Trumbull County Earns Statewide Recognition with Ohio START Certification
Trumbull County Children Services has reached an important milestone by earning certification in the Ohio Sobriety, Treatment and Reducing Trauma (START) program.
This recognition makes Trumbull County the seventh in Ohio and the eleventh in the nation to receive the START certification.
The certification confirms that Trumbull County has successfully implemented the START model with fidelity, meaning the agency has built sustainable, evidence-based practices that align with Ohio’s standards.
The START program is designed to support families struggling with substance use by integrating child welfare services with behavioral health treatment and peer mentorship.
Trumbull County began using the START approach in March 2019, as part of the second expansion cohort of the program. Since its launch in 2017, Ohio START has impacted more than 2,000 children across the state.
It also highlights the dedication and excellence of several Trumbull County staff members who have been recognized at the state level.
Kim Ruble, Supervisor of Recovery Services, was named the 2025 Ohio START Supervisor of the Year for her leadership and commitment to the program. Angela Cochran was honored in 2024 as the Ohio START Caseworker of the Year, and Jennifer Barbera, who was named the 2023 Family of the Year, now serves as a Family Peer Mentor, helping other families on their path to recovery.
Trumbull County Children Services continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovative, compassionate care for families impacted by addiction. The START certification is a testament to the agency’s hard work and its lasting impact on the community.
