Ohio Department of Children and Youth

Ohio Department of Children and Youth To promote positive, lifelong outcomes for Ohio youth through early intervention, quality education, and family support programs.

Every baby deserves the chance to reach their first birthday, yet thousands of families face the heartbreaking loss of a...
09/04/2026

Every baby deserves the chance to reach their first birthday, yet thousands of families face the heartbreaking loss of an infant each year. This month, we are raising our voices to spread awareness, support families, and highlight the importance of maternal and child health care. Join us as we share vital resources all month long! 💜

Parenting a newborn feels like living in a fog of 2 AM feedings and not enough sleep. When you’re running on fumes, it’s...
09/03/2026

Parenting a newborn feels like living in a fog of 2 AM feedings and not enough sleep. When you’re running on fumes, it’s so tempting to say, “Just 20 minutes on the couch together won’t hurt.”

Here’s the hard truth: A couch or recliner is one of the most dangerous places a baby can sleep.

Accidental suffocation can happen when a tired parent falls asleep with a baby.

If you feel your eyes getting heavy:

➡️ Stand up.
➡️ Move the baby.
➡️ Place them Alone, on their Back, in their Crib or Pack ‘n Play.

It’s okay to let them cry for a short time. It’s okay to put them down safely and step away for 5 minutes. Protect your peace—and protect your baby.

For more information: childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-families/maternal-infant-wellness/infant-safe-sleep

🎗💛This week, DCY dressed in yellow for National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a simple, powerful reminder that behin...
09/03/2026

🎗💛This week, DCY dressed in yellow for National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a simple, powerful reminder that behind every gold ribbon is a child fighting a battle no one their age should face. We wear yellow to honor their courage, support their families, and stand together with hope for brighter days.

In December, Governor Mike DeWine and 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.

“Investing in pediatric cancer research is one of the many ways we continue to prioritize Ohio’s children,” said Kara Wente, director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. “This funding will advance critical research that helps Ohio’s children grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.”

Together, we remain committed to standing with Ohio’s children and supporting the research that gives families hope for a healthier future.

1 in 5 women experience mental health challenges during pregnancy or after giving birth. Signs to watch for: ✅ Feeling ...
09/02/2026

1 in 5 women experience mental health challenges during pregnancy or after giving birth.

Signs to watch for:
✅ Feeling persistently sad or anxious
✅ Trouble bonding with your baby
✅ Changes in sleep or eating habits
✅ Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed

If this sounds familiar, reach out for help. Support is here for you: childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-families/maternal-infant-wellness/maternal-depression

September is Kinship Care Month! Today, we honor the incredible grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and family friend...
09/01/2026

September is Kinship Care Month! Today, we honor the incredible grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and family friends who step up to provide loving, safe, and stable homes for children when they need it most. Thank you to all our kinship caregivers for keeping families connected and strong. 💙

🕯️ September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month 🕯️ Behind every statistic is a baby who was loved, a family whose life ...
09/01/2026

🕯️ September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month 🕯️

Behind every statistic is a baby who was loved, a family whose life was changed forever, and a loss that cannot be replaced.

Too many Ohio families experience the heartbreak of losing a baby before their first birthday. During September, we honor those little lives and the families who carry their memory while raising awareness about what we can do to prevent future loss.

At the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, we’re working alongside communities to improve maternal health, promote safe sleep, and address the factors that contribute to infant mortality.

Every baby deserves a healthy start. Every family deserves support. And every life matters. 💙

At the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, we believe no child should wait for a safe place to land. Through the fede...
08/31/2026

At the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, we believe no child should wait for a safe place to land. Through the federal A Home for Every Child initiative, Ohio is working toward a crucial goal: ensuring every child in foster care has a dedicated, loving home available.

This initiative focuses on four key pillars:

1️⃣ Supporting families early to safely prevent foster entries
2️⃣ Empowering kinship caregivers (relatives & family friends)
3️⃣ Licensing & supporting more foster parents
4️⃣ Creating stability and permanent homes for Ohio youth

Whether you're a grandparent stepping up or a prospective foster parent ready to open your doors, you are key to making this mission a reality.

Gun safety starts with open conversations at home. Kids are naturally curious, which is why teaching them what to do if ...
08/28/2026

Gun safety starts with open conversations at home. Kids are naturally curious, which is why teaching them what to do if they ever encounter a fi***rm is so crucial.

Make sure your child knows these key steps:

🛑STOP what you are doing.
🚫DO NOT TOUCH the gun.
🏃LEAVE the area immediately.
🗣TELL AN ADULT right away.

Taking a few minutes today to practice this rule with your children can make a lifetime of difference.

Across Ohio, thousands of children need a safe place to land. 🏡✨ We urgently need foster parents—especially for teens, s...
08/27/2026

Across Ohio, thousands of children need a safe place to land. 🏡✨

We urgently need foster parents—especially for teens, sibling groups, and youth with special needs. You don't have to be perfect to make a difference; you just need to offer a stable, loving home.

Could you be the caring adult an Ohio child is waiting for?
Learn more: fosterandadopt.ohio.gov

Exhausted? Beware of the couch. Never sleep with your baby on a couch, armchair, or other adult furniture. According to ...
08/26/2026

Exhausted? Beware of the couch. Never sleep with your baby on a couch, armchair, or other adult furniture. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, these surfaces increase an infant's risk of sleep-related death by 22 to 67 times because babies can become trapped, wedged, or accidentally covered by another person.

😴 If you feel yourself drifting off, move your baby safely to their crib on their back immediately, even if they wake up. Your quick choice saves lives.

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PO Box 183204
Columbus, OH
43215

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