Professional Development
Franklin County Children Services prides itself on
hiring and retaining highly qualified professional and
support staff to carry out its mission and embrace its
guiding principles. The agency has developed clear guidelines and
training requirements for all staff that exceed the
standards established by the Ohio Department of Job
and Family Services and the Ohio Revised Code for
public children services agencies.
Although child welfare professionals at public agencies are not required to be licensed, about one-third of the child welfare caseworkers, child welfare supervisors and agency managers who are eligible maintain a current license as licensed independent social workers, licensed social workers, licensed professional counselors, and licensed professional clinical counselors. All new employees participate in an initial introduction and orientation, and are required to take training and professional development tailored to their job needs, and cultural competency offerings to prepare them to work with the diverse populations served.
Mandated Reporter Training
The Professional Development Department of Children Services offers training for professionals who are mandated to report abuse or neglect at its 855 W. Mound St. office each quarter. This four-hour training covers how to make a referral, what will happen after the referral is made, and what services are available to children and families. Click here to see more information on upcoming classes.
Ohio Child Welfare Training Program
Children Services has a multifaceted training and development program that supports the mission of the agency and meets employees’ identified needs. Developmental and training opportunities consist of a
combination of programs offered by the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program (OCWTP), agency-sponsored
programs/events and training provided by other entities. The OCWTP is a comprehensive, competency-based, in-service training system for child welfare staff, managers and foster/adoptive families in Ohio’s 88 county public children services agencies and is the major source of training for staff. The OCWTP for the Central Ohio area is located at and managed by Franklin County Children Services. For general parenting classes, please contact FirstLink or see Community Resources for other providers.
Staff Retention
The agency supports personnel development and
academic advancement and retains staff with strong
educational credentials through several programs
such as Tuition Reimbursement and Fee Waiver
Programs and the College Loan Repayment Policy.
Since 2004, 67 staff have obtained their degrees as a
result of participating in these programs. Currently, there are 166 staff
who have advanced degrees. The agency promotes excellence in
the credentials and training of staff and consistently provides
coaching and leadership development opportunities.
