Background

The children services workforce is essential to achieving the best outcomes for Ohio’s children and families. Historically, turnover rates in public children services agencies (PCSAs) exceed typical work environments, and the current environment accentuates recruitment and retention challenges. Because of these challenges, supporting the workforce has been, and continues to be, a priority for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).

In the interest of reducing organizational red tape and improving casework efficiency, ODJFS thoroughly considered multiple recommendations from county partners to determine practice requirements that can be relaxed while continuing to ensure child safety, while meeting Ohio Revised Code and federal requirements. In addition, some of the strategies were implemented to increase efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic. In review of results of the strategies, it has been determined that child safety and permanency were not compromised.

ODJFS issued the Family, Children and Adult Services Procedure Letter No. 393 (Rule Relaxations for PCSA Workforce) on August 22, 2022, to allow flexibility in child protection casework practice requirements and provide relief to the workforce. These workforce relaxation strategies became effective September 1, 2022, and were set to end August 31, 2023.

Summary

Following the issuance of FCASPL No. 393, ODJFS continued to accept additional suggested strategies to support the workforce and improve casework efficiency from county partners. ODJFS closely reviewed each recommendation to ensure child safety, while cross-referencing federal requirements and the Ohio Revised Code. From those recommendations, additional strategies have been approved and supported by ODJFS.

To allow time for ODJFS to revise the corresponding Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rules, all supported strategies identified in this procedure letter will be effective immediately and will continue until each OAC rule is effectuated.  Furthermore, ODJFS will be making the necessary revisions to automated systems and reports for each of the supported strategies. Once rules are effectuated, automated systems and reporting will review and address the policy changes through design sessions. ODJFS will continue collaboration with stakeholders to pursue additional recommendations moving forward without the immediate support within automated systems and reporting. ODJFS continuously reviews all projects and initiatives to prioritize for Ohio SACWIS implementation.

Attachments

The attached document provides a detailed summarization of all approved workforce strategies with guidance on implementation and documentation in the areas of policy, Ohio SACWIS, reporting, and monitoring. Included are next steps with estimated timeframes on the changes to OAC rules.

Instructions

The following chart indicates what materials should be removed from the Family, Children and Adult Services Manual (FCASM) and what materials are to be inserted in the FCASM.