Effort to eliminate property taxes falls short in signatures

On June 5, AxOhioTax announced it will not have sufficient signatures for its proposed amendment eliminating property taxes to qualify for the November 2026 ballot. The group’s leader stated they will continue the petition drive with the intent to make the November 2027 general election ballot. See article linked below. Ohioans to Protect Public Services, of which PCSAO is a member, shared this statement: “Local property taxes pay for services Ohioans count on every day, including police, fire, and EMS, 911, public schools, senior services, supports for children and people with disabilities to name just a few. Eliminating two-thirds of local tax revenue overnight does not make those needs disappear — it forces our state into impossible choices: severe cuts to local services, massive increases in sales and income taxes, or both. As a petition drive continues for a reckless property tax abolishment amendment, our non-partisan broad-based coalition will sustain our public education campaign on the serious consequences that are at stake. Ohioans deserve real property tax reform, not a constitutional amendment that wipes out more than $21 billion in local funding with no plan for what comes next.”

Board of Trustees meets

The PCSAO Board of Trustees met in person June 3 and approved April 2026 financial statements and set two new board meeting dates for June 25 and Sept. 3. DCY Director Kara Wente joined trustees for a discussion on the ongoing escalating placement costs and the challenges of finding appropriate placements for youth with multi-system needs. The board highlighted the importance and value of the Ohio Fellowship Program, the need for more respite care, and increasing family-finding opportunities. The board also discussed and received updates pertaining to the Executive Membership Meeting, OhioRISE, rate cards, TEAM Ohio, A Home for Every Child, legislation, Ohio START, PACT, and 2026 Annual Conference award nominations. The board will hold a special meeting on June 25 and meet in person Aug. 6. 

Rules Committee meets

The Rules Committee met internally on June 4 to discuss PCSAO policy updates, receive updates from members on the QRTP Rule Workgroup and the KGAP Ad Hoc Workgroup, and work on Chapter 36 - Screening and Investigation rules pre-clearance comments. The Rules Committee's next meeting is scheduled for July 9.

Community Education Committee hears presentation on AI

The Community Education Committee meet June 5 for a presentation by Brian Gartland from ODJFS on the use of AI and Microsoft Copilot, including use cases and guardrails for public employees. The committee also discussed the proposed amendment to abolish property taxes, managing negative social media comments, Family First, the PCSAO conference, and the A Home for Every Child initiative. The Committee will meet next Aug. 14.

‘On the Road Again’

PCSAO enjoyed visiting Erie County JFS June 4 to discuss placement challenges, workforce recruitment and retention efforts, kinship supports, foster parent recruitment and retention, OhioRISE, a special child abuse taskforce, and their impressive collaboration with CAC and other community partners. 

Ohio START congressional visit

On May 29, Ohio START Director Fawn Gadel presented alongside the Hamilton County START team to congressional staff who came to Cincinnati to learn about Ohio’s programs to support children and families. The team presented on the START model and its implementation in Ohio and specifically, Hamilton County. It was a great opportunity to highlight the work being done in Ohio to support children and families affected by substance use disorder. 



Ohio START sponsored Mental Health & Addiction Conference

Ohio START served as a sponsor of Ohio’s 2026 Mental Health & Addiction Conference, which brought together professionals from across the state to explore innovative strategies and best practices in prevention, treatment, recovery, family support, and community engagement. The conference provided valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and strengthening partnerships that support Ohio families and communities.

Clearance

The following Business Impact Analysis (BIA) is open for comments until June 19:

• Five Year Review of Chapter 5180:2-5

Filed with JCARR

As of June 5, 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 3 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 will open this summer. Learn more on our conference website and contact anne@pcsao.org with any questions.

Award nominations

PCSAO is now accepting nominations for our annual awards recognizing the achievements of youth and families who have been served by Ohio’s public children services agencies, as well as the achievements of the child protection professionals who have served them. The awards will be announced and presented at the conference. Nominate a youth, family, or child protection professional by the July 3 deadline.

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.