Creating an Adoption-Friendly Ohio: A Call to Businesses
During National Adoption Month, Ohio is calling on businesses to implement adoption-friendly workplace policies, following the state's own example of offering paid leave and financial assistance. With over 14,000 children in foster care and 3,000 awaiting adoption in Ohio, the initiative aims to make the state more supportive of adoptive families. Recent data shows that employer support significantly influences adoption decisions, with the average workplace offering $16,422 in adoption cost reimbursement and about 9.6 weeks of paid leave. Read more about Ohio's comprehensive adoption support programs and how your organization can help create lasting bonds for children in need.
A Stat that Matters: Caseworker Looks Back on More Than 500 Adoptions
 From left to right: Raquel Breckenridge, FCCS Director of Family Services-Permanency; Liska Hall, FCCS Adoption Caseworker; Chip Spinning, FCCS Executive Director; and Cassie Snyder, FCCS Associate Director of Adoptions
For case worker Liska Hall, 2024 has been a big year. In March, she reached a major milestone, finalizing her 500th adoption! Her colleagues at Franklin County Children Services held a celebration and now, almost eight months and 14 adoptions later, we asked Liska to reflect on her 28-year career and how these adoptions have affected her.
DCY Communications: What makes you good at your job?
Liska Hall: I think the biggest part is that I never forget that the decisions we make for each child will affect the rest of their lives. The second part is I really love my job. I love the kids I serve and the families I work with. I believe that each child should have someone in their life who thinks they hung the moon. I find it incredibly fulfilling to be the last case worker they will have.
DCY Comms: What has the job given you?
LH: I think most of us go into social work hoping to create a positive change. This job has truly made me feel that I have made a difference. Each one of “my kids” has a permanent family. A family that promises to be there forever, to love them always.
DCY Comms: We heard the families you have helped have, in a way, adopted you. Tell us about that.
LH: Working with families to help them achieve their dream of adoption leads to some strong emotional connections. I have many families that maintain contact with me years after their adoptions. I have been invited to weddings and graduations. I have attended birthday parties, baby showers and a few funerals. When I recently lost my mom, I couldn’t believe the number of my adoptive moms that reached out to me to let me know I wasn’t alone, that they “mothered” me when I needed it most.
DCY Comms: What can you tell us about the situations you encounter as part of your job?
LH: I have some very special memories of some really amazing people. The family that adopted a child right before her 18th birthday. The family that came forward and wanted all 6 of my kids. The family that couldn’t have biological children and they were matched with infant twins. Families that adopt medically fragile kids. I have had adoptions where my kids have had such awful trauma that I have cried during their hearing, so very thankful that they had someone who loved them and wanted to help heal that trauma.
DCY Comms: For people outside the children services space, explain why 500 adoptions is such a big deal.
LH: 500 adoptions represent 500 children who got out of the foster care system. 500 children who had someone say “I love you and I want you to be a part of my family FOREVER. It’s also a lot of paperwork!
DCY Comms: Is there anything else we didn’t cover that you’d like to add?
LH: I am incredibly lucky to not only love my job but I love the people I work with. I have the best supervisor in the world, I have amazing Associate Directors and a wonderful Director. My fellow co-workers are some of the very best and will do anything to help.
Thanks to Liska and adoption workers like her across the state of Ohio, hundreds of kids find loving homes every year.
Click below to read more stories of DOING WHAT’S RIGHT FOR KIDS.
Local Student's Journey to National Competition Showcases Community Support
Marcus, a student in foster care, embarked on an inspiring journey this year through his participation in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). His dedication led him from local competitions to the state level in Toledo, and ultimately to the national stage in Seattle.
This experience not only showcased Marcus's achievements but also demonstrated the power of community support in creating life-changing opportunities for youth in foster care. The fact that Marcus was in foster care did not prevent him from participating in this opportunity. From utilizing IL funds to purchase the appropriate attire, luggage, portions of his travel, and even a state ID, Tuscarawas County worked collaboratively with Marcus and his supports to ensure he made it to Nationals.
