OhioSTART Program Launches in Madison County to Support Families Affected by Substance Use

Families in Madison County who are struggling with the effects of substance use now have access to a new support system designed to promote healing, stability, and long-term recovery. The county has officially launched the OhioSTART (Sobriety, Treatment, and Reducing Trauma) program, an evidence-based initiative that connects families involved in the child welfare system with behavioral health treatment and peer mentorship.

The local effort is being led by Julie Harris, Madison County Protective Services Administrator, who began collaborating in 2023 with Agency Director Robin and the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO) to bring OhioSTART to the region.

OhioSTART offers a wraparound approach, focusing on strengthening families by addressing both child safety and the root causes of substance use. By partnering with Chrysalis Health, Madison County is now able to offer behavioral health services and assign peer mentors who use their own lived experience to support families through the recovery process.

Following more than a year of planning, training, and preparation, the program is now active and already serving two families in the county.

“This program represents a major step forward in our ability to provide comprehensive, compassionate care to families facing some of the most difficult challenges,” said Harris.

Madison County joins a growing network of counties across Ohio that are implementing OhioSTART with the goal of reducing trauma, improving recovery outcomes, and keeping families safely together whenever possible.