Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is spotlighting Ohio’s efforts to protect taxpayer dollars in the state’s publicly funded child care system, asking the public to help by reporting suspected fraud.

DeWine says Ohio has built multiple layers of accountability into the system and continues to strengthen safeguards as concerns arise. Those protections are overseen by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, which has expanded enforcement efforts throughout 2025 and plans additional measures in 2026.

Among the steps already in place: child care attendance is verified using personal identification numbers with photo confirmation or location-based QR codes. Last summer, the department began cracking down on PIN sharing, reminding more than 65,000 families that PINs cannot be shared with providers. That effort led to more than 7,500 families resetting their codes.

The department also conducts unannounced health and safety inspections statewide. In 2025 alone, officials carried out more than 10,000 surprise visits, resulting in 38 child care centers being closed, with two additional closures still under review.

Public tips have played a major role. Before the governor’s Dec. 31 statement, DCY had received 124 fraud tips, leading to repayment of overpayments, the closure of 12 programs, and dozens of investigations. After that statement, the department received 26 additional tips, many of which are now under investigation.

State officials are encouraging anyone with concerns to report suspected fraud. Learn how by clicking HERE.