BCFTA 2026-2027 Fiscal Leadership Program accepting applications

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Leadership Program through the Bureau of County Finance & Technical Assistance (BCFTA). Designed for county and state fiscal and program professionals, the program includes fourteen 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 register here.  

Understanding CARA, CAPTA, Plans of Safe Care

DCY invites PCSA staff to register for a statewide training being held on June 16, 1-3 p.m. This webinar will discuss the law mandating coordinated care for infants and families impacted by substance use via Plans of Safe Care (PoSC). Participants will learn about the requirements of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) and the amendments made to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) due to this law. Additionally, the session will discuss the interface with Taking Early Action Matters (TEAM Ohio), the state's electronic referral portal for Mandated Reporters, and explain how Ohio is putting these requirements into practice. See this flyer and register for this training via CAPS LMS.

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.

May 21 – Washington County Family and Children First announce launch of community-wide partnership ‘No Wrong Door’ – Marietta Times 

Washington County Family and Children First Council announced the launch of the community-wide partnership project “No Wrong Door” on Wednesday.

May 20 – Hamilton County faces potential $36M in cuts to children's services – Cincinnati Enquirer 

Hamilton County residents will have an opportunity this summer to weigh in on a potential tax increase.

May 20 – Ohio allows child marriage. Some lawmakers are OK with that – Columbus Dispatch 

Some Republican state senators blocked a bill that would have closed a loophole that allows teens to marry at age 17, which means Ohio might remain among states that permit child marriage.

May 19 – Northeast Ohio foster care agencies to host May 27 recruitment events – Your Ohio News

Seven public and private foster care agencies across Northeast Ohio are joining together for a one-day campaign aimed at recruiting more foster caregivers and raising awareness about the growing need for safe homes for children in foster care. 

May 19 – From clergy to coaches, states debate who should report child abuse and neglect – Ohio Capital Journal 

Conversations with survivors of sexual abuse left Missouri state Sen. Tracy McCreery wondering what could have prevented the harm, leading her to sponsor a bill that would require clergy and religious workers to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

May 19 – May recognized as Foster Parent Appreciation and Awareness Month – Dayton 24/7 Now

Montgomery County is recognizing May as Foster Parent Appreciation and Awareness Month. A time to reflect on those who stepped up to care for a child in the foster care system.

May 18 – Wayne County Children Services faces foster home shortage – Wooster Daily Record 

Children in Wayne County are being sent far from home – sometimes out of state – because there aren’t enough local families to provide foster care.

May 18 – From classroom to community: Tracy Pritchard retires after decades of impact – Ohio University

Earlier this year, Pritchard was recognized with the 2026 Millennium Miracle Maker Award from Muskingum County Children Services, honoring his longstanding contributions to child welfare education and workforce development.