Rules committee meets

The Rules Committee met on July 9 to discuss several rules with DCY including the Kin-Specific Certification rule, Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) rules, and feedback on the proposed Lead Agency rule. The committee also held an internal discussion to review clearance comments for the Confidentiality and Information Sharing for Public Children Services Agencies rule. The committee next meets on Sept. 3. 

Ohio START sponsors 2026 Peer Recovery Summit

Ohio START is sponsoring the 2026 Ohio Peer Recovery Summit, an annual event that brings together peer recovery supporters, peer-run organization leaders, recovery advocates, and community stakeholders from across Ohio and the nation. This year's Summit has reached record attendance, welcoming more than 650 participants for two days of networking, education, and collaboration focused on advancing peer support and strengthening recovery across Ohio.

Clearance

The following rules are open for comments until July 16:

• Five-Year Rule Review and Renumber of Ohio Kinship and Adoption Navigator Program Rule 5180:2-40-10
• Five-Year Review and Renumber of Confidentiality/Information Sharing for Public Children Services Agencies Rules



The following rules are open for comments until July 24:

• Chapter 48 Package 2 of 4 - Five-Year Review and Renumbering of Ohio Administrative Code Adoption Rules
• Chapter 48 Package 3 of 4 - Five-Year Review and Renumbering of Ohio Administrative Code Adoption Rules



Filed with JCARR

The following rule was final-filed for recission on July 7 with an effective date of July 24:

• Rule 5122-29-20 - Prevention services



Updated administrative code adoption rules go into effect July 15

The first of four packages regarding Ohio’s adoption rules in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) chapter 5180:2-48 will go into effect on July 15. The changes can be viewed here: Official Letters & Guidance | Department of Children and Youth (Transmittal Letter 83). The rules included in this package are being updated because of their five-year review and are being rescinded and readopted under OAC chapter 5180:7-1.

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 to PCSAO member agencies and will open to non-members on July 27. 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. She is 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 her work. She holds a Master of Public Administration and has served in national policy spaces, including internships on Capitol Hill and at the White House. Her 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 after being at Allwell Behavioral Health Services Inc. His clear 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 leave people not just inspired, but ready to try something new the very next day.