PCSAO Budget Testimony

In April, PCSAO coordinated a package of biennial budget testimony before the House Health and Human Services Subcommittee.  It was a packed room and agenda, at least 65 individuals were slated to testify, and PCSAO was very fortunate to have the full committee’s attendance, attention and engagement. A list of our speakers and their summarized testimony is provided below: 

• Gayle Channing Tenenbaum, PCSAO Legislative Director - Gayle spoke to the overall success of reducing the numbers of children in custody and waiting for adoption.  She also highlighted the goals of child safety: Strengthening families with home and community based services, providing timely permanency to children and families through reunification, relative custody or adoption.   

Gayle addressed our challenge to reducing the disproportionate number of children of color in the child welfare system throughout her testimony.  She also expertly outlined our support for related initiatives in the Governor’s Biennial Budget as proposed: Increase in the adoption assistance statewide base to $300 per month; an increase by $9.1 million per year for the Child Protection Allocation; $1.3 million more per year to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Office for Children and Families to enhance technical assistance & monitoring for foster care and a strong Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS); improvement to the Kinship Permanency Incentive (KPI) program, continued Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds for Adoption and Independent Living activities; expansion of Medicaid coverage, child care eligibilities and the Access to Better Care initiative.  We also provided support to increase and accelerate the Ohio Works First cash grant, within sustainable parameters. (Click here for full text of Gayle’s testimony). 

• Crystal Allen, PCSAO Executive Director - Crystal provided a primer chart of kinship, foster care and adoption, in response to significant committee questions the prior week.  She also provided an update on KPI. (Click here for full text of Crystal’s testimony). 

• Jane, Adoptive Parent - Jane adopted two special needs children 10 years ago.  She outlined their challenges while conveying an incredible love and understanding for her children.  She also said she was shocked to learn Ohio hadn’t raised the adoption assistance subsidy in 21 years!   (Click here for full text of Jane’s testimony). 

• Terry, Foster Youth from Fairfield County - Terry briefly outlined his experience in foster care, his pending high school graduation, emancipation and enrollment at ITT Technical Institute.  He highlighted the need for ongoing healthcare for young adults.  (Click here for full text of Terry’s testimony).

• Adrian McLemore (President of the OHIO Youth Advisory Board) and Kierra, former foster youth from Montgomery County also attended the hearing, and were introduced to the committee members.  Kierra submitted written testimony in support of the health care extension for young adults. (Click here for full text of Kierra’s testimony).