PCSAO offers testimony to study committee on youth adjudicated delinquent

On Aug. 24 PCSAO’s executive director, Angela Sausser, and assistant director, Scott Britton, testified before the Study Committee to Evaluate the Placement of Delinquent Children in Residential Facilities. PCSAO’s testimony offered seven specific, practical, innovative solutions for consideration by the committee, which includes Jennifer Ellis-Brunn, director of Licking County Job & Family Services, and David Merriman, director of the Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services (pictured). Read more here.

ASRC meets

The Automated Systems Review Committee met Aug. 26. Topics included kinship certification, mandatory review of placement, OCAF rewrite and migration, and other updates. The next meeting will be Sept. 24.

New episode of 3,000 Good Things

Jamie was 42, pregnant with her fifth child, newly married to Ben, and parenting four older kids from her first marriage. Then the call came about her one month old niece. In this episode, Jamie and Ben share what it took to say yes together, why they never regretted it even when the moment felt overwhelming, and how their older kids modeled love in a way that made kinship care feel natural. They talk about the car ride when they told their niece about her birth mother, her simple answer that she has two moms, and Ben's phrase for the support system every kinship family needs. Build your hive. Listen now on Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Music.

International Overdose Awareness Day

On International Overdose Awareness Day Aug. 31 and everyday, Ohio START recognizes the impact that substance use has on children, parents, and families across Ohio. The day is an opportunity to remember those affected by overdose and highlight the importance of recovery, connection, and support for families impacted by substance use disorder. Through its work with families, Ohio START remains committed to helping parents and children build safe, stable, and healthy lives together.

Clermont County joins Ohio START

Clermont County has officially joined Ohio START, expanding the program’s reach to another Ohio community. Clermont's participation adds to ongoing efforts to support families impacted by substance use disorder and child maltreatment through the Ohio START model. We are excited to welcome Clermont County and look forward to the work ahead as their team begins its START journey.

Clearance

The following rules are open for comments until Sept. 7:

• Five-Year Rule Review and Renumbering of Title IV-E Foster Care Maintenance Rules
• Cost Report Requirement for Certification

The following Business Impact Analyses (BIA) are open for comments until Sept. 10:

• Chapter 48 Package #2 - FYR and Renumbering of Rules in 5180:2-48
• Chapter 48 Package #3 - FYR and Renumbering of Rules in 5180:2-48
• Ohio Kinship and Adoption Navigator Program FYR

Filed with JCARR

As of Aug. 28, there are no children services-related rules filed with JCARR.

About the conference

The 2026 PCSAO Annual Conference brings together more than 500 child protection professionals and advocates from around Ohio for three days of networking and learning how best to serve children and families. Join us Sept. 30-Oct. 2 to connect with change-makers across the state and reinvigorate your practice. The conference features inspiring keynotes; awards recognizing outstanding staff, families, youth, and partners; networking opportunities; and CEUs for social workers, counselors, marriage & family therapists, and attorneys. The theme, “Resilient Together: Wellness in Child Protection,” recognizes that strengthening the capacity of staff to support themselves and one another will ultimately lead to stronger teams and improved outcomes for families. Registration is now open through Sept. 18. Learn more on our conference website and contact anne@pcsao.org with any questions.

Sponsorship opportunities

Sponsors benefit from face-to-face networking, brand promotion, and more! Review the available sponsorship packages and benefits in our sponsorship flyer. Contact lisa@pcsao.org with any sponsorship questions.

Amnoni Myers is the Founder and CEO of Launch Ahead, a trauma-informed platform designed to support youth in foster care as they transition into adulthood through clear pathways, organized documentation, and guidance that reduces system barriers. They are also the Founder of You Are The Prize, LLC, a speaking and consulting platform focused on healing, leadership, and systems change, and the author of the best-selling memoir You Are the Prize: Seeing Yourself Beyond the Imperfections of Your Trauma. Amnoni brings both lived experience and professional expertise to their work. They hold a Master of Public Administration and have served in national policy spaces, including internships on Capitol Hill and at the White House. Their trainings and keynotes equip child welfare professionals with practical, trauma-informed strategies that strengthen engagement, reduce burnout, and support workforce wellness and sustainability.

Jim Still-Pepper recently retired after 37 years as a social worker at Allwell Behavioral Health Services, Inc. His mission is to create clear and healthy thinking. He served as Director for the Community Based Clinical Services team for much of his tenure. His focus was on getting community mental health services out of the center and into the community. He worked with youth, families and family-serving organizations. He is currently the Director of The Learning Lab for Quality Moments Behavioral Health, where he develops training for the clinical team. In addition to his clinical work, Jim is the founder of Still Light Seminars LLC, a motivational training and consulting company. He delivers about 150 presentations each year, captivating audiences across the United States and internationally. His presentations are known for being engaging, interactive, and grounded in real-world application — the kind that leaves people not just inspired, but ready to try something new the very next day.