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As part of his commitment to ensure all Ohio children have the opportunity to build strong foundations for success, Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) Director Kara B. Wente announced the availability of $5 million in grant funding to support training for teachers at early care and education programs on how to harness the Science of Reading to enrich their young students’ literacy skills from an early age. |
As part of Ohio’s efforts to build a pipeline of talent into the children services workforce, Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) Director Kara B. Wente today announced a $2 million investment to expand the Ohio Child Protective Services Fellowship Program.
Through the fellowship program, college students majoring in human services-related fields like psychology, family science, and sociology can apply to work part-time at county public children services agencies (PCSAs) – where they will receive valuable training and hands-on experience in these in-demand jobs.
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Child Care Investments Press Conference: Ohio's Early Learning Expansion
On November 14, 2024, PRE4CLE hosted a press conference at the Murtis Taylor Early Childhood Education Center in Cleveland, with DCY Director Kara Wente. She was joined by local early learning leaders and families, including Katie Kelly (PRE4CLE), Shawna Rohrman (Cuyahoga County Office of Early Childhood), Lovell Custard (Murtis Taylor Human Services), and Bridgette Stephens (Murtis Taylor Human Services and grandmother of three children who benefit from Ohio’s Child Care Choice Voucher program). The group discussed the 2024 investments made by Governor DeWine to help families access child care, including Child Care Choice Vouchers and Early Care and Education Access Grants.
These programs aim to expand child care and early education options for families in Ohio. After the press conference, the DCY team met with Cuyahoga County Early Care and Education partners to discuss how we can work together more effectively to advance early care and education in our communities and across the state.
 Left to right: Shawna Rohrman, Director, Invest in Cleveland; Kara Wente, Director, DCY; Katie Kelly, Executive Director, PRE4CLE; Bridgette Stephens, Administrative Coordinator, Murtis Taylor and grandmother of children who have benefited from Ohio’s Child Care Choice Vouchers; Lovel Custard, President and CEO, Murtis Taylor Human Health System; Alicia Leatherman, DCY Chief Strategy Officer; David Merriman, Director, Cuyahoga Department of Health and Human Services; and Heather Brissett, VP of Community Wellness, Murtis Taylor
OSU Crane Center, Ohio Department of Children and Youth Receive $2 Million Federal Grant to Study Child Care
The Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy and Ohio’s Department of Children and Youth (DCY) have received a $2 million grant to study child care quality, access, and child outcomes as part of the federal Child Care Policy Research Partnerships (CCPRP) initiative. Funded through the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), CCPRP grants support new research and evaluation occurring through cooperative partnerships between research organizations and Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) lead agencies.
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Stronger Together: Departments Unite to Highlight Support for Children and Families
The Directors of the Departments of Children and Youth, Medicaid, and Developmental Disabilities are teaming up to highlight the great work each department does for children and families in a series of webinars called Stronger Together.
Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente kicked off the November 25 presentation, noting that the idea for the collaboration came from both Governor DeWine’s Kids Summit and the Children Services working group.
Department of Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran said children with multi-system needs are, “Our children.” She said this series is important because, “We all develop a better understanding of not only how the systems work, but also the unique characteristics and culture of each system. Because if we really believe that these are our children, then it’s incumbent on us to master some of that difference across the system so that we can, in fact, put the young person first.”
To watch the inaugural Stronger Together presentation, click here.
Finding Family: A Story of Hope and Adoption
Abandoned and abused as a child by her biological family, Hannah was placed in the foster care system at the age of six. Unfortunately, Hannah experienced abuse and turmoil throughout her time in foster care. She aged out at the age of 18. Hannah bravely shares her story to reinforce to prospective parents that youth are never too old to need a permanent family and encourage more young people lingering in foster care to open their heart to the possibility of adoption.
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a national nonprofit public charity dedicated to finding permanent families for the thousands of children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Created by Wendy’s® founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns and innovative grantmaking.
Child Match: Creating Placement Connections for our Kids
The Child Match project, developed by the Automated Systems Review Committee, aims to streamline communication, and improve placement processes for children in need. Launched in July 2024 with Ohio SACWIS integration in October, the system allows Public Children Services Agencies (PCSAs) and community providers to create placement postings.
By November 15, 125 children were posted on Child Match, with 43 successfully finding placements. Cuyahoga County has been a key implementer, reporting significant benefits from the new system.
Key Achievements:
- Created contracts with six new private agencies
- Expanded placement options for challenging cases
- Facilitated smoother transitions for youth
A notable example involves a nine-year-old youth who had been in psychiatric and residential care. Through Child Match, Cuyahoga County identified two new placement providers, preventing extended stays in temporary facilities. County officials noted that without Child Match, the youth would have remained in their building since July.
The placement department praised the tool, stating, "Child Match has made my job easier. It gives us more placement options on our harder to place kids."
Ohio continues to demonstrate leadership in children services through technology-driven solutions like Child Match. By leveraging innovative systems that prioritize communication, collaboration, and child-centered placement strategies, Ohio is transforming how children and youth receive critical support services.
Ohio Leaders Showcase State's Cross-Agency Approach to Supporting Children and Families
 From left to right: DCY Assistant Director, Jeff Van Deusen; DCY Outreach and Engagement Deputy Director, Katina Bays; Ohio Commission on Fatherhood Executive Director, Kim Dent; DCY Children's Initiative Project Manager, Lily Clossman; DEW Chief of Student and Academic Supports, Jessica Horowitz Moore; Bureau Chief of Recovery Supports, Zandia Lawson; DODD Cross-System Initiatives Manager, Matthew Bavlnka.
