Understanding Ohio's Child Protection System

Course overview

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.