ResilienceCon in Nashville, Tennessee to co-presented recent Ohio START research with evaluation partners from the Ohio State University.

Annual Conference

Save the date: 2024 PCSAO Annual Conference Sept. 9-11

The 2024 PCSAO Annual Conference, taking place Sept. 9-11 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton, is an exciting opportunity to share best practices, connect with colleagues, and be inspired to continue this important work. The conference draws more than 500 child protection professionals from around Ohio including caseworkers, supervisors, administrators, clinicians, attorneys, and advocates. In recognition of Child Welfare Worker Appreciation Week, this year's theme is "This Is Us: The Child Protection Team." Visit our conference webpage to learn more. Contact anne@pcsao.org with any questions.

Presenter application closing soon!

PCSAO is now accepting workshop proposals for our annual conference. Unique workshops that can be offered for CEU and CLE credits will be prioritized. Special consideration will also be given to workshops presented by staff of Ohio’s public children services agencies and workshops that have a DEI lens. Complete the presenter application here. Applications are due May 1.