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News and Updates Impacting Multiple Program Areas
Lt. Governor Tressel and DCY Take the Field for Columbus All Pro Dad Experience
Nearly 400 Ohio dads showed up at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center this week, and their kids felt every minute of it. Lt. Governor Jim Tressel and DCY Director Kara Wente joined nearly 1,400 fathers and their children for the Columbus All Pro Dad Experience, the first major event under Ohio's statewide partnership with All Pro Dad. The partnership, backed by Ohio's $20 million commitment to fatherhood programming, is bringing father engagement chapters to schools across the state. Read the full press release below.
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Request for Review or Appeal of Compliance Finding
DCY is expanding the Request for Review and Appeal options for providers. Early Care and Education (ECE) programs will be offered an updated Request for Review procedure and Foster Care agencies will be offered an updated appeal procedure. See the Review of Compliance Finding process for details and look for more information during June's ECE provider call and June's Foster Care compliance chat.
Upcoming Changes to Ohio Professional Registry Employment Information
On June 16, the Ohio Professional Registry (OPR) released an updated version of the employment wizard. The employment wizard is an interactive, step-by-step tool to help users add their current and previous employment to their OPR profile. This update makes it easier for users to add and manage their employment information, helping them connect to their correct employer or agency. It also ensures professionals have access to key systems and applications, based on their type of employment.
The update also replaced references to previous state agency options with the current DCY agency selections. Since employment history in the OPR is used to calculate Career Pathways Level experience, these changes help ensure records are current, and experience in the field is counted correctly. Professionals do not need to make any updates to their current employment information. Any transitions from previous state agency roles to new DCY roles took place automatically on June 16.
Updates by Program Area
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Maternal & Infant Wellness |
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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.
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A Report on Pregnancy-Related Deaths in Ohio, 2021
The Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review (PAMR) team has shared its newest report, "A Report on Pregnancy-Related Deaths in Ohio, 2021." A Report on Pregnancy-Related Deaths in Ohio, 2021,” now available on the DCY website. We are grateful to the many partners who support the PAMR Committee’s work to review the deaths of Ohioans who die during pregnancy or within a year after pregnancy and to develop recommendations that help prevent future loss of life. We also appreciate the community members and organizations putting these recommendations into action and doing the work to keep pregnant and parenting women safe, healthy, and thriving. We honor the memory of the 140 women who died in 2021 and extend our condolences to their loved ones. This year’s report shows that 36 percent of reviewed deaths were related to pregnancy, that disparities worsened with Black women experiencing pregnancy-related deaths at a disproportionately high rate, and that infection (including COVID19) was the leading cause of pregnancy-related death. Please reach out to PAMR@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov with any questions.
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Early Childhood Development |
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The Early Childhood Development programs provide technical assistance, education, and referrals for families and youth with evaluations regarding specific needs and disabilities.
Sparkler Tip of the Month
Check out the latest Sparkler Tip of the Month! Issue 9 is packed with fresh ideas to boost family engagement and increase Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) completion rates in your program.
Early Intervention Bi-Weekly Updates
DCY's Part C Coordinator shares the latest Early Intervention (EI) updates, including a new "All In" Early Intervention resource to support collaboration among families, EI professionals, and Early Care and Education providers. This edition also covers the Developmental Specialist Certification rule update, the 2026 EI Family Questionnaire, upcoming assessment trainings, and a save the date for OCALICONLINE 2026.
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Initiatives work to connect educators, families, and youth to education
services and supports.
Child Care Cred Program Extended Through SFY 2027
The Child Care Cred Program is accepting applications through May 1, 2027. The program helps make child care more affordable by dividing monthly costs between employees, employers, and DCY. Families with household incomes between 200% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify. See Memo 26-047 for updated eligibility requirements and application steps.
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Updated Provider Agreements Now Available
DCY has updated its Provider Agreements for Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) and the Ohio Preschool Program (OPP). The changes are technical in nature, with no substantive policy updates. Existing providers do not need to resign, but DCY encourages all programs to review the updated agreements. See Memo 26-048 for details and links to the updated agreements.
Step Up To Quality: Updated Reduction and Removal Process
DCY is updating its Rating Reduction and Removal process for Early Care and Education programs participating in SUTQ. Read the SUTQ Reduction Removal process and look for more information during the June monthly provider call.
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Kindergarten Transitions: Understanding Change of Location vs. Change of Placement
When a preschooler with a disability moves to kindergarten, the IEP team (including the parent) helps plan the transition. It’s important to understand the difference between a change of location and a change of placement.
Change of Location happens when a child moves to a new school, classroom, or teacher, but their level of special education support stays the same. For example, a child moving from a general education preschool class to a general education kindergarten class with similar supports has a new setting, but their placement hasn't changed.
