skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Building bridges: How PACT is redefining child welfare through relationships

play audio
Play

Friday, August 30, 2024   

The Public Children's Services Association of Ohio has launched a groundbreaking new initiative called Practice in Action Together, aimed at revolutionizing child welfare practices across the state.

The program is designed to strengthen relationships between caseworkers and families.

Lara LaRoche, practice adviser for the association, emphasized the approach is key to improving outcomes for children. She noted she has been in the field for 30 years and has not been more excited about a practice model or a new implementation.

"It's all about the family and elevating the family's voice," LaRoche explained. "It's about relationships and really understanding the importance of how we're connected to one another, how we in the community support one another."

The new model is the first in the country codeveloped by families, workers and child welfare leaders. It focuses on building relationships to keep children in their homes and reunify them with their families when needed. Although relationship-building alone may not fully address systemic issues in child welfare, the approach offers a piece of the puzzle.

In addition to the new approach, the association is debuting a new podcast titled "3000 Good Things, Porch Time with Mike and Ashley," which aims to highlight positive stories within the child welfare system.

Mike Kenny, director of strategic initiatives for the association and co-host of the podcast, said the podcast's mission is centered on the belief the stories told truly matter.

"This podcast is really focused on once a week, on Friday morning, specifically for those working in child welfare, to hear one good thing that's happening," Kenny outlined.

The podcast will not only share uplifting stories but also tie them back to the Practice in Action Together initiative by highlighting behaviors from the model in action. With its first episode airing today, the association hopes to shift the narrative around child welfare in Ohio, offering a weekly reminder positive change is happening within the system.

Disclosure: The Public Children Services Association of Ohio contributes to our fund for reporting on Children's Issues, Family/Father Issues, Livable Wages/Working Families, and Mental Health. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021