PCSAO Annual Conference
Welcome to our 2022 conference page!
The 2022 conference will be held at the Hilton Easton from Sept. 19-21. See here for the schedule of workshops and presenter details.
Our theme, “As Our World Turns,” recognizes that the children services field is in the midst of many changes and can feel like we are spinning so fast, we can’t slow down. At the same time, the theme employs lighthearted humor around soap operas. For those of you who aren’t familiar with them, soap operas are radio or television series characterized by melodrama and sentimentality — kind of like a reality show! This conference is held in partnership with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship applications for 2022 are now open!
The PCSAO annual conference is an opportunity to reach more than 500 children services professionals across the state. The audience includes child protection caseworkers, supervisors, administrators, attorneys, directors, students and advocates. Sponsors benefit from face-to-face networking, organization logo included in conference material, on-site sponsorship recognition and publicity on PCSAO’s website.
See our sponsorship flyer for more information regarding sponsorship levels and the benefits of becoming a PCSAO Conference sponsor.
To apply, first see here to preview the application questions, then complete application by selecting the button above. Questions? Contact Lisa Fry. Sponsorship payments are due by Sept. 1.
Keynote Speakers
Elliott Hinkle
September 19, Keynote & Awards Luncheon
Elliott Orrin Hinkle (they/them) is a skilled facilitator, trainer, and advisor focused on elevating lived expertise in systems that serve children, youth, and families. They are a graduate of Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Women, Gender, Sexuality, and Queer studies. Elliott has lived experience in the Wyoming Foster Care System as a young person but calls Oregon home. They have assisted and participated in child welfare and youth mental health research and are trained in evidence-based peer coaching. Additionally, their skills include consultation and reviewing states’ Independent Living programs and National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) survey work. Elliott is the principal and founder of the consulting firm Unicorn Solutions LLC, which seeks to create positive futures for youth and young adults impacted by systems such as Child Welfare and Youth Mental Health, particularly at the intersections of LGBTQ youth within these systems.
LaShaun Carter
September 20, Keynote & Awards Luncheon
LaShaun K. Carter currently serves as the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer for Mecklenburg County (Charlotte, NC) where he oversees the Office of Equity and Inclusion and leads through community partnerships, policy analysis and development, training, and data collection. Previously, Carter served as the Assistant Executive Director/Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for Franklin County Children Services and led the development of a first-of-its-kind department designed to collect, curate, and analyze data to inform service delivery and strategic alignment. Ultimately, the goal was to elevate the role data plays in making a difference in the community without losing sight of human connections and interactions. A career educator, LaShaun has also led efforts around the critical academic needs of youth in Central Ohio. His educational focus revolved around the early warning indicators that predict dropout risk and Social-Emotional Learning data. Notably, his recent work in convening the Columbus community around social justice strategies has resulted in his collaborating with partners seeking to implement similar programs across the country.
Call for Gift Baskets
As we have done in the past, we are collecting gift baskets from agencies to be raffled off during the conference. These gift baskets will serve to engage attendees and show appreciation for all involved. Most gift baskets feature a theme. Some ideas include game night, items inspired by your county, autumn, self-care, etc. No matter what theme you choose, please be sure that your basket is family friendly (no alcohol) and appeals to a wide audience.
For planning purposes, notify Anne Potts at anne@pcsao.org by Friday, September 2nd if your agency is interested in providing a gift basket. Baskets can be brought directly to the conference and dropped off at the help desk.
Awards
The window to submit nominations for the 2022 awards has closed. We thank all those who nominated a youth, family, or staff member.
Each year, PCSAO recognizes and celebrates the achievements of our youth and families who have been served by Ohio’s public children services agencies, as well as the achievements of our child protection professionals who have served them. Nominations must be submitted by July 8. The 2022 PCSAO award winners will be announced during the annual conference to be held Sept. 19-21 at the Hilton Easton. Local agencies will notify winners prior to the event, and help make their arrangements.
See here for more details about each award.