Ohio sent a team from the Department of Children and Youth (DCY), Mental Health and Addiction Services (OMHAS), Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), and Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) to the Fall 2024 BUILD Partner State Meeting in Philadelphia.
Each year, the BUILD Initiative works with early childhood and children services leaders to improve systems that support children and families. DCY Assistant Director Jeff Van Deusen joined a panel with leaders from four other states to share Ohio’s experience in starting a new state child agency. The panel discussed how customized approaches can help reduce barriers and create more opportunities for children, families, and communities. This opportunity helps strengthen Ohio's efforts to build a more equitable and supportive system for all families.
DCY On The Move
DCY On The Move highlights our team members' travels across Ohio, visiting diverse programs, centers, and organizations. Through these strategic stops, we dive deep into local initiatives, learning about innovative approaches to child and youth services, and building collaborative partnerships that strengthen our understanding of community needs and opportunities.
Incarcerated Fathers Attend Fatherhood Conference
One hundred and thirty fathers and father-figures attended the First Annual Fatherhood Conference at Pickaway Correctional Institution, hosted by Passages Fatherhood Program, the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
The event featured inspiring speakers like NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz and workshops on child support, domestic violence prevention, and entrepreneurship.
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On Sunday, fathers spent quality time with their kids, decorating pumpkins, playing games, and enjoying a family cookout. It was a weekend focused on strengthening families and supporting fatherhood!
Pictured left to right: Kim Dent, Executive Director, Ohio Commission on Fatherhood; Kim Kehl, DCY Project Manager, Trauma-Informed Care; Karen Willhite, DCY Trainer; Tara Shook, DCY Trainer.
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Listening and Learning: DCY's Family Listening Sessions Focused on Infant Vitality
The Department of Children and Youth (DCY) recently completed a series of Listening Sessions across five Ohio regions, bringing together parents of infants and young children to discuss the critical topic of Infant Vitality. These sessions, designed by Parent and Youth Ambassadors (PYAs), created safe spaces for parents to share their experiences, challenges, and hopes for their children's early years.
From Chillicothe to Cleveland, these gatherings drew 85 parents who engaged deeply with DCY staff, local resource providers, and each other. The sessions were more than just conversations—they were opportunities for connection, learning, and mutual support.
Key Insights and Themes
Parents openly discussed the realities of modern parenting, highlighting crucial areas of need:
- Mental health support for both mothers and fathers
- Strategies for effective co-parenting
- Access to parenting resources and classes
- The importance of father involvement in child-rearing
One powerful moment came from a Cincinnati parent who described parenting as "error and trial," capturing the learning journey of parenthood. In Chillicothe, a parent advocated for safer co-sleeping education, emphasizing the need for practical, non-judgmental guidance.
Building Community Resources
Resource tables at each session allowed parents to explore local support services, including Help Me Grow, Cribs for Kids, Head Start, and WIC. The networking opportunities were invaluable, with participants expressing deep appreciation for the chance to connect and learn. DCY was also able to provide diapers to all attendees, which was a huge hit!
Looking Forward
DCY, Parent and Youth Ambassadors, and Child Care Resource and Referral Supervisors are already planning future sessions, ensuring that the voices of parents continue to shape our approach to supporting families and promoting infant vitality.
Ready to Help
As we look forward to future community engagement opportunities, DCY wants to remind families that there are PYA’s in your region, ready to help with service referrals, system navigation and so much more. If you need support, contact the DCY Family Support Call Center at (844) 234-KIDS (5437) or email Ambassadors@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov.
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Empowering Families: Child Care Support Makes a Difference
In a survey conducted by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth from September 30 to October 22, 2024, nearly 1,000 families shared powerful insights into the transformative impact of child care support.
With 992 participants and a 19.5% response rate, the survey revealed remarkable stories of hope and opportunity. An overwhelming 76.6% of families reported that child care support has significantly helped their household, with 62% stating the program has directly improved their family's quality of life.
The most striking finding? Child care support is a game-changer for working parents. A staggering 85% of respondents indicated the program allows them to work longer or more frequently. Beyond economic benefits, the program provides peace of mind, with 60% of parents reporting reduced worry about child safety and 57% seeing improved school preparation for their children.
One parent captured the essence of the program's impact, stating, "It is life changing especially in this economy. It allows me to help produce income to feed my children... This program is a blessing to Ohio families."
However, the survey also highlighted ongoing challenges. Families continue to struggle with high child care costs, limited provider hours, and insufficient care options for children with behavioral challenges or disabilities.
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth remains committed to addressing these concerns and continues to seek family input. If you would like to share your story, visit our DCY website.
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Four DCY Team Members Graduate from Governor's Leadership Academy
On Tuesday, December 3, Lt. Governor Jon Husted spoke at the Governor's Leadership Academy graduation and presented the graduates, including DCY's own Stephen Riester, Monique Hall, Angela Kaiser, and Allison Payten (pictured), with their diplomas.
The Governor's Leadership Academy was established in 2022 with the goal of providing professional development to current state of Ohio employees with leadership skills to retain talent and ensure that the next generation of leaders is prepared for a life of public service, specifically within state government. Congratulations Team DCY!
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