Strong Families, Safe Communities Project

SFSC The State of Ohio is committed to improving care coordination and providing support for families with children in crisis who present a risk to themselves, their families or others because of mental illness or a developmental disability. Since 2013, the Strong Families, Safe Communities project has been engaging local systems to identify community-driven solutions that highlight collaboration across agencies to develop the best possible outcomes for these families. This initiative is funded by the Ohio departments of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) and Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS).

Many children who are at risk are not engaged in treatment programs and may not be known to the community until a crisis unfolds. Care coordination and crisis intervention services can quickly stabilize a child’s health. Support for these families will reduce risk of harm and help the family remain together.

Systems of Care

SYSTEMS OF CARE IN NW OHIO: Webster Family Story

What's New?

Strong Families Safe Communities Webinar Series

Check out the upcoming webinars in our Strong Families series. All webinars are free and CEUs have been applied for.

March 22nd Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Symptoms, Red Flags, and Importance of Screening with Dr. Gokce Ergun 
This webinar will provide a basic understanding of how prevalent FASD is and the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on the unborn baby and discuss the importance of screening for FASD to prevent secondary disabilities and high misdiagnosis rate. Register here.
March 31st The Power of Reset with Aubrey Page
Escalations can be overwhelming as a caregiver. There are strategies to use to avoid them and end them quicker, but first we have to learn what is going on in our child’s brain. In this webinar, we will learn what may be going on in our child’s mind during an escalation and how we can use that information to help us keep everyone calm. Both proactive and reactive strategies will be taught that will help you rethink the next time a child gets escalated. Register here.
April 27th Improving Health of Communities: A Learning Network Approach with Dr. Uma Kotogal
Join us to hear Dr. Kotogal learn about the use of improvement methods to create system change across sectors (such as schools, Health Care, and Communities). Register here.

New: Pause Program Shares Online Toolkit

Pause is an initiative for special needs families committed to providing consistent support while partnering with caregivers to grow their natural support system. Strategies include supporting families through respite, scheduled family fun events and opportunities for parents and children to connect with other each other.

Pause has recently completed an interactive online toolkit with videos, documents, and guidance for implementation.

See the Live Binder at the link below using the Access Key: Pause

https://www.livebinders.com/play/play_shared_binder/2711654?backurl=/shelf/my&play_view=play

Learn more about Pause or connect with other Pause families below.

Talking to Children about Racism

Child Mind InstituteRacism and Violence: How to Help Kids Handle the News | Child Mind Institute

With protests over the violent death of black Americans dominating the news, it's understandable that many kids are feeling scared, confused or angry about the situation.

Grantees and News Coverage

SFY 2016 Grantees

A virtual town hall titled "Kids in Crisis: Preventing tragedies through earlier intervention" took place on Nov. 2, 2016. DODD Director John Martin and OhioMHAS Director Tracy Plouck shared information about the origins of the project, project partners shared successes and lessons-learned as well as how best practices are being shared across the state, and the FY2016 grantees were recognized. Families shared how the services have made a difference in their lives. Below are materials from the event.

SFY 2014 Program Activities