PCSAO Weekly Update: July 1, 2024

Weekly Update: July 1, 2024

Association News

ASRC reviews multiple systems

The Automated Systems Review Committee met June 26 to review a number of system updates, including Traverse user interface, SACWIS and RTIS, agency certification progress in OCAF, Child Match and the ICCA, and TEAM Ohio. ASRC meets for functionality review on July 24.

PCSAO award nominations extended through July 8

Nominations for the 2024 PCSAO youth, family, and professional awards will remain open through July 8. Each year, PCSAO recognizes and celebrates the achievements of our youth and families who have been served by Ohio’s public children services agencies, as well as the achievements of our child protection professionals who have served them. The 2024 PCSAO award winners will be announced during the conference. Learn more about the awards and complete the nomination here.

Ohio START

Panel features Family Peer Mentors

The Montgomery County START team hosted a presentation to highlight START and the unique role of Family Peer Mentors. The technical assistance consultant, Diana Hoover, provided an overview of START and facilitated the panel presentation. Current peers from Lucas (Brandi Amonette), Medina (Laurel Ridenour), and Allen (Angela Mueller) counties joined the panel and shared messages about the power of recovery.

Rules Update

Clearance

The following rules are open for comments until July 2:

Rule 5101:9-6-28 - Title IV-E funding
Rule 5101:9-6-62 - Title IV-E kinship guardianship assistance program
Rule 5101:9-6-28.2 - Kinship support intervention allocation

The following rules are open for comments until July 4:

Rule 5101:2-33-55 - Training requirements for PCSA caseworkers
Rule 5101:2-33-56 - Training requirements for PCSA caseworker supervisors

Filed with JCARR

The following rules were final-filed on June 26 with an effective date of July 15:

Rule 5101:2-7-14 - Required notification
Rule 5101:2-42-66 - Administrative procedures for comprehensive health care for children in placement
Rule 5101:2-42-66.2 - Documentation of comprehensive health care for children in placement

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.

Become a sponsor

The 2024 PCSAO Annual Conference is an exciting opportunity to network with more than 500 children services professionals. Learn more and sign up as a conference sponsor on our event website.

Sponsor benefits include:

Face-to-face networking and exhibitor table
Organizational logo included in conference materials
On-site sponsorship recognition
Publicity on PCSAO’s website

Award nomination deadline extended to July 8

Each year, PCSAO recognizes and celebrates the achievements of our youth and families who have been served by Ohio’s public children services agencies, as well as the achievements of our child protection professionals who have served them. The 2024 PCSAO award winners will be announced during the conference. Learn more about the awards and complete the nomination here. Nominations are due July 8.

Resources and Clips

Resources and Opportunities

DCY Tuesday Times

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth shared updates and other pertinent information pertaining to children services and other program areas on June 25. To view this and previous versions of Tuesday Times, click here.

The 2024 International Virtual Conference: A Call to Action to Change Child Welfare expects to draw 2,000 participants from 25 countries on Oct. 7-10 as part of a growing global movement to bring radical and lasting change to the way child welfare systems work. Choose from more than 200+ sessions, including a presentation by PCSAO's Mike Kenney and Lara LaRoche about Ohio's Children Services Shared Practice Model, PACT. Learn more about the conference and register here.

HPIO brief summarizes information from Ohio ACEs Impact Project

The Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) released a new brief titled, "Taking Action to Prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Ohio." The brief is a summary of the information and resources available through HPIO’s Ohio ACEs Impact Project and includes guidance for local and state partners working to elevate ACEs prevention policies or program interventions.

Child Protection in the News

June 27 – Logan County Children Services Board appoints new Executive Director – Peak of Ohio

Logan County Children Services Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Erica James as the new Executive Director, succeeding Melanie Engle, who resigned in March after 20 years of dedicated service.

June 25 – I n-depth with Mahoning County Children Services Director – WKBN

The Executive Director of Mahoning County Children Services Board, Richard Tvorach, says that many people in the community do not realize how many children are placed in the agency's care. Tvorach said there are currently 251 children placed in the agency's custody in foster care, so 251 kids need placement. "And often what happens, those homes who are so gracious with their time, they fill up and we need more homes. So we're in constant need of more loving families to care for our community's children," he said.

June 24 – How you can advocate for LGBTQIA+ youths in Summit County foster care – Akron Beacon Journal

The summer of 1969 and the Stonewall Uprising forever cemented Pride into American tradition. Each June, Pride month is celebrated across the country by the LGBTQIA community.

June 22 – Richland County Children Services celebrates high school graduates in their care – Mansfield News Journal

Six students in the care of Richland County Children Services had a special graduation celebration. Five of the six students were able to attend the ceremony, complete with food, family members, cake and presents as children services staff stopped by to congratulate them.

Calendar and Job Postings