Ohio Department of Children and Youth

With over 14,000 Ohio children in foster care and more than 3,000 waiting to be adopted, it’s crucial to support families with the resources they need. Simple changes in workplace benefits, like paid adoption leave, can make a significant difference. Read the full article to learn how businesses can play a vital role in helping more children find permanent, loving homes.

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 Child Care Choice Voucher children). 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.

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. 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!

On October 3, DCY Director Kara Wente and Assistant Director Jeff Van Deusen attended the 2024 Ohio Health Policy Summit, where Director Wente participated in a panel of state agency leaders. The panel focused on partnerships and collaboration aimed at improving health, well-being, and economic vitality throughout Ohio.

Late last month, 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. #OhioEarlyEducation

Are you passionate about making a difference for Ohio's families? We are looking for talented individuals to join our dynamic team!

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 Health & Family Services 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. #BehavioralHealth #WorkforceDevelopment #MentalHealth

We are proud to announce that Kara B. Wente, Director of the Department of Children and Youth, 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, on this well-deserved recognition! The Department of Children and Youth is grateful for your leadership and dedication. Pictured from left to right: DCY team members Elisha Cangelosi, Colleen Tucker. Dorothy Striker, Director Wente, PCSAO Executive Director Angela Sausser, DCY team members Lucy Gobble, Katina Bays, and DCY Assistant Director Jeff Van Deusen.

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) and the Supreme Court of Ohio hosted the first Kids Summit, gathering county leaders to introduce DCY, a new agency created by Governor DeWine to streamline support for children and families.

The Ohio Commission on Fatherhood staff recently attended Action for Children's 'Father Up' session focused on online safety. Chris Vineis, founder of 'Unite for Safe Social Media', and Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted joined fathers in a vital discussion on best practices and resources to help parents and caregivers protect children from the dangers of technology.