Share Tuesday Times / View as a webpage

Issue 67: September 1, 2026

DCY Releases State Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Report

The Department of Children and Youth’s (DCY) State Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Report is now available. This report shares the progress made toward the agency’s three Bold Goals through data insights, key achievements, and strategic regional and statewide investments. The past year demonstrated measurable and encouraging progress, which further emphasizes the importance of this work:

• Ohio's infant mortality rate reaching its lowest level in 20 years.
• Kindergarten readiness climbed by 8.2 percentage points in a single year.
• There are fewer children in foster care today than in 2019.

The annual report also affirms DCY's dedication to transparency and accountability, providing stakeholders with valuable insights into how the department continues building a stronger, more supportive environment where all Ohio children and youth can thrive.

None of this work happens alone. It takes families, providers, county partners, community organizations, faith leaders, and Ohioans in every corner of the state. To everyone who shows up for Ohio's kids: thank you. We are grateful to do this work with you, and we will continue to DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR KIDS.

Governor DeWine Announces New Navigator Program to Help Families with Children Diagnosed with Cancer

DCY staff members gathered to recognize Pediatric (Childhood) Cancer Awareness Month.

Pediatric (Childhood) Cancer Awareness Month is observed every September, symbolized by the gold ribbon. September highlights awareness, research support, survivor stories, and events dedicated to improving outcomes for children with cancer.

Today, Director Wente participated in a press conference hosted by Governor DeWine to announce a comprehensive program to address pediatric cancer in Ohio.

Governor DeWine announced the creation and launch of Ohio’s Pediatric Complex Care (PCC) and Navigation Program. This program will be housed within the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and will enhance Ohio’s commitment to helping families with pediatric cancer diagnoses.

In December 2025 Governor Mike DeWine and DCY Director Kara Wente announced a $5 million statewide investment in multiple pediatric cancer research studies aimed at improving the detection and treatment of cancer in children.

DCY Joins Statewide Panel on Child Health and Well‑Being

Director Kara Wente participated in the Health Policy Institute of Ohio's panel, “Child Health and Well-Being in Ohio: Progress Made and Priorities Ahead,” moderated by Rep. Andrea White. Director Wente highlighted Ohio’s significant gains in child well-being, crediting coordinated investment, stronger prevention efforts, and the creation of the Department of Children and Youth in 2023.

Director Wente shared key successes, including the state's lowest infant mortality rate in two decades, notable jumps in kindergarten readiness and literacy, and fewer children entering foster care. She also emphasized the importance of expanding access to wraparound supports, child care availability, and early mental health consultation for young children.

Looking forward, she encouraged advocates to prioritize what evidence shows works best: meeting families where they are, sustaining prevention efforts, expanding access to care, and maintaining strong data transparency. She emphasized that Ohio must continue funding what works, measuring progress honestly, and staying committed to DO WHAT’S RIGHT FOR KIDS.

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.

Recognizing Infant Mortality Awareness Month and Stillbirth Awareness Day

September marks Infant Mortality Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the factors that can help prevent infant deaths and support healthier pregnancies, births, and outcomes for Ohio families.

Safe sleep is an important part of giving every baby a strong start. In Ohio, 96 percent of sleep-related infant deaths involve a hazardous sleep environment. Common hazards include blankets, toys, Boppy pillows, bumper pads, and bed-sharing.

Many people assume sleep-related infant deaths are more likely to happen to new parents who are still learning about safe sleep. The data tells a different story. In Ohio, 76 percent of sleep-related infant deaths occur among babies who are not the first child in the family. This is an important reminder that safe sleep can be challenging for any family, especially those balancing the needs of multiple children. Simple, practical guidance can help families make safe sleep part of every sleep routine.

Every sleep is an opportunity to protect a baby. When you are exhausted and your baby finally falls asleep, it can be tempting to think, “It’s only 20 minutes. I’ll let the baby sleep here.” But even a short nap matters. Babies should be placed alone, on their backs, and in a crib, bassinet or other approved sleep space with a firm, flat surface and no loose items. Safe sleep practices should be followed every time a baby sleeps, including naps.

