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Weekly Update: February 20, 2024

Association News

OCWTP meets

The Ohio Child Welfare Training Program State Steering Committee met Feb. 14. Updates were provided by OhioDCY, PCSAO, the Regional Training Center directors, and the contract manager, OUCCAS. Discussion focused on ensuring appropriate credit for self-directed courses, race equity work, and two-trainer payments for certain training. New Transfer of Learning resources are in the works, and new guidelines for missed class time were approved. The committee meets next on March 13.


Metro leaders meet

Directors and senior leaders from metro agencies met Feb. 15. Discussion focused on OhioRISE as well as the new Cuyahoga wellness campus and similar efforts in other counties. The group also discussed QRTP issues in preparation for an upcoming meeting. The next metro leaders meeting will be May 16.


Conference Committee meets

The PCSAO Conference Planning Committee met Feb. 16 to review logo designs for this year's conference and brainstorm workshop ideas in anticipation of opening presenter applications next month. The committee meets next on April 19. If you are interested helping plan the conference and would like to join the committee, please email anne@pcsao.org.

Ohio START

Study shows positive shifts for START parents

"I never realized how many people was in my corner until I actually started this program," said a parent who was interviewed as part of a recent study examining the impact of Ohio START. The study, co-authored by Jen McClellan, Ohio START Regional Manager, found positive shifts in parenting attitudes and practice among participants of Ohio START. Parents reported improved emotional regulation, financial stability, and engagement with their children after completing the program. Read the report to learn more.


One-pager answers common voting questions

To celebrate Presidents' Day, Ohio START is highlighting the importance of voting. Voting is not just a right; it is also a responsibility. It is how we, as citizens, participate in the decision-making process of our country and have a say in the direction it takes. It is our duty to exercise this right and make informed decisions about the people and policies that will shape our future. Ohio START has created a one-page document titled Your Vote is Your Voice which highlights important voting information in Ohio including documents needed to register, eligibility to vote, polling locations, and more.


Save the date: 2024 Ohio START Annual Summit

The 2024 Ohio START Summit will take place May 2 at Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center near Columbus. This event brings together caseworkers, supervisors, behavioral health providers, and family peer mentors for a day of 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. Please contact anne@pcsao.org with any questions.


Sponsorships open for 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 benefit from face-to-face networking, brand promotion, and more! Learn more and sign up to be a sponsor on the 2024 Ohio START Summit event website. Sponsorships will close March 28.


Ohio START Award nominations

Nominations are open for the 2024 Ohio START Awards. Awards will be presented May 2 at the Ohio START Summit to agency staff and partners for their outstanding service to Ohio families. Nominations for the Ohio START Caseworker, Supervisor, Family Peer Mentor, and Partner of the Year are due March 4. Learn more and complete the nomination here.

Rules Update

Clearance

As of Feb. 16, there are no children services-related rules in clearance.


Filed with JCARR

As of Feb. 16, there are no children services-related rules filed with JCARR.

Resources and Clips

Resources and Opportunities

OhioDCY children services updates 

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (ODCY) is interested in understanding the community's experience with post permanency services and supports. Take a few minutes to complete this Post Permanency Service Needs Survey and share the link with colleagues, agencies, as well as kinship, foster, and adoptive families. For any survey-related inquiries, please reach out to Veronica Burroughs at veronica.burroughs@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov.


DCY updates and guidance letters:



OCA Annual Spring Conference

Ohio Children's Alliance (OCA) is holding its 48th Annual Spring Conference April 15-16 at COSI in Columbus. Featuring keynote speakers Dr. Bruce Perry and Becky Haas, this event offers more than 20 workshops and the opportunity to earn CEUs. Registration is open through April 3.

Child Protection in the News

Feb. 16 – Expanded child tax credit could be in place quickly if passed by Congress, IRS chief says – Ohio Capital Journal

Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Danny Werfel told lawmakers on Capitol Hill Thursday that his agency is “poised to move quickly” on a bipartisan tax bill that would temporarily expand the child tax credit and revive several corporate tax breaks.

 

Feb. 15 – Brown announces new bill to aid in fentanyl prevention – Lima News

U.S. Senator Sherron Brown (D-OH) announced a new bill to aid in preventing fentanyl from “getting in communities.” According to a recent press release, the goal of the bill is to target the illicit fentanyl supply chain.

 

Feb. 15 – Clark County stable to launch program matching kids with mentor, horse – Springfield News-Sun

Situated on eight acres on Folk Ream Road in Clark County, Autumn Trails Stable (ATS) offers more than just “pony rides.” The equine-assisted service center, established in 2016, serves children and adults with developmental disabilities or who are experiencing life challenges.

 

Feb. 15 – Dayton group donates 500 teddy bears for kids in care of Children Services – Dayton Daily News

The National Council of Negro Women’s Dayton Section donated almost 500 teddy bears to Montgomery County Children Services, to be given to children in the agency’s care.

 

Feb. 13 – Ohio invests in juvenile detention center safety and trauma-informed care (includes video) – BNN

In an era where the welfare of our children is paramount, the Ohio Department of Youth Services Juvenile Correctional Building Fund has stepped up to address the pressing needs of its juvenile detention centers.

 

Feb. 13 – New Ohio department's first goals center around infant mortality, child welfare – States Newsroom

A representative from Ohio's new Department of Children and Youth set out their initial goals in conjunction with an advocacy group's push to reduce incarcerated parents and the impact that has on children. Kim Kehl, a project manager for trauma-informed care services with the department, said their early aims focus on reducing infant mortality, reducing learning gaps, and reducing involvement with child welfare.

 

Feb. 12 – Fairfield County joins new model to improve child protective services – The Scioto Post

In a move to modernize its approach to child welfare, Fairfield County Job and Family Services – Protective Services has joined a new statewide initiative called Practice in Action Together (PACT). This innovative model aims to strengthen relationships between families and caseworkers, ultimately leading to better outcomes for children.

 

Feb. 9 – RCCS, Mansfield United Lions Club annual Valentine’s Card Drive collects 8,000+ items – Richland Source

Richland County Children Services (RCCS) and the Mansfield United Lions Club’s Valentine Card Drive has surpassed last year’s total of 4,700 items with this year’s collection of 8,156 items. This marks the second year for the project that was created to show foster youths love with Valentine’s Day cards.

 

Feb. 9 – Trumbull County Children Services under new leadership – WKBN

Timothy Schaffner spent almost 12 years at the agency. He spent 49 years overall working in mental health and child welfare. He plans to spend time with his children, travel, plus continue with his hobbies and board work in retirement.

Calendar and Job Postings

Feb. 26 | Legislative Committee Meeting

Feb. 29-March 1 | Executive Membership Meeting


Note: Some meetings are being held via web and others in-person.


View the full calendar for details.

Looking for a career in child protection? Or a new position to challenge yourself? 


Check out the latest job openings in child protection at PCSAO.


New OMJ landing page for children services jobs!

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