State Updates Substantive at 45th Annual Conference

On Monday July 26, we were joined for our morning Keynote Address by State Representatives P. Scott Lipps (R), Chair of Health, and Thomas West (D), President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, for a lively discussion regarding their legislative priorities and their joint work to improve the lives of Ohio’s vulnerable youth.

Ohio Children’s Alliance Chief Advocacy Officer, Sarah LaTourette, moderated the conversation giving both Representatives the opportunity to highlight their legislative priorities and discuss their joint bipartisan focus on Ohio’s multi-system youth.

During an early breakout session on the first day of the 45th Annual Conference, the Governor’s Office of Children’s Initiatives and ODJFS leadership provided updates on the various statewide initiatives to improve the lives of Ohio’s children, youth, and families. A detailed progress report was shared on the Children Services Transformation Advisory Council recommendations and implementation activities. Presenters: Kriste Burre, Director of Children's Initiatives, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine; Kara Bertke-Wente, Assistant Director, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

On Thursday July 29, we were joined for our morning Keynote Address by Director Maureen Corcoran (Ohio Department of Medicaid) & Director Lori Criss (Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services) as they shared many updates. The COVID pandemic has exacerbated many of the behavioral health challenges for youth and their families all across the state. Our state Directors shared many youth-focused initiatives across the administration that will enable Ohioans to address this crisis head on.

Check out the State Keynotes and Office of Children's Initiatives session recordings HERE.