Description

This video guides participants through the Ohio Child Protection System following a suspected child abuse, neglect, or dependency report made to an Ohio Public Children Services Agency (PCSA). While specific practices may differ slightly among counties, all Ohio PCSA caseworkers rely on the same standardized tools and decision-making processes. The presenters will review each of the tools used by PCSA caseworkers, explain their purposes, and outline the key factors caseworkers must consider during assessment. They will also illustrate how assessment outcomes shape decisions at every stage of a case. By understanding these procedures, CASA volunteers and attorney guardians ad litem can more effectively identify appropriate services, advocate for needed supports, and collaborate with agencies to secure protections for the children they represent.

Continuing Education Accreditation

• 1.5 hours Sup.R.48, CEU, and CLE

Trainers

Denielle Ell-Rittinger – Ohio State Liaison Officer and Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Coordinator, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau

Denielle Ell-Rittinger has more than 23 years of professional experience in the field of child welfare. She serves as both Ohio’s State Liaison Officer and Ohio’s Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Coordinator to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Children Bureau, as well as Ohio’s representative for the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System. In addition to various training, support, and technical assistance activities, Denielle’s team is responsible for the development of the Ohio Administrative Code rules and policies that govern the provision of child protective services throughout Ohio.

Renee Lupi, Esq. – Policy Advisor for Ohio Public Children Services Agencies and Certified Guardian Ad Litem; Specialist in Family Law, Elder Law, and Child Welfare Program Development

Renee Lupi, Esq. has over 16 years of professional experience in the field of child welfare. She provides policy guidance to Ohio’s public children services agencies and ODJFS staff and develops child welfare program rules to be used in the Ohio Administrative Code and accompanying documents. Prior to joining ODJFS, Renee served over 10 years in Morrow County (Ohio)’s quadruple combined agency as a public children services attorney and supervisor. Renee is a certified Guardian Ad Litem. Her expertise ranges from standards and accreditation to family law and elder law/estate planning. Renee is a frequent trainer and presenter throughout Ohio.