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Issue 46: October 28, 2025

Updates by Program Area

For Your Awareness

Ohio Departments of Children and Youth and Public Safety Present: A Shared Response to Human Trafficking

Join us for Stronger Together, a bi-monthly webinar series, to learn about the collaborative partnership between the Departments of Children and Youth and Public Safety. This session will focus on supporting professionals in recognizing and responding to human trafficking, as well as DCY’s efforts to address missing youth.

Date: November 10, 2025

Time: 10 - 11 a.m.

Please share this information with others who may be interested in attending.

To learn more and get the Teams Live link, view the flyer here.

DCY Invites Grantees to Grant Management System Office Hours

DCY will hold office hours allowing grantees an opportunity to receive assistance with using the GMS portal. Grantees will be able to ask questions and provide feedback regarding the grant set up, expense reports, and deliverable submissions. There are three opportunities to attend office hours. Participation is optional, and you can always reach out to your agreement manager or the DCY GMS Mailbox with questions.

Meeting Dates:

Monday, November 10 at 11 a.m.
Join the meeting now

Wednesday, November 12 at 2 p.m.
Join the meeting now

Thursday, November 12 at 9 a.m.
Join the meeting now

For additional support and information, please visit the DCY GMS Webpage on the DCY website.

Maternal & Infant Wellness

Programs focus on improving birth outcomes, and improving the health status of pregnant women, infants, and children to ensure moms and babies celebrate the child’s first birthday.

DCY Releases Stillbirth Report

In 2023, nearly 800 Ohio women experienced a stillbirth. This corresponded to a rate of 6.1 stillbirths per 1,000 live births. DCY recently published its report on 2023 stillbirths where you can learn more about the causes, risk factors, and trends over time.

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health Awards $10 Million to Expand Treatment for Pregnant and Parenting Women with Substance Use Disorders

According to Ohio’s Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review (PAMR), mental health conditions were the leading cause of pregnancy-related death in Ohio from 2008–2020. The perinatal period (during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum) is a particularly vulnerable time when overdose also remains a leading cause of maternal death.

In 2023, the Ohio Medicaid Assessment Survey (OMAS) found that nearly 76,000 Ohio women received treatment for alcohol or drug use, yet an estimated 13,700 women who needed care did not receive it.

To help close this gap, the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (formerly Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, OhioMHAS) has awarded more than $10 million in grants to 45 providers across 31 counties to expand access to treatment and support services for pregnant women and mothers of young children living with substance use disorders. The funding will help an estimated 8,500 Ohio families access evidence-based, family-centered care.

Funded through the Women’s Treatment portion of the federal Substance Use Block Grant (SUBG), these awards are designed to reduce barriers to care by supporting programs that integrate services for both mothers and their dependent children. Funded services may include behavioral health and medication-assisted treatment, OB/GYN and pediatric care, primary care coordination, and therapeutic services for children.

These investments promote early engagement, reduce stigma, and improve health outcomes for mothers and babies across Ohio.

Early Childhood Development

The Early Childhood Development programs provide technical assistance, education, and referrals for families and youth with evaluations regarding specific needs and disabilities.

Introducing the DCY Customer Care Center to Home Visiting Providers

What’s Happening?

We are excited to announce the new Ohio Department of Children and Youth Customer Care Center is live! This is the primary tool for you to request DCY program technology system support.

DCY Memos and Resources

Early Care & Education

Initiatives work to connect educators, families, and youth to education
services and supports.

COSI and DCY Invite Early Childhood Professionals for Story Stretchers and STEAM Starters on November 3

Plus, more sessions in November!

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth is partnering with the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) to present FREE trainings for early care and education professionals.

Story Stretchers and STEAM Starters will show early childhood professionals fun and creative ways to connect literacy development and storytelling with STEAM learning while they earn three hours of Ohio Approved (OA) Professional Development credit in Curriculum and Assessment.

The first training is scheduled for November 3 at COSI in Columbus. COSI will be closed to the public during the training event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Arrival time is 8:30 a.m. and participants are invited to explore COSI until 1 p.m. To register and for more information, click here. The deadline to register is TOMORROW, October 29.

This training is designed for professionals, so we ask that children not attend.

COSI will host additional professional development events November 14 at the Holzer Leadership & Innovation Building in Gallia County (ST 10158145) and November 17 at America's Packard Museum in Dayton (ST 10158146). Click here for registration information.

Additional training opportunities in this series will be added in the spring and an online training is being developed as well. 

For questions, reach out to Melissa Courts.

Deadline Extended for Request for Application: Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant Birth-Kindergarten Entry

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is extending the deadline for the Birth-K Entry request for applications to continue subawards of the $60 million Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The funding will support Ohio early care and education centers and pre-kindergarten programs in providing effective literacy instruction to help students maximize their emergent reading and writing skills.

Eligible entities may submit applications to develop comprehensive literacy implementation sites. Selected sites will use grant funds to strengthen literacy instruction, with an ultimate goal of improving student outcomes. Grant activities may include professional learning for teachers and administrators, activities to strengthen differentiated supports and family engagement, and collaboration with higher education and community partners.

