ACF adds three new services to Family First Clearinghouse

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) recently announced the addition of three evidence-based interventions to the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy  (well-supported)
• Ohio Kinship and Adoption Navigator (supported)
• Promoting First Relationships (well-supported)

These additions expand the array of services eligible for Title IV-E prevention funding and provide states and agencies with additional evidence-based options to support children and families. The Clearinghouse also updated its Frequently Asked Questions related to engagement with program and service developers during the review process.

First Lady launches savings, investment vehicle for foster youth

First Lady Melania Trump announced the launch of the “Fostering the Future” program, which will provide foster youth with access to special savings and investment accounts under the new Trump Accounts initiative. State child welfare agencies serving as guardians will be able to open accounts for children in foster care, who can access the funds upon turning 18. The accounts are open to individuals under age 18 with a Social Security number, can receive contributions from any source, and may allow states to invest benefits received on behalf of foster children, such as Social Security survivor or disability benefits. Learn more here.



Help educate about value of property taxes

PCSAO is a proud member of Ohioans to Protect Public Services, a broad-based coalition calling for sensible property tax reform – not wholesale elimination of property taxes. You can help educate your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and others by sharing new social media graphics showing how property taxes pay to protect children from abuse and neglect. Other graphics demonstrate the importance of property taxes to a range of services, from safety services like police and fire to social services for people with developmental disabilities. Download the social media graphics and share the “property tax bingo” video here. 

OJFSDA Fiscal Symposium registration opens

Registration for the Ohio Job and Family Services Directors' Association (OJFSDA) Fiscal Symposium opens June 15. The second annual symposium will be held August 18-19 at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris and is designed for JFS fiscal professionals at all experience levels. Attendees can look forward to expert-led sessions, breakout discussions, and professional development opportunities focused on key fiscal topics. The symposium agenda is now available, along with registration rates and additional event details here.

OFCA Annual Conference registration now open

The Ohio Family Care Association will hold their 2026 Annual Conference, "Looking Back and Moving Forward: 50 years of Family Voices" on Oct. 17 in Columbus. Register here by Sept. 1 to receive early bird pricing.

BCFTA Fiscal Leadership Program accepting applications

Applications are now open for the Fiscal Leadership Program through the Bureau of County Finance & Technical Assistance (BCFTA). Designed for county and state fiscal and program professionals, the program includes 14 in-person sessions covering a wide range of state and federal fiscal topics and program areas. Applications will be accepted June 1-15. Learn more and apply here.  

DCY Tuesday Times

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth shares updates and other information pertaining to children services and related program areas in the Tuesday Times newsletter. To view previous versions of the Tuesday Times, click here.

June 11 – Child marriage remains legal in Ohio as Senate declines vote – Columbus Dispatch 

The Ohio Senate declined to vote on a bill that would end child marriage during its final session before a lengthy summer break.

June 11 – HUD opens $193 million fund to prevent and address youth homelessness nationwide – Dayton 24/7 Now

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is making $193 million in funding available to communities nationwide to prevent and address youth homelessness.

June 11 – House Advances VJ's Law, Named for Stark Abuse Victim – WHBC

The law named for an abused Stark County infant child has been passed unanimously by the Ohio House.

June 10 – Chasing Hope House opening first independent living home for teens – Canton Repository 

It's been a construction zone, but within the next few weeks a home in Canton will open its doors to 10 teen girls who need stability and support.

June 10 – Experts say economic supports keep Ohio kids out of CPS system – WCSM Radio

 Government officials and researchers say state and federal policy shifts could worsen family instability in Ohio and bring more children into the state’s child protection system.

June 9 – Two House bills to expand public childcare to more Ohio families pass committee – Springfield News

The Ohio House is primed to vote on two bills that would make publicly funded childcare available to more Ohio families.

June 9 – Ohio lands in bottom half of states for children's wellbeing – Axios

Ohio ranks in the bottom half among states for children's wellbeing, according to a new report.

June 6 – Hamilton County foster care sees largest ever high school graduating class – Cincinnati Enquirer 

With teenagers gathered in the sunshine, colorful tinsel and balloons, and Kendrick Lamar and Jack Harlow booming from the speakers, it was much like any other party for high school graduates this summer – except this party was thrown by Hamilton County. 

June 5 – Foster Care Costs Push Scioto County Toward $2.5 Million Deficit – Scioto County Daily News

Scioto County Commissioners say skyrocketing foster care placement costs have pushed the county toward a projected $2.5 million deficit, and they are trying to figure out how to close the gap without cutting other offices to the bone.