Change of Placement happens when the IEP team determines that the child's Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) will change. For example, a child who has made great progress in a preschool special education classroom may be ready to move into a general education kindergarten class. That's a change of placement, and it requires parental consent.
Early Care and Education Administrative Code Rules Updating July 1
Changes to Early Care and Education Ohio Administrative Code rules in chapters 5180:2-12, 5180:2-13, 5180:2-14, 5180:2-18, 5180-32, and 5180-37 will go into effect on July 1, 2026. The rules have been rescinded and readopted under new numbers or amended because of their five-year review. Click on the chapter numbers above to see the changes that were made.
OCLQS Maintenance and Operation Release
This release brings several updates to the Ohio Child Licensing and Quality System (OCLQS) in support of DCY's Licensing Rule Alignment effort and Ohio Preschool Program (OPP) updates. Changes include updates to application requirements, inspection reports, and reporting forms, as well as new OPP-specific features. These updates were deployed on June 18, 2026.
Time, Attendance, and Payment (TAP) System Update
There were several changes implemented in TAP to improve payment processing accuracy, reduce user confusion, and prevent data errors. Check out DCY Memo 26-046 for details on what changed and what to expect.
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Family Support & Stabilization |
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Focuses on enhancing the resources and supports available to parents and families.
Understanding the Ohio Putative Father Registry
The Ohio Putative Father Registry (OPFR) helps ensure that fathers who may have a legal interest in a child are provided notice of adoption proceedings, giving them the opportunity to establish paternity and protect their parental rights.
Maintained by the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, within the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, the registry is an important part of Ohio’s adoption process. It supports timely, fair, and legally sound permanency decisions for children while also ensuring that putative fathers have a clear pathway to assert their rights when appropriate.
Individuals who believe they may have fathered a child can register with the OPFR to ensure they are notified if adoption proceedings are initiated. Adoption professionals and agencies also use the registry to meet legal requirements during the adoption process.
Ohio Children's Trust Fund June Newsletter Now Available
The Ohio Children's Trust Fund (OCTF) released its June 2026 newsletter, highlighting strong results from the Family Success Network evaluation, 2026 Family Fun Events that reached more than 3,500 participants across Ohio, and a recap of April Child Abuse Prevention Month activities. The issue also welcomes a new team member and recognizes an outgoing board member.
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Children Services, Foster, Kinship, and Adoption |
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Children Services, Foster, Kinship, and Adoption programs provide caregivers with support via resources for their individualized needs.
OhioKAN, an Ohio-Kinnect Partnership, Earns "Supported" Rating from Federal Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is proud to share an exciting program milestone: Ohio Kinship and Adoption Navigator (OhioKAN) has been added to the federal Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse with a rating of "Supported." Envisioned by the State of Ohio and Kinnect and brought to life with partners from across the state and country, OhioKAN reflects a vision that began in 2018: supporting kinship and adoptive families across Ohio. Today, it is a federally recognized program.
The "Supported" designation comes from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which recently announced a new suite of evidence-based programs added to the Clearinghouse. OhioKAN was among three programs selected nationally. This recognition connects directly to Ohio's participation in A Home for Every Child, a new ACF initiative announced by Governor Mike DeWine and ACF Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams. Through this initiative, Ohio is prioritizing work that safely decreases the number of children entering foster care through effective prevention, while increasing the number of foster homes through recruitment, prioritizing kin, and improving retention of existing caregivers. OhioKAN's addition to the Clearinghouse is a tangible example of that prevention work in action.
Since it began, OhioKAN has grown to serve thousands of families across all 88 Ohio counties, connecting them to resources and direct, one-on-one navigator support. This rating opens the door for kinship and adoptive families nationwide to access the same early-stage, proactive services.
The "Supported" designation reflects what DCY and Kinnect see in practice every day: when families get the right support early, everyone benefits. Children are more likely to stay connected to family, youth are less likely to enter foster care, and the web of community, connection, and culture grows stronger.
Congratulations and thanks to everyone involved in OhioKAN's journey, including the partners at the State of Ohio and Kinnect as well as the staff and navigators who make the program possible, and to every kinship and adoptive family who has reached out for support, resources, and connection.
New Kinship Specific Foster Certification Coming October 1
DCY is establishing a dedicated certification pathway for kinship caregivers through a revision to Ohio Administrative Code rule 5180:2-42-18. The new kinship specific foster certification creates tailored standards for kinship placements, reduces administrative burdens by eliminating waivers, and streamlines the path to permanency. System changes deploy September 24, with the rule aimed to take effect October 1. Training is scheduled for September 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. See Memo 26-049 for full details.