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The Business Journal Highlights Key Programs Helping Foster Children
Amber King's journey from group homes to success exemplifies the transformative power of support programs for youth in care. Entering the system at age 13, Amber faced challenges living in group homes. NOAS (formerly Northeast Ohio Adoption Services) played a crucial role in her life, first through the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program and later via the Bridges Program after her emancipation. Today, Amber credits NOAS as her "biggest supporters," maintaining a strong connection with them for ongoing advice and support. Her story highlights the lasting impact of dedicated assistance for youth transitioning out of the care system.
From Feedback to Action: Ohio DCY Launches Parent and Youth Ambassadors
 Four Members of the PYA Team: Stephanie Wade, SDA 9, and Catherine Lachman SDA 10 (back row), Marcy Jett, SDA 7 and Sheena Pasker, SDA 1 (front row)
In response to feedback from Ohio families, the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) introduced Parent and Youth Ambassadors (PYAs). DCYs investment in building the PYA team began in January 2024. From the start, the vision for the PYA team was to serve as a single, in-person resource for families navigating the complex world of social services. DCY recruited, hired, and trained a total of 7 PYAs with the intent that they would transition to the Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs) to support individuals and families in specific Service Delivery Areas (SDAs). What is uniquely important to PYAs is their firsthand navigation of social services.
Imagine having a friendly face in your community, someone who's walked in your shoes and understands the challenges you're facing. That's exactly what PYAs offer. They're not just employees; they're members of your local community with firsthand experience in social services systems. This unique perspective allows them to provide compassionate, informed support to families in need. While their tenure at DCY was temporary, their involvement in shaping the roles and responsibilities of PYAs was instrumental. PYAs as part of the DCY team transitioned to their assigned CCR&R on September 30, 2024. These PYAs have been a tremendous support to new PYAs onboarding in CCR&Rs around the state. To date, there are a total of 12 PYAs. The overall goal is to have two PYAs in each CCR&R for an overall total of 24.
The PYAs work within Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies across Ohio, expanding an already robust network of family support. Whether families are struggling with special education issues, facing homelessness, needing help with childcare, or having trouble paying utilities, PYAs are there to lend a helping hand - no eligibility requirements, no judgment, just support.
But PYAs do more than just offer immediate assistance. They're also the eyes and ears of the community, identifying gaps in services and advocating for families. They host listening sessions and parent support groups, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every need is addressed.
The impact of this program is already evident. One parent, after receiving help navigating the benefits system, shared, "It seems like you are the only one to really treat me like I'm not the enemy, and I appreciate that." In another instance, a PYA was able to connect a family struggling with their autistic child's escalating behavior to DCY's cross-systems collaboration team, offering hope when they felt they had run out of options.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this support, don't hesitate to reach out. The DCY Family Customer Support Call Center is just a phone call away at (844) 234-KIDS (5437), or you can email Ambassadors@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov. Remember, in Ohio, help is always within reach.
DCY On The Move
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Along with her colleagues from the Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Higher Education, DCY Director Kara Wente participated in a panel discussion at The Ohio Council of Behavioral and Family Service Providers meeting on workforce. Director Wente shared the various workforce strategies and initiatives that DCY has implemented, while emphasizing the importance of workforce in all the child and family serving fields. |
We are proud to announce that Director Wente, has been awarded the PCSAO Partner of the Year award. This annual award from the PCSAO Board of Trustees recognizes individuals, organizations, associations, and state leaders who have been exceptional partners in collaborating with and supporting PCSAO on children services-related issues. Director Wente's tireless efforts to advocate for children and youth, as well as her commitment to building strong partnerships, make her a most deserving recipient of this honor. Congratulations, Director Wente! The Department of Children and Youth is grateful for your leadership and dedication. Pictured from left to right are DCY team members Elisha Cangelosi, Colleen Tucker. Dorothy Striker, Director Wente, DCY team members Lucy Gobble, Katina Bays, and DCY Assistant Director Jeff Van Deusen.
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Ohio's voice resonated strongly at the recent Region 5 Economic Mobility Summit in Chicago. The two-day event, held on September 4-5, 2024, brought together senior administrators from six midwestern states to focus on supporting expectant parents and families with young children.
Our Ohio delegation made a significant impact, sharing insights on:
- Successes and challenges in supporting young families
- Desired outcomes and learning objectives
- Areas where federal support could make a difference
The summit provided a valuable platform for exchanging policy innovations, best practices, and strategies for program enhancement. A highlight was the engaging Fatherhood segment panel.
