About the Session
Young children don’t understand the dangers drugs and medications can pose. That’s why prevention starts with the adults who care for them.
In this Fresh Takes on Prevention webinar, Franklin County Children Services will share how it is working with community partners to help protect infants and young children from accidental exposure to fentanyl, prescription medications, cannabis products, and other substances.
Participants will learn about “Lock it UP, Clean it UP, and Put it AWAY,” a community education campaign that moves beyond traditional anti-drug messaging to focus on practical, harm-reduction strategies families can use to create safer environments for children.
The webinar will also explore Plans of Safe Care, an approach that brings families and healthcare providers together to support expectant and new mothers when there are concerns about prenatal substance use or exposure. The goal is to connect families with the support they need while helping keep parents and babies healthy, safe, and together.
Together, these efforts offer a look at how prevention, harm reduction, healthcare, and child safety can work together to protect some of our youngest and most vulnerable community members.
Learning Objectives:
- Implement a Harm-Reduction Safety Campaign: Participants will be able to educate parents and caregivers on using the “Lock it UP, Clean it UP, and Put it AWAY” campaign to prevent accidental exposure to fentanyl, prescription medications, and cannabis products.
- Formulate and Coordinate Plans of Safe Care: Participants will observe how to collaborate with healthcare providers to develop and implement comprehensive Plans of Safe Care for expectant mothers with histories of prenatal substance use.
- Analyze the Correlation Between Prenatal Use and Accidental Exposure: Participants will be informed on the correlation between prenatal substance exposure and subsequent accidental drug ingestion in infants and toddlers, which can help in identifying high-risk environments and justifying early safety interventions.
Essential Details:
Cost: Free
Location: Teams Webinar
CEUs: Prevention CEUs will be applied for
Meet the Speakers
Emily Green | Family Services Director, Franklin County Children Services
Emily Green serves as the Family Services Director at FCCS, where she leads a diverse workforce responsible for supporting children and families across the community. Emily’s direct responsibilities include leading the work of child welfare Screening, Assessments/Investigations, Ongoing Services, and Provider Services. She began this role in August 2021 and has served in various positions since she joined the agency in 2005 as a Child Welfare Caseworker. Emily is passionate about strengthening systems, developing the workforce, and building meaningful partnerships that help families access the right support at the right time. A graduate of Tiffin University, Emily earned dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and forensic psychology and a master’s degree in forensic psychology. She lives in Hilliard with her husband and twins (a son and daughter, age 14) who are her biggest inspiration.
Scott Varner | Communications Director, Franklin County Children Services
With 30 years of experience in public service and community engagement, Scott Varner serves at the Communications Director at FCCS, responsible for leading the agency’s external and internal strategic communications efforts and managing community outreach opportunities throughout Central Ohio. Since joining FCCS in 2023, Scott has led the communications strategy for a successful levy, boosted outreach impact through digital and online channels, managed high-profile crisis communication incidents, and served as a liaison with elected officials and local community organizations. A graduate of Ohio University, Scott’s career includes work at WBNS 10-TV News and various communications and public affairs roles for Columbus City Council, the Columbus City Attorney’s Office, the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, and Columbus City Schools.
About Fresh Takes on Prevention
Fresh Takes on Prevention is Prevention Action Alliance’s webinar series designed to keep prevention professionals informed, connected, and ready to respond to emerging issues. Each webinar brings fresh perspectives, practical information, and timely topics to support prevention work in communities across Ohio and beyond. Learn more here.
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