Ohio Department of Children and Youth

Ohio’s Parent and Youth Ambassadors (PYAs) came together for their first in-person team meeting on Tuesday, March 18! PYAs provide free support to families statewide, using their lived experience to help navigate Ohio’s social service systems. Need support? They’re here to help! During this special gathering, PYAs: Planned for the upcoming Spring 2025 Family Listening Sessions Participated in a Mock Parent Café Met with Director Kara Wente and Assistant Director Jeff Van Deusen Here’s what our PYAs had to say about the day: “We are going to do many great small things that will amount to such a BIG DEAL for so many.” “Yesterday was a great day! We are an awesome team, and I am so proud to be a part of it!”

A special thank you to Groundwork Ohio for featuring Hallie Kerr, Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Coordinator at the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. Hallie’s dedication and leadership are essential in guiding the efforts to prevent pregnancy-related deaths and improve maternal health outcomes across the state. The findings from the 2020 report underscore the importance of prevention, collaboration, and addressing health disparities. We’re grateful for Hallie’s tireless commitment to building a safer future for mothers and communities. Read Hallie’s guest blog here: https://lnkd.in/e2-JcPSC

Yesterday, DCY Director Kara Wente joined local leaders at the Statehouse Atrium for a panel discussion on Ohio’s efforts to improve maternal and infant health. The panel, moderated by CelebrateOne Executive Director Danielle Tong, also featured Angela Newman-White from First Year Cleveland During the discussion, Director Wente shared some positive news: “Our preliminary data for 2024 shows the lowest infant mortality rate statewide in 20 years. But we still have more work to do—ensuring every mother and baby in Ohio has access to the right care, at the right time, in a way that truly makes a difference.” This achievement reflects the collective efforts of our state, local partners, and organizations committed to improving maternal and infant health outcomes across Ohio. We continue to work together to build on this success and ensure that every family has the support and resources they need for a healthy start.

In her latest post, Kara Wente, Director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, reflects on Governor DeWine’s State of the State address and the commitment to making Ohio the best place to start and raise a family. The Governor’s vision is clear—if we want a stronger future for Ohio, we must invest in our children and families today. At the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, we are fully committed to bringing that vision to life with four key priorities:? ?? ? Saving More Babies? ? Improving Kindergarten Readiness? ? Keeping Families Together? ? Tax Relief for Working Families? ?? These priorities are not just policies—they are lifelines for families across Ohio. Read Director Wente’s full post to learn how these bold, data-driven strategies will shape a brighter future for Ohio’s children. Now is the time to act. Let’s work together to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.?

Since the start of Governor Mike DeWine's administration, more than 20 MILLION FREE Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio books have been mailed to Ohio children! Reading helps children develop the skills they need to be ready for kindergarten—setting them up for success in school and beyond. Investing in early childhood education isn’t just about kids—it’s about supporting working families and strengthening our economy. Let’s keep building a brighter future for Ohio!

On March 14, DCY Director Kara Wente addressed the Ohio Job & Family Services Directors' Association (OJFSDA) general membership meeting. She highlighted DCY’s three key goals and budget priorities around: ? Reducing infant mortality ? Improving kindergarten readiness ? Lowering the number of children entering foster care OJFSDA represents all 88 county Job and Family Services Directors and plays a vital role in advocating for solutions that strengthen Ohio families. Together, we’re working to make Ohio the best place to start and raise a family!

Governor DeWine’s proposed child tax credit is a win for Ohio families. It will provide families up to $1,000 per child every year through age 6. This will help eligible parents pay for childcare, healthcare, and other costs associated with raising children.

Since its inception 10 months ago, the Child Care Choice Voucher program has helped: ???????? 5,100 Ohio families ?? 7,700 Ohio children This budget builds on that success, helping 20,000 more families return to work or training. That’s how we build a stronger workforce for today AND tomorrow!

In his State of the State Address, Governor Mike DeWine reminded us that we owe it to our children to open all possibilities for their future. It's about creating pathways to success, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive, and building a stronger, brighter tomorrow for Ohio’s next generation.

Governor DeWine's State of the State Address will take place tomorrow, March 12, at noon. This address provides an opportunity for policymakers, stakeholders, and all Ohioans to learn about the Governor’s ongoing commitment to strengthening families and supporting the well-being of children across Ohio. The annual address highlights the state’s accomplishments and goals for the year ahead. It is delivered during a joint session of the Ohio General Assembly in the House Chamber of the Ohio Statehouse. We encourage you to tune in to hear more about how the Ohio Department of Children and Youth will work with the Governor to achieve our goals! You can watch the address live on The Ohio Channel: https://ohiochannel.org/