Invitation to Ohio Professional Registry (OPR) and Ohio Certification for Agencies and Families (OCAF) Office Hours
You are invited to attend office hours for Ohio Group Homes covering upcoming changes to background checks, including the transition to the Ohio Professional Registry (OPR) system.
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Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon
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Format: Virtual one-and-a-half-hour office hours. We will have an interactive Question & Answer and demonstration of new functionality. We will include breakout sessions as needed.
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Who should attend: Group home administrators and individuals who support group home staff in completing background checks.
Please mark your calendar and share this invitation with any staff who may benefit.
Want to learn more? Check out the DCY OCAF Knowledge Articles available on the Information Station within the Customer Care Center (CCC) for more information and resources.
Ohio Administrative Code Rule 5180:2‑33‑07 Revisions Take Effect July 1, 2026
Changes to Ohio Administrative Code rule 5180:2-33-07 Contracting for the performance of specified agency duties goes into effect on July 1, 2026. The changes can be viewed here: Official Letters & Guidance | Department of Children and Youth (Transmittal Letter 90). The rule has been renumbered and restructured to question and answer format for clarity.
Traverse 101 Webinar Training
New or existing Traverse users at Public Children Services Agencies are welcome to register (please open in Chrome browser) for the next monthly Traverse 101 Training Webinar on June 25 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.
Invitation to Medicaid OB Interface Town Hall
Title IV-E Agencies are invited to attend the next Medicaid OB Interface Town Hall on July 6, from 10 to 11 a.m. This one-hour session provides an opportunity to review anticipated updates; review identified concerns and discuss questions regarding the OB Interface system.
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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.
2026 Leadership and Life Skills Summit Shines: A Celebration of Confidence, Community, and Positive Change
 This year’s 2026 Leadership and Life Skills Summit brought together 103 incredible youth and young adults from 13 counties, creating a vibrant and uplifting day of connection, empowerment, and skill‑building. Hosted on June 9, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Columbus North‑Worthington, the Summit focused on informing and empowering current and former foster youth ages 14–24. The event was planned and facilitated by The Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board (OHIO YAB) and ACTION Ohio, with support from the Ohio Children’s Alliance, the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, and The Ohana Project—a strong collaboration that helped bring high‑quality sessions, supportive volunteers, and meaningful experiences to young people statewide.
A highlight once again was the beloved Suits for Success room. Youth and young adults had the chance to be fitted for professional clothing—attire they get to keep and wear for job interviews or important life moments. One young man approached the DCY table proudly layered in his new outfit. When asked whether he’d visited Suits for Success, he beamed and said, “Yes, I did. This is the nicest thing I’ve ever owned, and I don’t want to take it off.”
Even staff from partner agencies saw the impact firsthand. One adult supporter noted that a young man who began the morning in a poor mood experienced a dramatic shift after finding dress pants, shoes, a jacket, and a tie. His confidence lifted, and his engagement in the rest of the day followed suit.
A crowd favorite was Bryan Stout’s (DCY volunteer) live tie‑tying lesson. Many young men eagerly followed Bryan’s lead as they practiced tying their first tie—an experience that blended fun with an important life skill.
Beyond Suits for Success, youth attended breakout sessions focused on leadership, relationships, finances, employment skills, wellness, and post-secondary resources. A dedicated wellness space allowed youth to “exhale,” and raffle prizes—sponsored by The Ohana Project—added to the excitement.
A heartfelt thank‑you to Lisa Dickson, Raven, Alexys, Alana, Lanasha, Jaziah, and Haley as well as all the Public Children Service Agencies and group home staff who helped transport young people and support them throughout the day. Youth and young adults were able to build confidence, gain new skills, and experience moments of joy and pride that will stay with them long after the event. Your partnership and dedication are truly appreciated.
DCY Joins National Leaders to Address Foster Youth Housing
DCY's Lily Clossman traveled to Washington, D.C. last month to attend the Foster Youth Housing Summit, hosted by Good River Partners. The summit brought together advocates, policymakers, and leaders from across the country to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing young people leaving foster care: finding and keeping stable housing.
Conversations focused on funding strategies, supportive services, and community-based approaches that help youth successfully transition to independence. The insights Lily brought back will directly inform DCY's ongoing work to support young adults as they build lives of their own.
Highlights included keynote remarks from:
- Assistant Secretary Benjamin Hobbs
- Representatives Danny K. Davis and Judy Chu
- Rita Soronen, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Pictured: Lily Clossman and Hailey Barr of Table Sense, who are partnering with DCY to address the barriers that young adults face in accessing housing supports in Ohio.
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If you have questions about the content above, please reach out to info@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is committed to access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodation in all programs and activities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To request an accommodation, contact the meeting organizer or DCY's ADA Coordinator, at DCY.HumanResources@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov or 614-728-2832 (TTY 711) at least 14 days before the event.
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