Safe Sleep Matters — Even When You’re Exhausted. New parents are running on empty, and that’s normal. In the chaos and tired days, remember the basics: Alone, Back, Crib every time. Small routines keep babies safe, even when you’re barely awake.

Gun Safety Matters. Keep kids safe by storing firearms unloaded, locked, and out of reach. Teach children to never touch a gun and to tell an adult right away if they see one. Safe storage saves lives.

Positive childhood experiences shape a brighter future! From exploring new interests to creating joyful memories, every moment matters. Let’s nurture these precious times for a world full of opportunities and happiness.

Our offices will be closed on Monday in observance of Columbus Day. We’ll reopen on Tuesday and look forward to assisting you then. Have a safe and restful holiday!

Help Me Grow 💛 helps Ohio families with early prenatal care, parenting support, home visiting, and early intervention. One referral opens the door to many programs!

Every child deserves a loving home. 💛 Foster or adopt in Ohio to provide stability, care, and a brighter future. Learn more: fosterandadopt.ohio.gov #AdoptionMatters

💜 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Protect kids, support survivors, and create safe homes. Help is available: (800) 799-SAFE

Looking for child care or preschools in Ohio? Use our Child Care Search to find safe, quality programs, filter by type, hours, & services. childcaresearch.ohio.gov

October is National Book Month! A perfect time to celebrate stories, spark curiosity, and encourage a love of reading in all ages.

October is SIDS Awareness Month. Let’s spread the word about safe sleep and support families affected by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Remember: Alone, Back, Crib. #SIDSawareness

Every child deserves a safe, loving, and permanent home. Adoption can change a child’s life—and yours. Explore how you can open your heart and home to a child in need. 🏠Learn more about adoption in Ohio: fosterandadopt.ohio.gov

🏠 Foster Parents: You Support Children. We Support You. Ohio has more than 14,000 children in foster care. DCY provides resources, training and support to help foster parents and caregivers feel prepared to support the children in their care. fosterandadopt.ohio.gov

They look cozy. They look cute. But Boppy pillows, loungers and nursing cushions can be dangerous when used while a baby is sleeping. Loungers and nursing cushions are for supervised, awake time only. Safe sleep starts with a clear sleep space. 💤

🏠💙 Parenting isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Ohio’s free Home Visiting programs connect families with trusted professionals who can answer questions, support healthy development and help families feel confident. Learn more: helpmegrow.org/HomeVisiting

When a child can't stay with their parents, kinship caregivers—relatives, family friends, or others—step in to provide stability and support. This care can be temporary or permanent, offering familiar, trustworthy environments that reduce trauma and keep cultural ties. #Kinship

Today is Ohio Stillbirth Prevention Day 💜 Stillbirth impacts far too many families, but awareness and early care make a difference. The Ohio Department of Children & Youth is dedicated to sharing preventive steps and supporting families every step of the way.

📖 One book. Every month. A brighter future. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio provides Ohio children with a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book every month until age 5. Together, Ohio has received 28 million books and counting!

Every child grows at their own pace. 💙 If you have concerns about a child’s development, Help Me Grow Early Intervention offers free support for children under 3.

🧡 This month, we celebrate the bonds that strengthen families and communities. Kinship is about love, support, and unity, not just blood relations. Let’s honor those who care for their loved ones and build lasting connections. #KinshipAwareness

This Infant Mortality Awareness Month, we remember the precious lives lost too soon and recommit to protecting Ohio’s youngest. From safe sleep to prenatal care, prevention is possible. Every baby deserves to celebrate their 1st birthday.