PCSAO welcomes PACT Technical Assistant Consultants

PCSAO is pleased to welcome Whitney King and Carston Mesnick as PACT Technical Assistant Consultants. Each brings a unique perspective, along with a deep commitment to fostering connection, reflection, and authentic partnership. Through lived experience, trauma-informed practice, and a shared belief in relationship-centered work, King and Mesnick will help advance PACT’s mission and support counties implementing the model.

ASRC meets

The Automated Systems Review Committee met May 27 for a number of updates along with a review of SACWIS enhancements, as well as design feedback on the Ohio Professional Registry background check functionality, the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway interface, and kinship certification. The meeting concluded with updates on education data expansion efforts. The next meeting will be June 24.

3,000 Good Things returns for third season

Hosted by PCSAO's Mike Kenney and Ashley Roy, the 3,000 Good Things podcast continues to share stories about the good things happening in child welfare with the release of its third season. Each episode will leave listeners feeling inspired and more equipped to engage with families in a meaningful and transformational way. The first two episodes of 3,000 Good Things: Season 3 are available now on Spotify.

COSTARS announces first county cohorts

Ohio START is pleased to announce the cohort assignments for the 11 Ohio counties that have committed to participating in COSTARS. Cross Systems Technical Assistance for Retaining Staff (COSTARS) is a coaching model designed to improve retention and skills for START supervisors. Cohort 1 is scheduled to launch in July 2026 and will include six counties: Athens, Butler, Fairfield, Lawrence, Lorain, and Pike. Cohort 2 is scheduled to launch in July 2027 and will include five counties: Allen, Ashtabula, Ottawa, Stark, and Trumbull. We are grateful to these counties for their leadership and commitment as early adopters of COSTARS.

Clearance

The following rule is open for comments until June 4: 

• Rule 5101:9-6-61 - Family Children First Council (FCFC) (Note: These are minor changes) 

Filed with JCARR

The following rule was final-filed on May 28 with an effective date of June 7:

• Rule 5101:9-6-36.1 - Emergency services assistance allocations (ESAA) for family reunification

The following rules were original-filed on May 28 with a hearing on July 2:

• Rule 5180:2-9-05 - Requirements for residential parenting facility and crisis care facility furniture, materials and equipment; diaper changing
• Rule 5180:2-9-06 - General safety
• Rule 5180:2-9-10 - Storage of hazardous materials
• Rule 5180:2-9-11 - Admissions and admissions log
• Rule 5180:2-9-12 - Service plans
• Rule 5180:2-9-14 - Medications
• Rule 5180:2-9-16 - Visiting and communications
• Rule 5180:2-9-17 - Child's money
• Rule 5180:2-9-19 - Personal belongings, hygiene, socialization, and education
• Rule 5180:2-9-20 - Food and nutrition
• Rule 5180:2-9-22 - Isolation, seclusion and restraint
• Rule 5180:2-9-23 - Notification and documentation of critical incidents
• Rule 5180:2-9-24 - Child and family complaint policy and procedure
• Rule 5180:2-9-28 - Bedrooms
• Rule 5180:2-9-29 - Bathrooms
• Rule 5180:2-9-30 - Kitchens and kitchen supplies
• Rule 5180:2-9-32 - Transportation
• Rule 5180:2-37-01 - PCSA requirements for completing the safety assessment
• Rule 5180:2-37-02 - PCSA requirements for completing the safety plan
• Rule 5180:2-37-03 - PCSA requirements for completing the family assessment
• Rule 5180:2-37-04 - PCSA requirements for completing the reunification assessment
• Rule 5180:2-39-03 - Emergency removal of a child from substitute care placement

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.