Ohio Creates Trauma Certificate to Help Children and Families

(COLUMBUS, OHIO) – A new online training certificate will assist social service professionals, public assistance professionals, and early childhood professionals who work with children and families that have experienced trauma. The training is free, and the certificate will be effective for two years.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), and the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA) invested nearly $1 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds to develop the three-tier certificate and curriculum.

“Children and families need more support now than ever,” said ODJFS Director Kimberly Henderson. “We hope this training will provide additional tools for social service professionals so they can help individuals recover from the damaging effects of trauma and go on to lead happy, productive lives.

” Those undergoing the training will demonstrate knowledge and skill development in the trauma competencies adopted by the Family First Leadership Advisory Committee. Professionals can achieve proficiency in the following levels: Trauma Aware, Trauma Informed and Trauma Competent.

“Formally recognizing the impact of trauma on the families that we serve signals an important development within Ohio’s system of care,” said OhioMHAS Director Lori Criss.

“This new Certificate will support staff in developing a core set of principles to incorporate trauma competency into their role in the child and family service delivery system. We are thrilled to partner with ODJFS to bring this work to families and communities across Ohio.” Case managers, caseworkers, teachers, therapists, police officers, pastors, probation officers and others can enhance their skills by accessing this website: occrra.org/our-resources-page.

“OCCRRA is pleased to partner with the state on this important work,” said OCCRRA Chief Executive Officer Todd Barnhouse. “The Ohio Professional Registry provides a seamless experience for professionals registering for and completing the Trauma Informed Care Professional Development trainings and then applying for the Trauma Informed Care Certificate.