Our Philosophy

The Ohio Sobriety Treatment and Reducing Trauma (START)

Ohio Sobriety Treatment and Reducing Trauma (START) is a child-welfare-led, evidence-informed initiative designed to transform systems of care for families affected by parental substance use disorders. The model recognizes that parental addiction affects the entire family and that recovery happens most effectively within the family context. By bringing together child welfare agencies, behavioral health providers, and other family-serving partners, START supports children, parents, and the entire family to build safe, stable, and healthy lives.

START teams include caseworkers, behavioral health providers, and Family Peer Mentors with lived experience, working together to address child maltreatment while supporting parents in recovery. This holistic, family-centered model prioritizes parent-child relationships as a critical part of recovery and long-term family well-being.

Ohio START emphasizes a wraparound approach for at-risk parents

Ohio START uses a collaborative, wraparound service model to stabilize families impacted by parental substance use. Through partnerships with local community providers, public children services agencies, and courts, START helps parents access timely substance use treatment and provides ongoing supports for the entire family.

By prioritizing early identification, shared decision-making, and intensive case management with dedicated caseworker–peer mentor teams, START improves outcomes for children and families. This wraparound approach aims to keep families together safely, reduce trauma, and foster sustained recovery so that parents and children can thrive together, free from abuse and addiction.