PCSAO Weekly Update: January 22, 2024

Weekly Update: January 22, 2024

Association News

Northwest District meets

The PCSAO Northwest District met Jan. 18 to hear updates on the Allen County housing project and the Wood County fellowship project. Discussion focused on workforce, civil right training and guidance, children in residential care, OhioRISE, and the eclipse in April. The meeting wrapped up with updates from PCSAO trustees and staff before transitioning to the OJFSDA district meeting. The NW district meets next on April 18.

Southwest District meets

The PCSAO Southwest District met on Jan. 17 and shared county updates related to ongoing placement challenges, some recent workforce retention successes and ongoing recruitment challenges, Ohio START, and many in the midst of CPOE reviews. Trustees provided updates on recent Board actions and key discussions. PCSAO shared updates related to the Placement Crisis Working Group, other placement crisis efforts, and pending legislation. The SW District meets next on March 20.

East Central District meets

The PCSAO East Central District met virtually due to weather on Jan. 19 and received OCWTP updates from their Regional Training Center. Trustees provided updates on recent Board actions and key discussions. PCSAO shared updates related to the Placement Crisis Working Group, other placement crisis efforts, and pending legislation. County updates were shared related to placement challenges, workforce successes and ongoing challenges, and OhioRISE. The EC District meets next on April 19.

Conference Committee meets

The PCSAO Conference Planning Committee met virtually on Jan. 19 to select a theme for the 2024 PCSAO Annual Conference and to brainstorm potential speakers and workshop topics. The committee will meet next on Feb. 16. If you are interested in joining the Conference Planning Committee, please contact anne@pcsao.org.

Ohio START

Ohio START Award nominations open

Nominations are now 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.

Call for presenters

Ohio START is seeking proposals for unique and energizing workshops targeted towards child protection, peer support, and substance use treatment professionals for the 2024 Ohio START Summit. Workshops that are 1-1.5 hours in length and can be offered for CEUs are preferred. Local presenters and panel discussions will be given special consideration. The deadline to apply is Feb. 12. Apply here.

Save the date: 2024 Ohio START Annual Summit, May 2

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.

Rules Update

Clearance

As of Jan. 19, there are no children services-related rules in clearance.

Filed with JCARR

The following rule was original-filed on Jan. 17 with a hearing on Feb. 21:

Rule 5101:2-44-14 - State adoption assistance loan fund.

Resources and Clips

Resources and Opportunities

JFSHRA Human Resources Bootcamp

The Job and Family Services Human Resources Association (JFSHRA) Board's one-day training on March 7 will provide an opportunity for HR professionals and agency supervisors to return to the basics, including FMLA, ADA and how to address underperforming employees, exchange ideas, and network with peers. The bootcamp will be capped at 160 participants and cost $25 per person to cover the provided lunch. Register here.

OHPELRA Annual Training Conference

The Ohio Public Employer Labor Relations Association's 40^th Annual training conference is Jan. 28-30 at the Hilton-Polaris. Register here.

2024 OFCA conferences

Ohio Family Care Association (OFCA) will hold three conferences across Ohio in 2024. Join OFCA at the Cincinnati Regional Conference for a day of support, training, and advocacy on March 9. Register here.

Child Protection in the News

Jan. 19 – Republican proposal would block ‘replacement’ levies used by schools, libraries – Cleveland.com

A bill from two Ohio House Republicans would block local governments from proposing “replacement” levies that are typically used to fund operations at townships, schools, libraries, and mental health and addiction services boards, Cleveland.com reports. “Replacement” levies are one of a few options local governments have when an existing levy runs out.

Jan. 16 – Perry County Children Services breaks stigma with school outreach program –

WHIZ

A school outreach program in Perry County is looking to help families break the stigma of Children Services. Over the last year the Perry County Children Services have partnered with the 4 school districts within the county to have a Child Welfare Case worker at each elementary school. Amy Frame, the Director of the Perry County Children Services, said these case workers will be focusing on prevention work. "We wanted to drop some of those barriers for families," Frame said. "Increase communication with the schools and families and also work towards that stigma that's often associated with Child Services."

Calendar and Job Postings