Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine outlines fraud prevention measures as lawmakers call for closer review of publicly funded child care centers in Columbus and statewide.
Governor Mike DeWine Addresses Child Care Fraud Concerns
As scrutiny increases around alleged fraud at publicly funded child care centers in the Columbus region, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has highlighted the safeguards the state uses to monitor and prevent misuse of taxpayer dollars.
In an official statement, the governor’s office explained that Ohio operates nearly 5,200 state-funded child care facilities, acknowledging that while oversight systems are in place, the scale of the program means the risk of fraud cannot be entirely eliminated. DeWine noted that Ohio continuously reviews its processes to protect public funds while ensuring families retain access to essential child care services.
The statement followed a letter signed by dozens of Ohio lawmakers urging the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) to further examine publicly funded child care programs statewide. Lawmakers’ concerns intensified after high-profile fraud allegations involving child care centers in Minnesota drew national attention.
Federal Child Care Funds Frozen in Minnesota | Columbus News
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump’s administration announced a freeze on federal child care funding to Minnesota, citing repeated fraud schemes uncovered in recent years. Governor DeWine said the situation has understandably raised concerns among Ohio residents about how similar programs are monitored locally.
According to the governor’s office, Ohio verifies attendance through secure PIN systems with photo confirmation, as payments are issued based on daily attendance rather than enrollment. While the Biden administration had required states to transition to enrollment-based payments by August 2026, Ohio did not adopt that model, and the Trump administration is now reviewing the federal mandate.
On Wednesday, the Trump administration expanded its response by temporarily freezing federal child care funding nationwide, requiring all states to submit additional verification to ensure program integrity.
Ohio’s child care oversight process includes unannounced inspections, financial audits, and advanced data analytics designed to detect fraud, waste, and misuse of funds. DCY also operates a public tip line allowing residents to report suspected wrongdoing.
State officials report that more than half of fraud referrals received in 2025 resulted in recovered funds and the closure of 12 child care programs. A DCY spokesperson stated that the department has prioritized stronger accountability, improved oversight, and responsible management of public resources, while balancing accessibility for compliant providers and families.
The department emphasized that fraud prevention efforts began well before recent headlines, relying on routine monitoring, data review, and surprise site visits. When fraud is suspected, DCY responds swiftly by dispatching investigators to review attendance records, employment documentation, and safety compliance, taking immediate action when violations are confirmed.
The renewed focus follows a viral social media video by influencer Nick Shirley, who alleged large-scale fraud at publicly funded day care centers in Minneapolis. Federal authorities in Minnesota are currently investigating multiple schemes related to child care, nutrition, housing, and autism programs.
While Minnesota has the largest Somali immigrant population in the U.S., and Columbus also hosts a significant Somali community, Ohio officials stressed that current investigations are not tied to any specific population group within Columbus.
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