PCSAO Weekly Update: June 10, 2024

Weekly Update: June 10, 2024

Association News

Board of Trustees meet

The PCSAO Board of Trustees virtually met June 5 and approved April 2024 financial reports, the clean 2023 Audit, an alternative topic for the 2024 research brief, treatment/placement crisis priorities, and several legislative bills. Trustees reviewed and discussed the 2023 workforce survey results, plans for conference awards and the Association’s 2025-2026 strategic plan, internal operations updates, parent child legal representation, OhioRISE, and the upcoming Executive Membership Meeting. The Board will meet next in person on Aug. 7.

Rules Committee meet

The Rules Committee met June 6 and DCY staff provided updates on chapter 36 rules, the Kinship Support Program (KSP), adoption continuous certification, and adoption assistance rule packages. The committee next meets on July 11.

Community Education Committee meets

The Community Education Committee met June 7 online for its monthly meeting. PCSAO Director of Public Policy Mary Wachtel presented on pertinent policy issues, including expungement, qualified immunity, and property tax reform. Director of Ohio START Fawn Gadel provided an overview of stigmatizing language and images that should be avoided when communicating about substance use disorder and people living with SUD. The committee also discussed May’s National Foster Care Month and the new treatment foster home pilot. The next meeting will be Aug. 2.

Ohio START

Ohio START attends OACBHA conference

Ohio START thanks the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) for providing scholarships for START workers to attend their Mental Health & Addiction Conference on June 3-4. Ohio START proudly supported the conference as an exhibitor, and used the opportunity to share information about the model with attendees. During a panel discussing innovative support for behavioral health programs, DCY Director Kara Wente highlighted Ohio START for improving outcomes for both parents and children affected by child maltreatment and SUD.

Rules Update

Clearance

The following rules are open for comments until June 10:

Title IV-E Adoption Assistance rules

Filed with JCARR

The following rules were original-filed on May 31 with a hearing on July 1:

Rule 5101:2-36-01 - Intake and screening procedures for child abuse, neglect, dependency and family in need of services reports; and information and/or referral intakes
Rule 5101:2-36-02 - PCSA requirements for determining lead agency for screening and assessments/investigations
Rule 5101:2-36-03 - PCSA requirements for intra-familial child abuse and/or neglect assessment/investigations
Rule 5101:2-36-04 - PCSA requirements for conducting a specialized assessment/investigation
Rule 5101:2-36-05 - PCSA requirements for conducting stranger danger investigations
Rule 5101:2-36-06 - PCSA requirements for a deserted child assessment/investigation
Rule 5101:2-36-07 - PCSA requirement for conducting an assessment/investigation of the alleged withholding of medically indicated treatment from a disabled infant with life-threatening conditions
Rule 5101:2-36-08 - PCSA requirements for involving a third party in the assessment/investigation of a child abuse or neglect report
Rule 5101:2-36-09 - Requirements for dependent child assessments
Rule 5101:2-36-10 - PCSA requirements for responding to family in need of services reports
Rule 5101:2-36-12 - PCSA requirement for cross-referring reports of child abuse and/or neglect
Rule 5101:2-36-13 - Intrastate and interstate referral procedures for children's protective services
Rule 5101:2-36-14 - Protective service alert
Rule 5101:2-36-20 - Public children services agencies assessment requirements for child abuse and neglect reports in alternative response
Rule 5101:2-42-06 - "Agreement for Temporary Custody of Child" (JFS 01645)
Rule 5101:2-42-07 - Extension of "Agreement for Temporary Custody of Child" (JFS 01645)
Rule 5160-59-02 - OhioRISE: eligibility and enrollment
Rule 5160-59-03.3 - OhioRISE: intensive home-based treatment service

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 nominations now open

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 2.

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 May 28. To view this and previous versions of Tuesday Times, click here.

Collective focus aims to support youth through multiple systems

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Administrator Liz Ryan and Commissioner Rebecca Jones Gaston from the Administration for Children and Families' Children's Bureau issued a joint letter highlighting the challenges faced by dual system youth, and inviting child welfare and juvenile justice professionals to establish cross-systems collaborations to address their complex needs. The letter also describes the results of the OJJDP Dual System Youth Design Study which indicate that over half of the youth in the juvenile justice system have prior involvement with child welfare services.

Ohio State Fair tickets for families and youth

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth announced that Gov. DeWine’s office is providing 10,000 Ohio State Fair tickets to resource caregivers and the youth in their home, adoptive families, youth in congregate care facilities, and young adults enrolled in Bridges and their children. Resource caregivers include any licensed foster parents or approved kinship caregivers. To request tickets to the fair, families and agencies can complete this short online form: 2024 Ohio State Fair Ticket Request. The form will close June 12.

Save the date: Ohio Fatherhood Summit

Save the date for Ohio's Fatherhood Summit on Sept. 24-25 hosted by the Department of Children and Youth (DCY) and Ohio Practitioners Network for Fathers and Families (OPNFF). More information to come.

OFCA Columbus regional conference

Join Ohio Family Care Association (OFCA) on June 29 for a one-day conference dedicated to the theme of "Strengthening Families: Bridging Gaps in Policies and Practices." Delve into the heart of Ohio’s child welfare system – the policies, practices and families. Register here.

School success conference 2024

Registration is now open for the 2024 School SUCCESS Conference. Join the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention June 25-26 in Columbus for learning and collaboration. This event will provide participants with practical resources and programming ideas designed to improve the well-being of students and school staff. Learn more and register here.

Child Protection in the News

June 6 – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine bans 9 new synthetic opioids that can be ‘more potent’ than fentanyl – Cleveland Plain Dealer

Gov. Mike DeWine has issued an executive order outlawing nine new synthetic opioids that state officials say can be more potent than fentanyl.

June 6 – Two local Representatives are leading the way on a new bill to address group home issues – WGRT

State Representatives Phil Plummer and Andrea White are leading the charge on a new bill to address group home issues. The bill aims to regulate adolescent group homes and make sure proper policies are in place so the children in their care are safe, according to the Representatives.

June 6 – 'You aren't defined by your circumstances.' Foster care kids graduate high school – The Enquirer

In the front lobby of the Summit Hotel in Madisonville, Adrianna Gonzales chases her 3-year-old son while holding her 9-month-old baby. The boy is laughing and pulling at balloons that line the hotel's entrance.

June 5 – Wayne County Children Services welcomes Kress as executive director – The Daily Record

Wayne County Children Services appointed a new executive director to replace Deanna Nichols-Stika, who has decided to step down after 10 years.

June 5 – Richland County Youth and Family Council event celebrates fathers – Mansfield News Journal

Richland County Youth and Family Council, in partnership with Richland County Children Services and the City of Mansfield Parks and Recreation celebrates fathers.

May 31 – Lucas County Children Services celebrates student achievements with parade and festivities – WTOL

Cars crowded the streets surrounding the Lucas County Children Services building Friday celebrating student achievements.

May 31 – Central Ohio program addresses foster kids' mental health – WCMH

As children enter into the foster care system here in central Ohio, many of them have dealt with trauma throughout their lives. It can make adjusting to a new foster home difficult, and that's why The Buckeye Ranch developed a new program for high-risk kids.

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