New shared practice model launches

PCSAO is proud to announce the launch of PACT (Practice in Action Together), a new shared practice model developed for (and by) caseworkers, supervisors, agency leaders, families, former foster youth, academics, and other experts. First identified as a key component for modernizing Ohio’s children services agencies in December 2020, the model embodies a shared vision focused on strengthening relationships between caseworkers and families, promoting healing, and achieving equity while meeting state and federal mandates. Eight county agencies have been selected as champions for change to begin implementing PACT. Read the news release and visit our website to learn more.

ASRC reviews placement bulletin board functionality

The Automated Systems Review Committee met Jan. 24. The group of public and private agency representatives spent most of the meeting reviewing a Deloitte-developed solution for matching youth with private network foster homes and residential facilities. The solution aims to address the placement crisis by reducing the number of calls that caseworkers need to make. The bulletin board will be available within the Ohio Certification for Agencies and Families system as well as in a community portal. A new SACWIS portal into the CANS IT system, which will allow caseworkers to add the appropriate assessment to SACWIS for reimbursement, was also reviewed. Updates to the national ICPC database were also discussed. The ASRC meets next on Feb. 28, with another functionality review meeting set for March 27.

Northeast District meets

The PCSAO Northeast District met virtually on Jan. 22 and received updates from the Northeast Ohio Regional Training Center. PCSAO shared updates related to the Placement Crisis Working Group, other placement crisis efforts, and pending legislation. Trustees provided updates on recent Board actions and key discussions. County updates focused on KSI and how counties are implementing it, KGAP, children services levies, QRTPs, and placement crisis strategies. NE District will meet virtually next on April 22. 

Southeast District meets

PCSAO’s Southeast District met Jan. 22 in Athens. Members heard updates from PCSAO staff and trustees and discussed a range of issues including workforce and placement challenges. The district meets next on April 22. 

Ohio START

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.

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.



Ohio START Award nominations

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.