Public Children Services Association of Ohio

We were delighted to host State Representative Sims at Summit County Children Services today! She participated in a ride-along with one of our caseworkers, gaining valuable perspective on the day-to-day challenges and rewards of child welfare work. We appreciate Rep. Sims’ commitment to supporting the needs of children and families in Summit County and her dedication to public service. Thank you, Rep. Sims, for your partnership and advocacy! #SummitCounty #ChildWelfare #CommunitySupport #PublicService #Akron #Ohio

We are thrilled to share the latest podcast episode of the 3,000 Good Things which features Neil McNeil and his transformative journey from a difficult childhood to becoming a dedicated father. Earlier this year, PCSAO recognized the McNeil family of Summit County with the 2024 PCSAO Family of the Year Award. Search 3,000 Good Things on Spotify to listen! https://lnkd.in/gyx5sUpc

Ohio START proudly reached a new milestone this month, having served more than 2,500 children since the program was first implemented in 2017. Ohio START has expanded to 56 counties across the state, offering compassion and support to nearly 1,500 families affected by substance use disorder.

This week's episode of 3,000 Good Things explores the importance of brain science, the dynamics of intimate partner violence, family search and engagement, and the need for permanency for teens. Podcast guest Johanna shares strategies and the necessity of open-mindedness in the field, highlighting that this is the BEST time ever to work in child welfare. Search 3,000 Good Things on Spotify to listen!

November is #NationalAdoptionMonth! This year's theme, "Honoring Youth: Strengthening Pathways for Lasting Bonds," is a reminder of the importance of fostering supportive, identity-affirming connections for youth in care and recruiting families that reflect their backgrounds and needs. National Adoption Month Resources: https://lnkd.in/gsF8KVDy

Last month, PCSAO proudly recognized the Northwest Treatment Foster Care Collaborative as the 2024 PCSAO Child and Family Advocate of the Year! The Northwest Treatment Foster Care Collaborative includes Sandusky County Department of Job and Family Services, Wyandot County Department of Job and Family Services, Ottawa County Department of Job and Family Services, Seneca County Job and Family Services, along with the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board for those four counties. This partnership of county agencies banded together to develop a program that would benefit children with complex needs, their families as the children would be placed closer to home, and foster families who were willing to take on the challenge and provide a loving, nurturing home. This program has now become the model for a new statewide pilot program being funded by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. Today, we have 10 clusters consisting of 30 counties adopting this exciting approach as a solution to reducing residential placement, improving birth and foster family relationships, increasing reunifications, and controlling costs.

We are excited to announce that Christine Y. Morris has been promoted to PCSAO’s Ohio START Regional Manager! In this role, Christine will help lead technical assistance for counties implementing Ohio START, as well as manage Ohio START grants and review evaluation data to ensure Ohio START continues to meet state-level certification and Family First requirements for prevention services while meeting the needs of Ohio START counties. Congratulations, Christine!

New Episode! Season 1, Episode 7 Meet Quatada, an Associate Director with over a decade of supervision experience. Join Mike, Ashley, and Quatada as they delve into the philosophy of supervision in child welfare. They highlight the importance of accountability, growth in leadership, and the distinction between constructive feedback and criticism. The conversation also covers the impact of support on professional development, the significance of leadership styles, the value of vulnerability in leadership, and practical advice for workers in the field. Click here to listen: https://lnkd.in/dUWJX4QW #goodthings #childwelfare #effectivesupervision

Last month, PCSAO proudly recognized Quay Diane Compton of Stark County Job and Family Services as the 2024 PCSAO Child Protection Support Advocate of the Year! Quay Diane Compton has worked for more than 23 years making sure families are seen, heard, and respected. Diane has served as Legal Counsel for Children Services, Staff Attorney Supervisor and currently as Chief Legal Counsel at Stark County JFS. Her compassion and empathy allow her to recognize the impact that poverty, addiction, and mental illness have on the community and families. She is known for her understanding of the law and has a reputation as an advocate for children. Quay is a trusted member of the leadership team at Stark County JFS, navigating sensitive situations with tact and continually finding ways to improve the work environment. She recognizes that a simple “thank you” or show of gratitude with a cookie can make a person’s day. Ask anyone—her cookie treats are legendary!

Today is World Mental Health Day, and this year's theme is Mental Health at Work. Our children services workers give their all to safeguard children, and their well-being is crucial to the life-changing work they do. #WorldMentalHealthDay