Representing Ohio were (left to right):
Denise Olson, Project Manager, Office of Family Assistance, ODJFS
Kim Dent, Executive Director, Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, DCY
Allison Payten, Human Services Program Administrator 4, Maternal and Early Childhood Services and Supports, DCY
Nicole Sillaman, Executive Director, Ohio Children's Trust Fund, DCY
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The Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) held its inaugural statewide Health Policy Summit at the Fawcett Center in Columbus October 3. The event gathered stakeholders from across Ohio, including policymakers, providers, local health departments, insurers, advocates, social services, businesses, researchers, and academics to explore data-driven solutions and participate in hands-on trainings.
During a key panel discussion, Director Kara Wente of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth joined Director LeeAnne Cornyn of Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services, Jim Tassie, Ohio Department of Medicaid's Director of Managed Care, and Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, Director of the Ohio Department of Health. The conversation, moderated by Angie Dawson, Executive Director of the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, focused on how state agencies collaborate to improve health, well-being, and economic vitality in Ohio. Panelists discussed their agencies' roles and partnerships with the private sector to address the state's most pressing health challenges.
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Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente recently participated in a panel discussion on "The State of ECE Data in Big Ten States," hosted by the Big Ten Early Learning Alliance. The panel explored the availability and importance of early childhood education (ECE) data across Big Ten states. Director Wente, alongside other experts, discussed the types of ECE data currently available, barriers to its use, and the potential benefits of making such data more accessible to researchers, policymakers, and the public.
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We're thrilled to announce that DCY Director Kara Wente was named Ohio Court Appointed Special Advocate’s 2024 Child Advocate of the Year during the 29th Annual Celebrate Kids! Conference! During the three-day event in downtown Columbus, over 700 CASA volunteers, attorneys, social workers, judges, and other child welfare advocates gathered to share knowledge and celebrate those making a difference for Ohio’s children. Director Wente’s father, Ted Bertke, a CASA volunteer himself, along with her mother, Diana proudly accepted the award on her behalf, sharing: “This program is so important, and we’re honored to see our daughter’s work making a difference in Ohio. A big thank you to CASA volunteers across Ohio who are at the heart of this mission, advocating for our children and ensuring their voices are heard! Learn more about how you can support CASA and Ohio’s children here: Ohio CASA.
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On Thursday, September 26, Ohio Children's Trust Fund (OCTF) Executive Director Nicole Sillaman, joined Stephanie Pennza, Great Lakes Ohio Regional Prevention Coordinator, in accepting the Community Partnership Award from Beech Brook. The OCTF Great Lakes Regional Prevention Council has funded Beech Brook since 2022. Beech Brook currently implements three programs with this funding, serving Cuyahoga County. Those programs are Stewards of Children, Parent Cafés, and Connect, an Attachment Based Program. To date, over 300 parents/caregivers, youth, and community members have received services through Beech Brook through this grant funding.
Pictured from left to right, OCTF Great Lakes Regional Prevention Coordinate, Stephanie Pennza, University Hospitals; Nicole Sillaman, OCTF Executive Director; President/CEO Thomas Royer, Beech Brook
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On September 18, 2024, DCY Director Kara Wente, Assistant Director Jeff Van Deusen, and Deputy Director of Government and External Relations Joel Potts visited Cub Academy at New Lexington Schools, showcasing an innovative preschool model that supports early childhood education. The tour sparked crucial conversations about access and affordability for working families, addressing barriers in the current funding system. Hosted by Superintendent Casey Coffey, the visit aimed to highlight Perry County’s forward-thinking approach to early childhood education, emphasizing early literacy and community collaboration.
By bringing together educators, policymakers, and community members, the event explored collaborative solutions for equitable, high-quality childcare. The New Lex Model offers a holistic approach, prioritizing early literacy, intervention, and career training to empower individuals and communities alike. This initiative aims to replicate its success statewide by securing sustainable funding to ensure all families can access high-quality early education programs.
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Last month, Department of Children and Youth (DCY) Assistant Director Jeff Van Deusen had the honor of celebrating the incredible achievements of Wendy’s Wonderful Kids (WWK), a program dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in foster care and the dedication of all those working to change the lives of children in Ohio. Pictured left to right: Rita Soronen, President and CEO and Assistant Director, Jeff Van Deusen.
