Amy L. Ast

The meeting commenced with a call to order and included a review of certified programs, noting 44 currently certified. Updates were provided on filling a vacant board position (Salina's spot) and the status of annual due dates for various entities for 2025 and 2026. Several organizations underwent recertification reviews, including Ohio Guidestone (PSB), Anthony's Villa Inc (PSB), Wood County Juvenile Court (PSB), Monford Dent Consulting & Psychological Services, LLC, Child Focus Inc- PSB, New Beginnings Residential Treatment Center- PSB, and Hopewell Health Center- PSB, with specific action items or tabling noted for most. One application (Motivated and Empowered Inc.) that was tabled in May 2025 was subsequently deleted from WeCare.

This document outlines the Department of Youth Services' vision for 2026, identified as "Future That Fits in '26." Key strategic objectives include strengthening stakeholder relationships, advancing juvenile justice initiatives, and improving case management and documentation. The plan prioritizes a holistic approach to youth development, encompassing vocational training, comprehensive healthcare, trauma-informed care, and robust external partnerships. Operational enhancements focus on staff well-being, safety, efficiency, and technological integration, including AI-driven tools. The vision also emphasizes facility development, leadership cultivation, and a commitment to ensuring all efforts positively impact young men and staff.

The meeting included a DYS Liaison Report, which provided updates on certified programs and training requirements for 2025. The board reviewed recertification and waiver requests for The Center for Child & Family Advocacy, Ravenwood Mental Health Center, and Cadence Care, addressing compliance issues and action steps needed. Initial certification reviews were conducted for Family Life Counseling & Psychiatric Services and Talbert House-PSB. Additionally, a non-compliant certification for Motivated and Empowered Inc. was discussed, focusing on waiver requests and staff training. The board also discussed Child Focus' certification, the resignation of Salina Stuart, and Ravenwood Health's inquiry about moving the time of year for recertification.

The meeting included a DYS Liaison Report, a review of due dates for several organizations, including Safehouse, Allwell Behavioral Health, and Applewood, among others. The board discussed recertification and initial certification reviews, waiver requests, and incomplete certification reviews for various organizations. There was also discussion regarding the initial application and recertification application to make sections more concise.

The agenda includes a DYS Liaison Report which covers certified programs, training requirements, training hours, and quorum notifications. It also includes due dates for DTAC of Ohio, LLC (Hittle House), Light House Youth & Family Services, Young Star Youth Academy, Lucas County Youth Treatment, Mahoning County Juvenile Court, National Youth Advocate Program, Miami Valley, Safehouse, Delaware Juvenile Court, ODYS, Allwell Behavioral Health, Applewood, Northern Ohio Juvenile Community Corrections, Montgomery Juvenile Court, Child Focus, Inc., Hopewell Health, Talbert House, Ravenwood, Monford Dent Consulting & Psychological Services, and Family Life Counseling & Psychiatric Services. The agenda also covers recertification reviews, waiver requests, initial certification reviews, OCAP reviews, incomplete certification reviews, and non-compliant certification.