Stillbirth Awareness Day on September 19 offers an important opportunity to recognize families who have experienced the loss of a baby before birth. Stillbirth can have a lasting impact on families, and raising awareness can help communities better understand risk factors, improve care and provide meaningful support to grieving families.

These observances highlight the important role we all play in improving outcomes for Ohio’s babies. Through partnerships, data-informed strategies, safe sleep education and maternal and infant wellness initiatives, DCY is working to create healthier starts and stronger futures for children and families.

Learn more about DCY’s maternal and infant wellness efforts: childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-families/maternal-infant-wellness/maternal-infant-wellness or 2024_IM_Annual_Report.pdf

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.

Earn Your Child Development Associate Credential At No Cost

Ohio’s Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs), in collaboration with Teaching Strategies, offer two support pathways for individuals pursuing a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. Both pathways are no cost to participants and include relationship-based support from CCR&R CDA coaches, with assistance in completing the CDA Professional Portfolio, preparing for the CDA exam and verification visit, and participating in facilitated peer learning.

Traditional Path: CCR&R CDA Preparation Program

In this pathway, participants complete Ohio Approved CDA training facilitated by CCR&R instructors, either virtually or in person. Sessions are offered in a Community of Learners format to provide continuity and peer support. This path includes the required 120 hours of CDA training plus guidance in completing the CDA process. Eligible participants may qualify for scholarships to help cover the CDA Assessment fee.

Hybrid Path: CCR&Rs and Teaching Strategies Users CDA Preparation Program

For programs using Teaching Strategies, this hybrid pathway combines self-paced learning with a facilitated virtual Community of Learners (COL). Participants complete online, on-demand CDA training through the Teaching Strategies platform, which includes over 300 hours of Ohio-Approved content. CCR&R Instructors provide a total of 12 hours of virtual support in a Community of Learners setting for the CDA process. Eligible participants may qualify for scholarships to help cover the CDA Assessment fee.

Ready to take the next step toward your CDA Credential? Contact Holly Scheibe hscheibe@occrra.org to explore the pathway that best fits your goals.

Early Intervention Program Update

Locate a Library Near You and Search Available Materials

Local libraries offer a wide range of resources to families, and now you can help families find their nearest local library with an easy search tool. Use the Library Finder to see a list of libraries in your county or search by the name of a specific library you want to visit.

Each result includes a link to the library’s website where families can search for books, movies, music, and events. Share this link with families and increase their awareness about the many resources their local library offers, such as digital books, story time, computer and internet access, tax forms, free passes to local events, and more! 

Try out Ohio Public Library Information Network's Find a Library page to locate a library near you today!

Early Care & Education

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

Early Learning Assessment Training Available

Update to 2026 Early Care and Education Income Eligibility Standards

Family Support & Stabilization

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

Ohio 211 Serves Families Statewide

Ohio 211 is a statewide information and referral system operated through 13 regional 211 centers, providing free, confidential connections to community resources across all 88 counties. Available 24/7/365, Ohio 211 serves as a bridge between Ohioans seeking help and the local agencies that may be able to assist them. This partnership also expanded access to the Ohio Department of Children and Youth's Family and Customer Support Call Center, allowing families to connect with DCY services and programs after normal business hours and reach their local Parent and Youth Ambassadors (PYAs).

Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente said, "Through our partnership with the Ohio 211 expansion, every Ohio family now has access to a free, around-the-clock connection to trusted local resources that can make a meaningful difference when they need it most."

Ohio 211 and DCY Partnership: The Power of Partnership

Read two examples demonstrating the power of partnership and the strength of 211 as a front door to services in our community. In both situations, 211 was the first call for help. Through the trained, compassionate, and empathetic support of a 211 specialist, these families were connected not only to immediate resources, but also to a Parent Youth Ambassador who could provide continued guidance and support.