Since WWK began, they’ve served over 4,500 children, matched more than 2,500, and helped over 1,700 find forever homes. These numbers reflect many stories of hope and love, made possible by the team’s tireless efforts.
At DCY, we’re committed to making Ohio the best place to raise a family. Under Governor DeWine’s leadership, we strive to ensure every child has the support they need to reach their full potential. This commitment led to creating DCY, Ohio’s first cabinet-level agency focused on children’s needs.
As we celebrate National Adoption Month, we need to focus on the 3,000 children in foster care still waiting for adoption—1,500 of whom are 13 or older. Let’s keep moving forward and DO WHAT’S RIGHT FOR KIDS!
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 From left to right: Lindsay Williams (VP of Child Welfare Services, The Buckeye Ranch), Jeanea Cochran (Director of Permanent Family Solutions Network, The Buckeye Ranch), Kam Twymon (VP of Community and Education-Based Services, The Buckeye Ranch), Alicia Leatherman (Chief Strategy Officer, DCY), Carla Clark (Director of Community-Based Services, The Buckeye Ranch), Kara Wente (DCY Director), Jeff Van Deusen (DCY Assistant Director), Christina Massey (EVP of Programs and Services, The Buckeye Ranch), Rachel Bowen (Director of CME, The Buckeye Ranch), Margrit Springer (VP of Integrated Care Services, The Buckeye Ranch), Jessica Thompson (Director of Foster Care, The Buckeye Ranch), Joel Potts (Chief Government and External Affairs Officer, DCY).
On October 7, members of DCY Executive Team were invited by The Buckeye Ranch to tour its Direct Care Facilities.
This visit provided valuable insights into comprehensive care services for Ohio's children and families.
The tour included:
- Michael & Paige Crane Center: showcasing same-day access, foster care, and teletherapy options.
- My Place: highlighting transitional age youth independent living services.
- The Bonner Academy: featuring education-based mental health programs and specialized services like Somali outreach.
- Grove City Residential Campus: demonstrating vital residential care programs.
This experience reinforced DCY's understanding of the crucial role organizations like The Buckeye Ranch play in our state's care ecosystem. It emphasized the importance of collaborative partnerships in providing comprehensive, compassionate care to our community.
Ohio Family and Children First (OFCF) Executive Director, Elisha R. Cangelosi, and OFCF Assistant Executive Director, Colleen Tucker, presented for a 2nd year in a row at the 2024 Building Bridges Community Experience: Bridging Pathways to Hope, hosted by All in Community, a program of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. All in Community works closely with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (DRC), and DRC is a cabinet member for OFCF. Over 555 attendees participated in the conference, both virtually and in person. Elisha and Colleen presented the following: Effective Approaches for Service Coordination with Families. The presentation not only provided information on the functions of the 88 local family and children first councils (FCFCs), but also explained what service coordination looks like, feels like, and requires us to do in collaboration with others. The session addressed many of the service gaps encountered by coalition leaders, members, and collaborative partners and experienced by those children and families who need coordinated support from multiple community resources.
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Elevating Fathers' Voices - Let's Talk About It!
 The leaders of fatherhood programs from Ohio and other states met in Columbus to discuss issues impacting dads and also to honor fathers who have completed those programs and persevered through challenges.
"Elevating Fathers' Voices - Let's Talk About It!" was hosted by the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood (OCF), in partnership with the Ohio Practitioners' Network for Fathers and Families (OPNFF). The Summit featured a panel of fathers/fatherhood practitioners who started off discussing what fatherhood means to them. They also discussed how the next generation of fathers will continue the legacy of encouraging young men who may not have had a father at home to be role model for their fatherhood journeys.
The second day of the summit allowed attendees to choose workshops including, "Children Services 101," "Control, Connection and Meaning: Trauma Competent Care," "An Innovative Approach to Father Engagement," "Child Support: Common Myths and Misperceptions," and "Infant Mortality- A State Conversation."
Additional highlights included a plenary session that included panelists State Representative Darnell Brewer; Dr. Mike Davis, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction; DCY Assistant Director Jeff Van Deusen; Stacey Frohnapfel-Hasson, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services; State Representative Adam Holmes; State Representative Riordan McClain; Senator Michele Reynolds; Ronald Todd II, Ohio Department of Development; and Socrates Tuch, Ohio Department of Health. The keynote address featured Former Cincinnati Bengals Lineman and Football Hall of Famer, Anthony Munoz.
