Ohio Department of Children and Youth

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

Water safety saves lives.💧🛟

As families spend more time around pools, lakes, and rivers, it is important to remember that drowning is often silent and can happen in seconds.

Simple steps can make a difference. Always supervise children near water, use life jackets when needed, and make sure barriers and pool safety measures are in place. Enrolling children in swim lessons can also help build confidence and safety skills in the water.

Together, we can help prevent drownings and keep Ohio’s children safe this season.

06/01/2026

Governor Mike DeWine is proud to recognize Responsible Fatherhood Month and the important role fathers and father figures play in the lives of Ohio’s children.

Strong, supportive father involvement helps children grow with confidence, stability, and opportunity. Across Ohio, efforts continue to ensure fathers have access to the resources and support they need to succeed as parents, partners, and providers.

The Governor’s support highlights a shared commitment to strengthening families and building brighter futures for children in every community.

Watch the Governor’s message in the video below and join us in celebrating .

06/01/2026

👏 A big shout-out to Cindy Ricketts, Bureau Chief of Program, Policy and Regulatory Standards in our Policy Division for representing Ohio at the recent State Administrator Convening!

Cindy brought practical insight and a steady voice to important conversations about today’s biggest child care workforce challenges, including retention, burnout, clearer career pathways, and stronger alignment across systems.

The convening left attendees energized about what states can tackle right now while also recognizing the continued coordination and investment needed moving forward.

Thank you, Cindy, for your leadership and your ongoing work to strengthen child care for Ohio’s children, families, and communities!

05/29/2026

As we close out Foster Care Month, we take this final moment to recognize the children, youth, families, kinship caregivers, foster parents, and professionals who are part of Ohio’s children services system.

Throughout May, we’ve highlighted the importance of safe, stable, and loving connections for every child—and the ongoing commitment it takes to support them. While the month may be ending, the work continues every day across Ohio to ensure children and youth have the care, support, and opportunities they deserve.

To every foster parent, kinship caregiver, caseworker, and advocate: thank you for showing up with compassion, patience, and dedication.

Foster Care Month may be ending, but our commitment and support never does. 💙

05/28/2026

Know the Signs. Take Action.

Child abuse and neglect occur when a child is harmed, mistreated, or not properly cared for by a parent or caregiver. This can include physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or situations that place a child at serious risk.

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, don’t wait—report it.

📞 Call your local county child abuse hotline or
📞 Ohio Child Abuse Hotline: (855) OH-CHILD (855) 642-4453

You don’t have to be certain—just concerned. Your call could help keep a child safe.

05/27/2026

Need support for your family? You’re not alone. 💙

Parent and Youth Ambassadors (PYAs) are trusted members of your community who help families find answers and connect to local resources—at no cost.

PYAs have lived experience navigating challenges and services, so they understand what you may be going through. They listen without judgment and help guide you to the right support—whether it’s child care, feeding your baby, or accessing multiple services.

PYAs don’t provide long-term case management, but they do help connect you to the right people and resources when you need it most.

Support is here—right in your community.

Learn more: childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-families/family-support-stabilization/pya

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Regionalized peer support initiative, assisting individuals, families and youth with system navigation and support accessing state and local resources.

05/27/2026

Ohio Moves Forward on Program Improvement Plan!

U.S. Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - ACF Assistant Secretary Alex Adams accepted Ohio’s Program Improvement Plan, marking an important step in strengthening outcomes for children in foster care. This approval follows Ohio’s commitment to join ACF’s A Home for Every Child initiative, which focuses on expanding foster home capacity, reducing time in care, and improving long term stability for youth across the state.

05/26/2026

🎓💙 Congratulations to all the incredible youth in foster care who are graduating this year—marking our highest number of graduating youth yet! Your hard work, resilience, and determination inspire us all!

We see you, we celebrate you, and we are proud of the bright futures you are building! 🌟