A single father called 211 after losing respite care for his son with disabilities due to changes in funding. The respite care had been critical, allowing him to work while ensuring his son received the care and support needed during the day. 211 connected him with the Summit County Parent Youth Ambassador, who helped identify child care providers and other available supports for children with disabilities. More than anything, the father left knowing that he was not facing these challenges alone. He now had additional resources, support, and someone to help advocate for his son while navigating a system that can often feel overwhelming for families.

A grandmother called 211 after she was suddenly given emergency custody of her two grandchildren. She urgently needed child care so she could continue working her 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. job. 211 referred her to the Summit County Parent Youth Ambassador, who helped connect her with child care resources that matched her work schedule and preferences. Finding the right resources wasn't easy, but by the end of the conversation, she felt relieved to have a plan and, importantly, knew where to turn for continued support. What began as an overwhelming and uncertain situation became much more manageable because the right connections and resources were put in place.

This is what a seamless continuum of care can look like: one call, one connection, and a network of partners working together so families don't have to navigate complex systems alone.

 Ohio Putative Father Registry Technical Updates

Americans with Disabilities Act enhancements and security updates are being made for the Ohio Putative Father Registry website. These changes are scheduled for Wednesday, September 9.

Read DCY Memo 26-060 to learn more about these changes

September Ohio Fatherhood Commission Meeting

The Ohio Commission on Fatherhood’s next meeting is Thursday, September 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts. This meeting is open to the public with in-person or virtual attendance options.

If attending in person, please allow time to find parking, present photo identification, and to go through security checks at the Vern Riffe Building. Click here to join this meeting virtually and enter the following passcode: 442092.

Visit fatherhood.ohio.gov for more information, or review past meeting agendas, meeting minutes, and presentations.

Interested in subscribing to the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood newsletter? Send an e-mail to Fathers@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov to be added to the distribution list.

DCY Represented at Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee

On August 12, DCY Project Manager Ashiko Hudson presented at the Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee (ISFAC). This committee brings local, state, and federal agencies/departments together on a quarterly basis to collaborate and align resources in support of Ohio troops, military families, and veterans. The Ohio ISFAC is facilitated by the ONG (Ohio National Guard) Family Readiness Office on behalf of the Adjutant General. Ohio’s ISFAC success is a direct result of cabinet level state government support.

Ashiko’s presentation, “The Ohio Commission on Fatherhood: Building Strong Foundations for Children and Families in Ohio” shared information about services offered to fathers and families by the many funded grant programs throughout Ohio. DCY looks forward to future opportunities to share important resources and information with this committee.

Children Services, Foster, Kinship, and Adoption

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

Ohio Celebrates Grandparent and Kinship Month

A kinship caregiver is a nonrelative that has a familiar and emotionally significant relationship or bond with the child or the child's family, which such relationship or bond will ensure the child's social ties.

Kinship offers stability for children and a connection to the child’s family and support network. Trusted adults and family members who open their hearts and homes can provide better outcomes and experiences for children in need:

• Continuation of cultural and family traditions
• Decreased trauma from family separation
• Familiar and trustworthy caregivers and caretakers
• Increased stability in out-of-home placement. 
• Increased identity and self-esteem
• May preserve sibling relationships

DCY partners, providers, and kinship caregivers and caretakers can help spread the word about the benefits of kinship care and the support available to Ohio’s kinship caregivers’ community. Please share important information throughout your networks and encourage people you know to consider providing safe and stable environments for children whose parents are unable to do so.

OhioKAN Launches New Community Learning Series

The Ohio Kinship and Adoption Navigator (OhioKAN) program is proud to introduce a new Community Learning series designed to strengthen support for schools, caregivers, and child‑ and family‑serving agencies across Ohio. Each session will offer practical guidance, tools, and insights to help community members and professionals better understand and assist kinship and post‑adoptive families.

September Session: Building Strong Networks for Students & Families

Date/Time: Wednesday, September 23 from 1-2 p.m.

Hosted by: Britney Breidenstein, OhioKAN Co‑Director

Educators and school staff play an essential role in supporting students from kinship and adoptive families. This no cost webinar will help participants deepen their understanding of caregivers’ unique needs and build confidence in connecting families to resources through OhioKAN.