Read about the fathers who were honored HERE.
More information can be found at the Summit Webpage, https://fatherhood.ohio.gov/ohio-fatherhood-summit. OCF is part of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth.
DCY and ODH Launch Safe Sleep Campaign to Protect Infants Across Ohio
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) have partnered on a Safe Sleep marketing campaign to educate families about safe sleep practices for infants. The campaign focuses on the ABCs of Safe Sleep—Alone, on their Back, in a Crib—ensuring that babies sleep safely. The campaign launched on September 4, 2024, and will continue until November 10, 2024, with a focus on reaching counties in Ohio with the highest infant mortality rates. This effort aims to share critical information with these communities to help protect infants and promote safe sleep. Tactics include billboards, online display advertising, radio, social media, transit advertising, and video.
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Resources For Families with Children Birth Through 5
Just as the ASQ has expanded to serve Ohio children through age 5, the Community Resource Directory at Help Me Grow has also expanded to include resources for families with children through age 5.
Whether you're looking for diapers or preschools, you can search the directory and get results that also display on a map to help you easily see where resources are located. Entries can be shared easily via email or the link can be copied to put in a text message. Providers of listed resources can also submit changes if information needs to be updated.
The directory includes resources in all 88 Ohio counties. No matter where you live in Ohio, you can find resources in your neighborhood.
Be sure to check out the Community Resource Directory page and other services offered through Help Me Grow at Help Me Grow!
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Ohio's Foster Care Initiative Garners National Spotlight on NPR
Ohio's foster home pilot recently captured nationwide attention on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” program. The October 10 broadcast featured an expanded version of a story originally produced by the Ohio Newsroom this summer.
The four-minute segment shed light on the efforts of the Northwest Treatment Foster Care Collaborative. This initiative aims to establish therapeutic licensed homes providing an alternative to residential placement for children with specific needs. The collaborative's work has inspired a statewide pilot program, now funded by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth across 10 county clusters.
Melanie Allen, Director of Sandusky County Job and Family Services, was prominently featured in the segment. Her contribution highlights the impact this initiative is having on children services in Ohio.
This national recognition underscores the importance and potential of Ohio's forward-thinking strategies in addressing the complex needs of children in the foster care system.
Building Resilience: New Brief on Protective Factors Against Childhood Trauma
A recent Health Policy Institute of Ohio study highlights promising strategies to mitigate adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Their latest policy brief examines how specific protective factors—from strong community networks to positive family relationships—can significantly buffer against childhood trauma's long-term effects. The comprehensive analysis offers evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at strengthening these protective elements across individual, family, and community levels. The research draws on Ohio-specific data and builds upon HPIO's ongoing ACEs Impact Project, established in 2020. For those interested in diving deeper into the findings and recommendations, HPIO maintains a dedicated online resource hub focused on addressing childhood adversity in Ohio communities.
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Governor DeWine Announces $60 Million Federal Grant to Improve Reading Instruction
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) Director Stephen D. Dackin today announced that Ohio was awarded a $60 million Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The funding will support Ohio teachers in providing effective literacy instruction to help students maximize their reading and writing skills. Read News Release
Governor Signs Executive Order Awarding Funds to Help Families in Need, Support Children, and Encourage Workforce Development
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2024-07D, directing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program funding to initiatives that will assist struggling families, support children, and encourage workforce development. Read News Release
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Boost Early Childhood Learning with Bilingual Books: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio Expands Offerings for Children
With Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio, young children now have access to high-quality, age-appropriate bilingual English/ Spanish books. These books will help a child develop critical skills necessary for entering Kindergarten ready, as well as introduce them to a second language at an early age.
Children and their families now have the option to choose which collection of Imagination Library books they would like to receive:
- The traditional collection of Imagination Library books (primarily English with a few bilingual titles), or
- The new 100% bilingual English/ Spanish book collection.
Children currently enrolled in the program can update their registration to feature bilingual books if they'd like. That update can be made at: ohioimaginationlibrary.org.
Below are materials about the new bilingual books that can be used and shared when promoting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio.
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