Columbus, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine announced a major investment aimed at improving care for vulnerable children across Ohio, unveiling funding for six child wellness campuses designed to provide short-term therapeutic care close to home. State officials say the initiative will help children with complex needs remain connected to their families, schools, and communities while receiving stabilization and support.
The funding announcement was made alongside Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente. The new and expanded campuses will serve youth who need immediate care but do not require placement in licensed residential facilities.
“These campuses will address a critical gap in care,” said Governor DeWine. “Too often, children with complex needs are placed far from home simply because the right services aren’t available nearby. The new and expanded child wellness campuses will provide a local, community-based option focused on safety, assessment, healing, and stability.”
Expanding access to local therapeutic care
Working in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly, Governor DeWine directed $20 million from the state operating budget to support four new child wellness campuses and the expansion of two existing facilities. Officials say the investment will expand Ohio’s capacity to serve children and youth in environments designed specifically for stabilization and healing.
The following organizations and communities were selected to receive funding:
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Talbert House Inc., Hamilton County
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Unison Behavioral Health Group, Northwest Ohio
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Safe Opportunity Foster Alliance, Southeast Ohio (Expansion)
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Buckeye Ranch Inc., Central Ohio
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Cleveland Christian Home Inc., Cuyahoga County (Expansion)
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Champions Bridge, Franklin County
“Child wellness campuses are rooted in local communities,” said Director Wente. “This funding helps communities build or expand short-term, therapeutic spaces that support children close to home, strengthen family connections, and ensure the right care at the right time.”
Stabilization, safety, and continuity of care
Child wellness campuses provide immediate, short-term stabilization and assessment for children and youth who do not have a safe or appropriate place to stay and are not already in licensed residential care. These campuses offer a structured alternative to unlicensed placements such as hotels, shelters, or agency buildings — environments that can increase trauma and disrupt care.
The model prioritizes safety, youth voice, and rapid response. Wraparound team meetings begin within hours of admission, allowing professionals to assess each child’s needs and determine next steps quickly. On-site individual and family therapy services will be available, and campuses will partner with local stakeholders through regional Child Wellness Advisory Committees.
Each site will also develop sustainability plans to maintain services after start-up funding ends. The number of children served at each campus will be based on community needs.
State leaders say the initiative represents a significant step toward strengthening Ohio’s child welfare system by providing safe, local, and therapeutic environments that promote healing and stability while keeping children connected to the people and communities that matter most.
