News
March 31 marks Transgender Day of Visibility or TDOV. TDOV began in 2009 when Rachel Crandall of Transgender Michigan wanted to set aside a day to recognize and celebrate transgender people and their accomplishments rather than focusing on violence directed toward them. While celebrating transgender and gender-nonconforming people, it is critical that we raise awareness…
Executive Director Shannon Deinhart announced that Dr. Nancy Rolock, Henry L. Zucker Professor in Social Work Practice at the Jack, Joseph & Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University, joined the Kinnect Board of Directors. “Dr. Rolock brings a wealth of knowledge and research experience that will positively impact Kinnect.…
The Youth Centered Permanency Roundtables (YCPRT) Advisory Council met in person on February 10 for the first time in three years. The council honored Geoffrey Garver, Warren County Children Services, for his years of dedication to YCPRTs as he approaches retirement and welcomed new members from Lorain and Wood Counties. Kinnect staff kicked off the…
Nearly 50 judicial stakeholders from across the state came together in Columbus on January 11 to build community and explore strategies for reducing judicial barriers to kin and relative caregiving. First, attendees began the day by reflecting on the requirement that agencies and courts prioritize family relationships. It is not an afterthought. Services and medications…
Kinnect to Family (KTF) teams from around the state came together for the Statewide Learning Community on December 6. Participants engaged in a day of program updates, sharing experiences, and building meaningful connections. Program Updates During program updates, KTF staff asked teams to reflect on their agency’s relationship with the courts. KTF is embarking on…
YCPRT Advisory Council meets
The YCPRT Advisory Council met August 26. Council members were introduced to new YCPRT Program Manager Katherine Mueller and Statewide Facilitator Bashia Price. The council was excited about the pilot project in which Bashia will facilitate YCPRT meetings in Hardin, Lorain, Williams, and Wood Counties. This allows counties who do not have the staff to implement…
Kinnect Receives KeyBank Foundation Grant
Executive Director Shannon Deinhart announced that Kinnect received a $50,000 grant from the KeyBank Foundation to support efforts to reduce the use of congregate care for youth. First, Kinnect will identify one county child welfare agency and one private provider with which to partner. Using Implementation Science methodologies, Kinnect will provide an assessment of the…
Understanding Gender Identity Requires Data and Compassion
There’s nothing like a good debate over children and education to get people excitable. In several states including Ohio, politicians proclaim their deepest thoughts on gender, sexuality, and education through legislation. In our view, proposed laws such as Ohio HB 616 and 454 represent a denial of not only demonstrated science but the embrace of…
Anti-Trans Legislation and Discrimination
I am aware of anti-trans legislation and discrimination that is happening nationally and in Ohio. I feel it is important for me to share because as an organization we have worked hard through our Affirm Me program to elevate the needs of LGBTQ+ young people and their families. As well March 31 is International Transgender Visibility…