Proponent Testimony — SB 90, Ohio Domestic Violence Network (House Commerce and Labor, October 24, 2023)

Summary

Proponent testimony on SB 90 from Maria York, Policy Director for the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, to the House Commerce and Labor Committee, dated October 24, 2023. The testimony says SB 90 would allow social workers in Ohio and several other states to practice in multiple states with a multistate license, and that ODVN is Ohio's federally designated domestic violence coalition, representing 76 local domestic violence organizations. It states that ODVN programs sheltered 9,886 survivors in calendar year 2022 and that the relocation program helped 482 survivors and 548 children. The testimony thanks Senator Roegner.

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                                      House Commerce and Labor Committee
                                         Proponent Testimony for S.B. 90
                                               October 24, 2023

                                                Maria York, Policy Director
                                             Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Chairman Johnson, Vice Chairwoman Manchester, Ranking Member McNally, and members of
the House Commerce and Labor Committee,

My name is Maria York, and I am the Policy Director for the Ohio Domestic Violence Network.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide proponent testimony on SB 90, which would allow
social workers in Ohio and several other states to practice in multiple states with a multistate
license.

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) is Ohio’s federally designated domestic violence
coalition, representing 76 local domestic violence organizations throughout the state. In
calendar year 2022, ODVN programs sheltered 9,886 survivors (approximately 5,594 adults and
4,292 children) and provided nearly 73,000 survivors and their children with housing, legal
advocacy, and other supportive services. 1 Many of ODVN’s shelters and member programs
employ licensed social workers. Furthermore, domestic violence survivors often interact with
licensed social workers while seeking additional services beyond shelter, such as mental health
care.

Multistate licensing would incentivize social workers to remain in the field, reducing turnover
rates and ensuring the continuity of quality services for Ohio's residents. Many individuals,
particularly those in rural areas or underserved regions, face limited access to social work
services due to a shortage of practitioners. The waiting list for a new patient experiencing
mental health issues can be several months due to capacity, even though Ohio is above the
national average for people with mental illnesses. 2 Those seeking to find a Black or Hispanic
therapist face even more limited options. According to a recent study, White people had the
highest access to mental health services, with just under half of people receiving treatment.

1
  The Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) surveyed its 76 member programs January 5 to 27, 2023 about the prevalence of domestic
violence. A total of 74 programs responded, a 97% response rate.
2
  Intersecting Pandemics: The impact of Intimate Partner Violence, COVID-19, and Wage and Worker Supports Equity in Ohio. (2021). Available
from Intersecting_Pandemics_Final.pdf (odvn.org)
About two-thirds or more of individuals did not receive treatment for all other racial groups. 3
If passed, SB 90 will help expand the critical mental health services needed for Black and Brown
communities.

Additionally, SB 90 would significantly improve the continuity of care for clients, including
survivors of domestic violence who often relocate to escape abuse. In calendar year 2022,
ODVN’s relocation program has helped 482 survivors and 548 children with security deposits,
rent, transportation, moving expenses, or utilities so they can move into permanent safe
housing, including out-of-state housing options. 4 By fostering professional mobility and
enhancing the efficacy of social work services, this legislation would bolster Ohio's social
welfare system, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the necessary support, regardless
of their geographical location.

Multistate licensing will allow social workers to step in and bridge the gap where shortages
exist, effectively ensuring that all individuals have access to the support they need. On behalf of
the Ohio Domestic Violence Network and our 76 member programs, I would like to thank
Senator Roegner for leading the way in redefining the social work profession that benefits both
social workers and the survivors they serve.




3
    Ibid.
4
    2022 Impact Report: ODVN Relocation and Safety Assistance. (2023). Available from Impact-Sheet-for-Grants-2022.pdf (odvn.org)


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