Happy holidays from Ohio START! With 2023 coming to a close, we are proud to look back on all we have accomplished this year including national certification and 2 local certifications, the addition of a 6th cohort, and, above all, the difference that START has made for countless families across Ohio.
“I’m thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength.” - Alexandra Elle
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From the Field: County Highlights | |
Ottawa
In 2023, all START parents engaged in at least the first 4 treatment appointments upon entering START.
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Meigs
The Meigs County START team successfully closed 2 START cases.
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Jackson
Ashley Darling received a community award from SPARK the SUD intervention collaborative. Congratulations, Ashley!
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Ohio START Becomes First in the Nation to Achieve National Certification! | |
Gov. Mike DeWine’s office announced today that the Ohio START model is first in the nation to be nationally certified for its administration, training, technical assistance, and evaluation of the model. Since 2017, Ohio START has served more than 2,300 children and their families in 53 counties.
“Certification marks a monumental milestone, showcasing the Ohio START program's commitment to excellence in its approach, training, and support for families experiencing substance use disorders and child maltreatment,” said Kara Wente, director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. “As the first nationally certified program of its kind, it signifies a dedication to the highest standards and commitment to transforming the lives of those in need."
Certification could not have been achieved without the dedication of START teams from throughout the state. We are grateful for everyone who contributed to this important milestone!
Brown County Completes First Annual Certification Review
Brown County completed their first Annual Certification review. The review highlighted the agency’s ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for children and families affected by parental substance use and found the agency has continued to enhance services to families and strengthened their relationships with local community partners. Great work, Brown County!
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Butler County Celebrates Certification
Butler County START celebrated being the second Ohio county to achieve certification. START leadership, technical assistance consultants, and community partners gathered to acknowledge the accomplishments of Butler County START. The team is implementing the evidence-based model to fidelity and achieving positive outcomes for families affected by cooccurring child maltreatment and parental substance use disorder.
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Ohio START Legislative Briefing | |
Ohio START delivered a legislative briefing at the Ohio Statehouse to help legislators learn more about the model and it's positive impact on Ohio families struggling with SUD. Fawn Gadel, (Director of Ohio START) moderated a panel discussion featuring Cara Finney (Ongoing Services Manager, Fairfield County), Marina Pico-Herritt (Ohio START Caseworker, Fairfield County), and Laurel Ridenour (Family Peer Mentor, Medina County). The panel shared their firsthand experiences as members of START teams, underscored the model's unique approach compared to typical children services cases, and urged legislators to support Ohio START.
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Panel on Imposter Syndrome | |
During the Ohio START Consortium at Ross County Children Services, Thrive joined the START leadership team in a panel discussion on recognizing and overcoming Imposter Syndrome, a crucial topic for personal and professional growth for family peer supporters. Sarah Hayden of Thrive offered her insights on the importance of support networks and breaking the stigma, drawing from her own lived experience.
Hayden shared, "For myself, having direct support from my management team, my Thrive mentor Josh, and even my kiddos support has helped me to recognize when I need to lean into the trust of those who obviously see something in me that qualifies me for the roles I have been able to be in. I believe in breaking the stigma and using my past lived experience to help show compassion and empathy to help model recovery, and encourage both clients I have serviced and family peer mentors I work with, that our past doesn't define us, and we can grow and be successful."
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START Presents on New Marijuana Laws | |
During PCSAO's Executive Membership Meeting of PCSAO, Ohio START regional managers Jennifer Millisor and Jen McClellan delivered a training session on the relationship between substance use and child protection, particularly in the context of Ohio's recent marijuana legislation. The audience consisted of children services administrators statewide with questions regarding the potential implications of these new laws on child protection.
The training covered topics including stigma, strategies for approaching families with sensitivity, and common concerns related to parental marijuana use, such as accidental exposure to children.
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Employee Spotlight & Success Stories | |
Amanda Redfern, Richland County
As a family peer mentor (FPM), Amanda has gone above and beyond for the Ohio START initiative, working with FPMs in other counties and allowing for county to county TA and shadowing. She works hard serving families and has eagerly assisted with the onboarding and training of other FPMs.
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Success Story, Gallia County
The Gallia START team successfully closed a case this month, working with a wonderful mom who, through her sincerity and openness to help, made the process a pleasure. The mom is currently enrolled in a program to further her education. Pictured are David Leaphart (family peer mentor), Trinidy (mom), Baby Iris, and Kristin Browning (caseworker).
Share your success story to be featured in the next newsletter HERE.
Nominate an Ohio START staff member to be spotlighted HERE.
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Please share upon completion of Ohio START
You can now participate in a phone interview study about your experience. If you participate in an interview from Ohio University or Ohio State University, you will receive a $75 gift card.
Interviews can be over the phone or via video conference call.
If you are co-parenting, each parent that completes Ohio START can participate and receive a gift card. Your participation is voluntary.
To schedule an interview text or call: 740-486-0065
Each interview will last approximately 45 minutes.
Or email: OhioSTART.parentinterview@gmail.com
IRB Number: 19-F-40
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Ohio START Job Postings
Do you have an open Ohio START position? Please send the details of your open positions to christine@pcsao.org to post on the Ohio START website.
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ADAMHS Board Releases Coping with the Holidays Booklet
The Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County is offering tips on reducing extra stresses and anxiety in its annual Coping with the Holidays booklet. Coping with the Holidays offers suggestions on things like how to reduce stress, deal with loss or change and enjoy the holidays safely and on a budget. In addition, resource numbers are listed for those who find the stress of this holiday season too much to handle.
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Register for Recovery Is Beautiful Recovery Celebration
OACBHA is hosting an upcoming Recovery Celebration that will be taking place Dec. 12 at the Dwell Community Church in Columbus. During this one day event, enjoy presentations from keynote speakers, along with activities to celebrate that recovery is beautiful. Register here.
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Visit the training calendar below to register | |
Nurturing Parenting Refresher
Dec. 4 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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Trauma & Resilience: Identifying children, parents and families at risk
Dec. 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Foundations 4: START Child Welfare Practices
Dec. 8 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
Dec. 13 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
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Screening and Intervention of Substance Use Disorders (UNCOPE)
Dec. 15 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Ohio START is a program of PCSAO and an affiliate of the National START Model
Our Mission: We approach Substance Use Disorders with compassion, understanding and hope for recovery. We work as a team, supporting and holding each other accountable. We believe in family, love, equity, and redemption.
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