Participants will:

• Explore the unique needs of kinship and adoptive caregivers
• Learn how to identify students who may benefit from additional support
• Gain confidence referring families to OhioKAN
• Receive an electronic copy of OhioKAN’s Guide to Creating Kinship-Friendly Schools

Learn more and register: Webinar Registration - Zoom

What’s Ahead

OhioKAN will continue the Lunch & Learn series with additional sessions in late 2026 and into 2027. These future sessions will expand topics and audiences to reach caregivers, county partners, and child‑serving agencies across the state.

While specific dates are still being finalized, upcoming Lunch & Learns are expected to include:

• Program Overview & General Information Session: November 12 | 1-2 p.m.
• Supports for Kinship & Adoptive Caregivers: February 17 | 1-2 p.m.
• Strengthening Partnerships Across the Child & Family System: May 12 | 1-2 p.m.

More information and registration links will be shared as each session approaches on the OhioKAN Information Center.

DCY and OhioKAN remain committed to ensuring every kinship and adoptive family in Ohio has the support they need, and we look forward to connecting with you throughout this series.

Ohio SACWIS Alleged Perpetrator Search (OSAPS) Technical Updates

Security updates are being made for the Ohio SACWIS Alleged Perpetrator Search (OSAPS). These changes are scheduled for September 1.

 Read DCY Memo 26-061 to learn more about these changes.

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.  

• Date:Tuesday, September 15, 2026   
• Time: 9:30-11 a.m.  
• Format:Virtual 90-minute office hours. We will have an interactive Q&A, demonstration of new functionality and breakout sessions as needed.
• 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.   

Click here to join meeting

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.  

Kinship Specific Foster Certification Deployment

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.

Register Now for Fall 2026 Independent Living Regional Meetings

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s (DCY) Independent Living & Transition Age Youth (IL TAY) team will host five in-person regional meetings with Public Children Services Agencies (PCSAs) throughout the state in October and November 2026.  The agenda will include DCY updates as well as activities related to Chafee funding, and independent living services. There will also be program presentations from Ohio RISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence), Bridges and Ohio Education and Training Voucher (Ohio ETV).

Registration is required to attend. All meetings are scheduled on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

Review DCY Memo 26-059 to register and learn more. Contact the DCY IL TAY Team at  transitional-youth-programs@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov with any questions or concerns.

Promising Practices Conference Supporting Older Foster Youth in Education

The Ohio Education and Training Voucher (ETV) provider Foster Success, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, will be hosting the Promising Practices Conference September 16 and 17 at the Doubletree by Hilton in Dublin. This conference is no cost to participants and will bring professionals from education and child welfare together to promote promising practices around helping foster youth succeed in high school and beyond. 

Please see the attached flyer from Foster Success for more information about the conference and to register for this event.

Every Child Seen: How Ohio’s Foster Youth are Supported Through Partnership

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce are providing an education session for an introduction and refresher regarding the educational stability for youth in foster care on September 23 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Union County Human Services, 940 London Ave, Suite 1800, Marysville, Ohio 43040.

The session will cover basic provisions included in ESSA, expanded understanding of the role of district foster care liaisons, the importance of partnership, and an opportunity to network and collaborate. A link to register is available from the following form.

Contact Jennifer Miller at jennifer.miller@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov or Betsy Hauck at FosterCare@education.ohio.gov with any questions.

Strengthening Student Success: Practices to Support Students Impacted by Foster Care, Homelessness, and Special Education

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Family Engagement and School Partnerships team and Office for Exceptional Children team will be presenting on September 29 at the Dayton Metro Library from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. about supports for youth in foster care. This opportunity is based on feedback from the field. Often youth in foster care may move and that makes it necessary to bring as many local education agencies and child protective service agencies as possible to the table to discuss supports. Please consider inviting colleagues who may be beneficial to this forum. 

Questions?

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.

Received this from a colleague? Stay connected!

To be notified of future DCY clearance and BIA postings, sign up here: eNotification.

To receive customized alerts about official rule filing actions, visit RuleWatch Ohio.