One of PCSAO’s most important roles is to provide public policy advocacy to fulfill our mission of safe children, stable families and supportive communities.
PCSAO’s advocacy agenda is established by our membership through a biennial strategic plan. That plan informs the association’s efforts at both the state and national levels.
Here in Ohio, the association follows the biennial state budget, child protection-related legislation introduced in the General Assembly, and child protection-related rules promulgated by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth.
At the federal level, the association communicates with Ohio’s congressional delegation to ensure sound national policy on child protection issues.
Successful public policy advocacy must involve not only association staff but members at all levels, families involved in the child welfare system, youth in or emancipated from agency custody, and many other stakeholders.
PCSAO also follows specially created legislative committees, hosts legislative briefings, and produces policy papers on issues that are important to the child protection system, even if they have not yet generated legislation.