Subgrants through this request for applications will be awarded to support emergent literacy development for children from birth through kindergarten entry. Details, including the request for application, steps to apply, and intent to apply, are available on the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant webpage. Applications are now due by 4:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Direct questions to ComprehensiveLiteracy@education.ohio.gov.

Introducing the DCY Customer Care Center to Early Care and Education Service Providers

What’s Happening?

We are excited to announce the new Ohio Department of Children and Youth Customer Care Center  is now live! This is the primary tool for you to request support with DCY program technology systems.

Updated Guidance Resource Available on Diapering and Toileting Hygiene in Schools

Professionals from the Ohio Departments of Children & Youth, Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Education & Workforce have collaborated to create an important resource for people working with students of all ages in Ohio schools.

Guidance on Diapering and Toileting Hygiene in Ohio Schools has been released as a joint publication. This guidance includes relevant laws, guiding principles, best practices, technology and other resources, and a sample Routine Personal Care Plan.   

Family Support & Stabilization

Focuses on enhancing the resources and supports available to parents and families.

Toolkit Gives Providers Ways to Help Victims of Intimate Partner Violence 

Originally created to support home visitors, the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Toolkit serves as a reference guide for professionals working with families who may be experiencing IPV. The toolkit is designed for professionals as a quick-reference resource to help professionals recognize signs and indicators of IPV, understand it’s impact on children, and navigate difficult conversations with families. It includes best practice related to screening, making referrals, and planning for your own safety.  To explore the toolkit and learn more about how to access training on IPV, visit the Department of Children and Youth website.

Request for Grant Applications Open for Responsible Fatherhood Initiatives

The Ohio Commission on Fatherhood (OCF) has just posted a new Responsible Fatherhood Initiative (RFI) Request for Grant Applications. OCF seeks to award funding to organizations to implement the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative to strengthen father engagement across Ohio.  The initiative will provide fathers with resources, support, and encouragement to enhance their parenting role.

DCY will award a total of $1.8 million annually to support services across 12 counties. Funding is set at $150,000 per county, per state fiscal year. Each application must clearly identify the specific county to be served. Future phases will expand the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative to include all counties across Ohio.

OCF will award organizations $150,000 per county, per state fiscal year, for the period beginning January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Applications are due by 1 p.m. on November 20, 2025. Please read instructions and click here to apply. 

If you have any Questions about the RFGA-RFI, please e-mail: Procurement_Inquiries@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov

To access the Questions and Answers document, navigate to the Resources section located to the right of the RFGA document, and select the appropriate link.

Children Services, Foster, Kinship, and Adoption

Children Services, Foster, Kinship, and Adoption programs provide caregivers with support via resources for their individualized needs.

DCY Creates Conserving Benefits Toolkit for Title IV-E Agency Partners

The Conserving Benefits Toolkit is now live on the DCY Website: Conserving Benefits Toolkit | Department of Children and Youth This resource provides an assortment of tools which include an assessment checklist, contact information, and past video presentations. 

"DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR KIDS!" Director Wente Shares Encouragement, Appreciation for CASA Volunteers, Children Services Professionals at Ohio CASA's 30th Annual Conference

In late September, Director Kara Wente and Assistant Director Jeff Van Deusen joined nearly 700 attendees at The Ohio CASA/GAL Association's 30th Annual Celebrate Kids! Conference in downtown Columbus.

The Ohio Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Network  welcomed CASA volunteers, court and program staff, attorneys, and social workers for the milestone conference, marking the largest turnout in the three-day training event's history.  Director Wente kicked off the final day of the Celebrate Kids! Conference by recognizing attendees for their dedication.  “I hope you take a breath. I hope you take a minute to see that this is your legacy,” said Director Wente. “But of course, our work is not done. Too many children still need support. At the Ohio Department of Children and Youth our mission is simple: DO WHAT’S RIGHT FOR KIDS. It is a promise.”  She also shared updates about the department's priorities supporting families and children, as well as accomplishments, including fewer Ohio children in foster care than at any time since 2019. Director Wente's address highlights the important connection between DCY and the Ohio CASA Network, made up of dedicated community members from all walks of life.

Monthly Traverse 101 Training Set for November 13

The next monthly Traverse 101 Training Webinar designed for new or existing Traverse users at public children services agencies will be November 13 from 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

During this 60-minute session, you’ll learn the basics of Traverse, your content management system designed for human services agencies.

• On the web platform, we’ll add finished content (scans, uploads, and virtual prints) to the system and work with forms.
• On the mobile platform, we’ll collect information in the field. 

At the end of the webinar, we’ll have a bring-your-own problem (BYOP) session where participants can ask questions about how Traverse can improve their business processes. Click here to register.

Deadline Approaching for Child Wellness Campus RFP

As a reminder, anyone wishing to submit an RFP for the OhioBuys solicitation: DCY-C-2627-0076 Regional Child Wellness Campus, must do so before 1 p.m. ET on November 6, 2025.
Click here to navigate to the event.

Event Details:

• Solicitation Name: DCY-C-2627-0076 Regional Child Wellness Campus
• Solicitation ID: SRC0000034120
• Main commodity: Children's home
• Lot #: 1
• Round #: 1
• Contracting Entity: KID-Department of Children & Youth

For more information, please visit OhioBuys.

