The primary function of the Ohio Family Care Association is to stay connected to what is happening at the state level in the development of laws and rules that have an impact on the children, their families and the resource families within Ohio. Then to speak as a united voice for those members of that group that are often not represented or heard in rule development and legislation.
This involves gaining knowledge in several systems - primarily the child welfare system [Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Family & Children], the Juvenile Justice and court systems, and the mental health system [Ohio Department of Mental Health]. The corresponding children's service systems of education, developmental disabilities and substance abuse are also on our radar.
The projects currently being pursued are:
- Creation of family advocates ready to respond to issues from each part of the state. These folks speak at press reviews or gather others to write letters to key leadership on issues.
- Increasing Adoption opportunites by encouraging access to the AdoptUSKids website by all Ohio counties.
- Advocate for increased budget funding at the state level. This is a cooperative venture with other state advocacy organizations. [see Nov. 2009 enews]
- Create strong links with our sister Ohio advocacy organizations: Public Childrens Services of Ohio; Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies; Ohio Adoption Planning Group; Ohio Children's Defense Fund