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February is Black History Month! It is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse contributions of the Black community throughout our history. This month and every month, Ohio START is committed to creating a more equitable future for all Ohio families.
"In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute." —Thurgood Marshall, first African American U.S. Supreme Court member
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From the Field: County Highlights | |
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Summit
Tracy Mayfield of Summit County is a new member of the Ohio START Leadership Committee
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Coshocton
Coshocton exceeded their goals for 2023 by accepting 6 new START cases and onboarding a new FPM
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Huron
Huron County has accepted their first START case
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2024 Ohio START Summit
May 2, 2024
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Save the Date!
The 2024 Ohio START Summit will take place May 2 at Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center near Columbus. This event brings together more than 200 caseworkers, supervisors, behavioral health providers, and family peer mentors for a day of networking and learning how best to serve Ohio's families struggling with co-occurring child maltreatment and substance use disorder. Registration is anticipated to open in March.
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Presenter Application Deadline Extended
Ohio START is seeking proposals for unique and energizing workshops targeted towards child protection, peer support, and substance use treatment professionals. We are especially interested in workshops featuring local presenters and panel discussions. 1-1.5 hours workshops that can be offered for CEUs are preferred. The deadline to apply has been extended to Feb. 19. Apply here.
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Award Nominations
Nominations are now open for the 2024 Ohio START Awards! Awards will be presented May 2 at the Ohio START Summit to agency staff and partners for their outstanding service to Ohio families. Nominations for the Ohio START Caseworker, Supervisor, Family Peer Mentor, and Partner of the Year are due March 4. Learn more and complete the nomination here.
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Fairfield County Celebrates Certification | |
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Fairfield County START celebrated being the fourth Ohio county to achieve certification. START leadership, technical assistance consultants, and community partners gathered to acknowledge the accomplishments of Fairfield 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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Study Shows Positive Impact of START | |
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Jen McClellan, Ohio START Regional Manager, co-authored a recent research article examining the impact of Ohio START. The study found positive shifts in parenting attitudes and practice among participants of Ohio START. These exciting findings demonstrate the importance of the model and support for its further expansion across the state.
Read the article here.
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Trumbull County Success Story
Meet Karen, a graduate of Ohio START in Trumbull County, and an outstanding example of strength and resiliency. Karen's struggle with substance use led to her daughter, Ava, being safety planned with relatives. Despite initial attempts at treatment, Karen returned to use. She avoided contact with the agency for a while, but once her START caseworker and family peer mentor were able to track her down, she admitted she needed help and agreed to give recovery services another chance. She dedicated herself to her treatment plan with an open mind and a willingness that changed everything. It was evident that she truly came to believe in her own recovery and in herself.
With the help of her treatment team, Karen went on to secure sober housing and employment while rebuilding relationships with her loved ones. Ava is thriving in school and at home, thanks to Karen's hard work and dedication to recovery. The START team is proud to have been a part of Karen's journey and has high hopes for her and her family's future!
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Sandusky County Success Story
Sandusky County START is celebrating their second START completion since the county began implementing the model in 2022! Congratulations to the family, pictured here with their START caseworker, Alicia, and family peer mentor, Rachel.
Share your success story to be featured in the next newsletter here.
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Joe Staudt, Warren County
Joe has been a START caseworker with Warren County Children Survives for the last year. He does a great job with the clients as he advocates for family unity and helps the family to rebuild their lives. He goes above and beyond to make sure that the needs of his clients are met to the best of his ability. Joe's heart is truly something to be admired.
Faith Hale, Jackson County
Faith has adjusted well at being Jackson County's full time peer. She advocates for her clients and is there to support them in any aspect of their recovery and life. The families she works with have given nothing but positive feedback. They state Faith is amazing and is always there for them no matter what situation they are dealing with. Faith asks questions and is always wanting to learn. She is such a team player and a joy to work with!
Nominate an Ohio START staff member to be spotlighted here.
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Needs Portal resources are available online!
The Needs Portal team has put together many of great resources that are available on demand and online. The team has set up a YouTube page with many helpful videos on commonly ask questions and issues. Also, the Needs Portal FAQ page houses the Needs Portal User Manual, PPT slide deck and answers many commonly asked questions. If you need additional assistance, you can attend the monthly drop-in Needs Portal Office Hours which are open to everyone. These meetings occur on the 4th Monday of the month from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Email needsportal@osu.edu with any questions.
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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.
If you are co-parenting, each parent that completes Ohio START can participate and receive a gift card. Your participation is voluntary. Interviews can be over the phone or via video conference call.
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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National START Supervisor Affinity Group
Mark your calendars for the convening of the second inter-state affinity group for START child welfare supervisors. This role-specific peer learning opportunity will take place Feb. 14 from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. (ET) and is designed for networking, shared learning, and quality improvement planning. The topic for this meeting will be on supporting family mentors in recovery. Register here to receive a personalized meeting link.
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Save the Date: Ohio's 2024 Mental Health & Addiction Conference
Save the date for Ohio’s 2024 Mental Health and Addiction Conference: Building the Systems of Care hosted by OACBHA, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, and the Ohio Department of Health on June 3-4 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Columbus. Previously known as the Opiates and Other Addictions Conference, this two-day conference will focus on efforts related to mental health, opiate and other addiction prevention, education, intervention, treatment, recovery, family supports, community engagement, and more.
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Learning Community Discussions 2024 Schedule
Here are the 2024 dates for Learning Community Calls for caseworkers, supervisors, administrators, behavioral health workers, and family peer mentors. Please note that future dates are subject to change.
Caseworkers
Calls will occur on the third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Here is the Zoom link. Calls will be based on county size, divided into the following three groups: Metro/Large, Medium, and Small.
- Metro/Large call: April 17, July 17, Oct. 16
- Medium: Feb. 21, May 15, Aug. 21, Nov. 20
- Small: March 20, June 19, Sept. 18, Dec. 18
Supervisors
Calls will occur bi-monthly on the third Thursday of the month from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. The dates are as follows: March 21, May 16, July 18, and Sept. 19. Here is the Zoom link.
Administrators
Calls will occur quarterly on the third Thursday of the month from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. The dates are as follows: Feb. 15, May 16, and Aug.15. Here is the Zoom link.
Behavioral health workers
Calls will occur quarterly on the third Thursday of the month from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. The dates are as follows: April 18, July 18, and Oct. 17. Here is the Zoom link.
Family peer mentors
Calls will occur monthly on the last Wednesday of the month from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The dates are as follows: Feb. 28, March 27, April 24, May 29, June 26, July 31, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 30, and Nov. 27. Here is the Zoom link.
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Visit the training calendar below to register | |
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Youth Suicidality: Safety Planning and Lethal Means Counseling
Feb. 6 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
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Ohio START Consortium Meeting (Virtual)
Feb. 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
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Foundations 2: Hiring and Supervision of Family Peer Mentors
Feb. 12 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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Introduction to START for New Staff
Feb. 15 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Trauma & Resilience: Identifying Children, Parents, and Families at Risk
Feb. 21 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
Feb. 28 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
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Trauma Informed Family Engagement: Understanding the Impact of Implicit Bias and Structural Racism
Feb. 29 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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