Medicaid Ohio Benefits Interface Town Hall Set for
November 3

Title IV-E Agencies are invited to join the upcoming monthly Medicaid Ohio Benefits (OB) Interface Town Hall on November 3 from 10 – 11a.m. During this 60-minute session, we will:

• Review the frequently asked questions
• Discuss current pain points
• Address previously submitted questions. 

Submit questions in advance to DCY’s Medicaid TA email box at DCY_Medicaid_TA@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov. Questions will be reviewed during the town hall.

Introducing the DCY Customer Care Center to Family Support Operations

What’s Happening?

We are excited to announce the launch of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s own Customer Care Center for DCY Program system support.

This resource streamlines systems support, provides quicker resolutions, and enhances self-service. It merges three separate Service/Help Desks into one DCY program support structure which includes:

• Tier 1 Systems Support Team - Handles initial user contacts for technical assistance, aiming to promptly resolve common issues or gather sufficient information to escalate more complex problems.
• Tier 2 Functional Support Team- Provides specialized assistance for program functionality.
• Tier 2 Access and Security T Manages user access and security-related support.

This structure ensures a more efficient and responsive experience for users seeking technical support.

Your Help Needed for Five-Year Rule Reviews

Foster Care Certification Rules: 5180:2-5-10, 5180:2-5-16, and 5180:2-5-22

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is currently undertaking a five-year review of three foster care certification rules, in accordance with Ohio law. These rules set standards for how agencies care for children in out-of-home settings. Together, these rules outline requirements for keeping and retaining accurate child records, respecting each child’s religious beliefs and related medical practices, and notifying the placing agency or individual when a child needs additional services not already included in their service plan. If you would like to review and offer feedback, please complete this form by November 10, 2025.

Children’s Residential Facility Requirements: 5180:2-9-05, 5180:2-9-06, 5180:2-9-10, 5180:2-9-11, 5180:2-9-12, 5180:2-9-14, 5180:2-9-16, 5180:2-9-17, 5180:2-9-19, 5180:2-9-20, 5180:2-9-22, 5180:2-9-23, 5180:2-9-24, 5180:2-9-28, 5180:2-9-29, 5180:2-9-30 and 5180:2-9-32

DCY is reviewing 17 Chapter 9 rules related to children’s residential facilities.  These rules cover requirements such as:

• Maintaining safe, functional and age-appropriate furniture, materials and equipment
• Ensureing general safety and proper storage of hazardous materials
• Following correct admissions, service-planning, and medication practices
• Supporting appropriate visitation, communication, and handling of personal money
• Provideing for personal hygiene, socialization, education, food, and nutrition
• Limiting the use of isolation or restraint
• Establishing clear policies for critical incidents and complaints
• Ensureing proper facility spaces (bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, transportation) and make essential transportation available.

If you would like to review and offer feedback, please complete this form by November 4, 2025.

Rules Regarding Complaints and Confidentiality: 5180:2-33-20 and 5180:2-33-21

DCY is reviewing two administrative rules that address how children services agencies handle complaints and confidentiality. These rules require agencies to:

• Maintain a clear process for reviewing and resolving complaints or appeals
• Protect the privacy of child abuse and neglect information, sharing it only when legally permitted and with proper safeguards,

If you would like to review and offer feedback, please complete this form this by November 10, 2025.

Rules Regarding written Policies and Procedures: 5180:2-40-05

DCY is reviewing one supportive services rule that requires children services agencies to maintain written policies and procedures for providing supportive services to families. These include:

• Screening, assessment, referral, service delivery, and coordination
• Ensuring services are offered to prevent out-of-home placements or support reunification

If you would like to review and offer feedback, please complete this form by November 10, 2025.

Adoption Rules: 5180:2-48-02, 5180:2-48-17, 5180:2-48-18, 5180:2-48-20, 5180:2-48-22 and 5180:2-48-23

DCY is reviewing six adoption rules that govern adoption services in Ohio. These rules set standards for:

• Eligibility and matching
• Placement and pre-finalization monitoring
• Post-adoption supports

They also require agencies to:

• Maintain written policies
• Ensure timely visits and assessments in adoptive homes
• Manage the release of identifying or non-identifying adoption information
• Keep thorough case records
• Offer or refer families for post-finalization adoption services

If you would like to review and offer feedback, please complete this form by November 10, 2025.

DCY Memos and Resources

Young Adult Supports

Programs are designed to provide support for teens and young adults who either are in foster care or have aged out of foster care systems and need assistance.

Thanksgiving Together: For Youth with Lived Experience
in Care

Thanksgiving Together is a special event inviting current foster youth (ages 14 and up) and former foster youth (ages 18 and up) from across Ohio to gather for a meaningful Thanksgiving celebration. Celebration Dates: Northeast - November 15 Southwest - November 22 Central - November 23 Attendance is free, but an RSVP is required.   Click on the image to download the invitation and share with current and former foster youth in your area!

Questions?

If you have questions about the content above, please reach out to info@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov

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