PCSAO Weekly Update: June 17, 2024

Weekly Update: June 17, 2024

Association News

JFS HRA explores staff support options

The Job & Family Services Human Resources Association met June 11 with special guest Andrew Esposito of Clemans Nelson & Associates. He presented strategies for managing leave usage. Association reports included results of PCSAO’s workforce survey. The next meeting will be in person Sept. 10.

OCWTP meets

Following orientation for new Regional Training Center staff on June 10, the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program State Steering Committee met June 12. Co-chair and DCY Project Manager Tina Krueger shared that the contract for virtual reality headsets will end June 30 and that the department is working to secure a new contract as quickly as possible; questions can be directed to OFCTraining@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov. In addition to other reports and updates, the committee engaged in a facilitated discussion on equity and training, discussed producer responsibilities, and reviewed new videos available. The next meeting will be Aug. 14.

Rules Update

Clearance

The following rules are open for comments until June 18:

Rule 5101:2-49-03 - Special needs criteria for Title IV-E adoption assistance
Rule 5101:2-49-10 - Title IV-E adoption assistance (AA) ongoing verification
Rule 5101:2-49-11 - Suspension of Title IV-E adoption assistance payment
Rule 5101:2-49-13 -Termination of Title IV-E adoption assistance
Rule 5101:2-49-25 - Qualified and disqualified alien eligibility for Title IV-E adoption assistance

The following rules are open for comments until June 21:

Rule 5101:2-49-04 - Requirement for Title IV-E adoption assistance past age eighteen
Rule 5101:2-49-09 - Title IV-E adoption assistance post-finalization application
Rule 5101:2-49-09.1 - Title IV-E adoption assistance retroactive payment process
Rule 5101:2-49-12 - Amendment of the Title IV-E adoption assistance agreement

Filed with JCARR

As of June 14, there are no children services-related rules filed with JCARR.

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 June 11. 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.

HPIO issues brief summarizing 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 13 – Local rep's $35 million infant, maternal health bill passes Ohio House – Springfield News

A sweeping, locally-sponsored bill aiming to improve the health of Ohio infants and mothers moved one step closer to becoming law with a 72-19 vote on the House floor.

June 12 – Couple fights back after they say misdiagnosis led to child abuse allegations – WEWS

Chad and Valerie Linzey say their world turned upside down earlier this year when they took their baby, Lux, to the emergency room. "I think the worst thing besides going to the ER wondering if something is wrong with my child is having a complete stranger come into your home and tell you they're filing for emergency custody over your children," said Valerie.

June 11 – Ohio overdose deaths dropped in 2023 after recent high during COVID-19 pandemic: What to know – Springfield News Sun

The number of U.S. fatal overdoses fell last year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Agency officials noted the data is provisional and could change after more analysis, but that they still expect a drop when the final counts are in. It would be only the second annual decline since the current national drug death epidemic began more than three decades ago.

June 10 – Author's fiction depicts stories of children in Lucas County courts – Toledo Blade

Drug addiction, child abuse, mental illness, human trafficking, teen suicide, and childhood trauma are all things author Keith Julius has dealt with as volunteer for children services in Lucas County.

June 9 – Court Appointed Special Advocates program helps abused, neglected kids in Stark, Carroll – Canton Repository

The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, now in its 41st year, has 35 volunteers who serve as the voice for children when their cases go to court.

June 8 – 'Evocative and uplifting': Traveling mural show helps domestic violence victims heal – Mansfield News Journal

The Richland County Domestic Violence Shelter is hosting a traveling mural show called “Painting for Prevention.” The show features artwork panels that are 4 feet by 8 feet that are created by local artists and intended to convey themes of comfort, understanding and hope.

June 7 – ACCS mural revealed on Friday – The Athens Messenger

After weeks of anticipation and progress, the Athens County Children's Services (ACCS) hosted a ribbon cutting for the new 4500 square foot mural.

Calendar and Job Postings