By By Okon Ekpenyong
In his March farewell speech, DeWine pointed to several child-focused initiatives, including improvements in Ohio’s science of reading standards, which he said increased from 14% to 50%. He also highlighted a statewide real-time attendance-tracking system designed to help address chronic absenteeism, which he said affects about 25% of students.
Other initiatives include a children’s vision program included in the 2026-27 state budget and the Tressel Fitness Challenge, designed to engage more than 390,000 students in grades 3-8 in physical activity, healthy habits and proper rest. At Wednesday’s summit, DeWine revisited those initiatives and discussed how the state’s broader child-focused efforts align with the Department of Children and Youth’s work.
Breakout sessions focused on available resources and opportunities for improvement, while urging lawmakers to continue pursuing the investments and policy changes needed to produce long-term results. Those questions take on added importance because communities across Ohio face different challenges. When an issue emerges in one county or municipality, officials must consider how other communities have addressed similar circumstances and whether state government can provide additional resources or make policy adjustments to support local efforts.
The discussions also brought several measures of Ohio’s progress into focus: How does the state’s infant mortality rate compare with previous years? Where does Ohio rank nationally? Is the state continuing to reduce the number of children entering foster care? And are families and students receiving sufficient access to high-quality mortality education?
Preliminary 2024 data put Ohio’s infant mortality rate at about 6.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, down from 7.1 in 2023, according to Ranksenter for Community Solutions. Despite the improvement, Ohio ranks 43rd nationally.
However, Programs such as CelebrateOne, a community initiative, help expectant mothers connect with doctors, support groups, and other resources during pregnancy and the first year after birth. Moms2B, a free prenatal education program available in Franklin and Montgomery counties, is another resource focused on reducing infant mortality.
The state’s foster care system presents another challenge. DeWine said the number of children in foster care has fallen to about 14,000. At the same time, Ohio has more than 7,000 licensed foster families and has experienced a 4% decline in licensed foster Homes since 2019, according to Pathway Caring for Children.
Pathway Caring for Children also reports that about 50% of foster care cases involve parental substance use disorders. These circumstances can lead courts to temporarily or permanently remove children from their homes.
DeWine, who previously served in Congress, the U.S. Senate, and as Ohio attorney general, said throughout his career he has advocated for policies he believed were necessary, even when others did not initially agree with him. He said government must also be willing to invest in areas where the results may not be immediately visible.
His involvement with issues affecting children and families, he said, kept those challenges at the forefront as the state considered long-term investments. DeWine credited legislative support with helping advance many of the child-related initiatives he requested. When it comes to the first five years of a child’s life, DeWine said decisions and investments made during that period can affect a child for years and, in some cases, become generational issues.
After speaking at the summit, DeWine discussed the state’s response to the Siders family case in Vinton County when asked about the situation. Sixteen children were rescued and placed in state custody. The case illustrates the complex challenges that can follow such an intervention, including recovery, foster care placement, social media and public perception, family history, home conditions, investigations, the children’s well-being, custody disputes and potential legal proceedings. It also highlights the difficult decisions state and local officials must make when determining what is ultimately in a child’s best interest.
Youngstown native and former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett brought a personal perspective to the summit, sharing his experiences growing up in the city, the challenges he faced as a young person, and how finding direction through football ultimately helped save his life.
Clarett said Youngstown’s reputation during the 1990s often drove people away, leaving many young people to navigate difficult circumstances with limited guidance. He said he began getting into trouble around sixth grade, and the behavior continued through eighth grade. Although people recognized his physical strength and athletic ability, Clarett said he did not understand his own worth at the time. After transferring to Warren G. Harding High School, his football career continued to gain attention, while his academic performance required significant improvement.
Clarett also spoke about Tressel, the former Youngstown State football coach and current Ohio lieutenant governor, calling him the “Woody Hayes” of Youngstown. But for Clarett, Tressel’s significance extends far beyond football and Ohio State. He described moments when being around Tressel or hearing him speak still leaves him reflecting on the influence the coach had on his life.
Clarett’s story underscored one of the summit’s central themes: The right intervention at the right time can help a young person take the next step. For children facing difficult circumstances, recognizing their worth and potential can be supported by adults, mentors, coaches, families, and communities. Those relationships can help young people navigate challenges, understand their strengths, and find a path toward a better future.
DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine highlighted the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which Fran DeWine said remains a shared mission for her and the governor. The program has reached more than 400,000 Ohio children since its inception.
After speaking at the summit, DeWine took time to thank Department of Children and Youth staff for their service and for the difficult, often challenging work they do on behalf of Ohio’s children and families.
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