Kara Wente named Ohio CASA’s 2024 Child Advocate of the Year 

Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director honored for commitment to Ohio children and CASA, raising awareness about resources for youth, families 

Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) Director Kara Wente was named Ohio CASA’s 2024 Child Advocate of the Year during the association’s 29th Annual Celebrate Kids! Conference. 

Director Wente was honored during the three-day training opportunity in Downtown Columbus, attended by more than 700 CASA volunteers, attorneys, social workers, judges, and other child welfare advocates.  

“I am humbled to be selected as Ohio CASA’s Child Advocate of the Year. As the Director of the Department of Children and Youth, I have seen firsthand the power of partnerships focused on promoting positive outcomes for Ohio’s children,” said Director Wente. 

Director Wente shared how the partnership between Ohio CASA and the State of Ohio goes back decades. 

“CASA volunteers truly are the heart of this important mission,” said Director Wente. “You are the community members who step up, undergo extensive training, and dedicate yourselves to ensuring that every child’s voice is heard. Your efforts have made a difference to thousands of Ohio’s children.”  

The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to advocate for Ohio children in need, support of local CASA programs statewide, and dedication to advancing child welfare best practice. 

During the awards ceremony held Thursday, September 26th, Director Wente’s parents accepted the award on her behalf. 

Director Wente shares a video message with CASA volunteers during Ohio CASA’s 2024 conference in Downtown Columbus.
Director Wente’s parents accept the award on her behalf. Her father serves as a CASA volunteer in Mercer County.

Her father shared with the crowd that he serves as a CASA volunteer with the Mercer County CASA program, and that their other daughter has served as a CASA volunteer in Hamilton County. 

“We are honored to be here and accept this award for our daughter. It means so much and I can share that this program is so important,” said Ted Bertke. “We have been excited to see what our daughter has been working on and accomplishing within this new department.” 

Director Wente is the inaugural director of DCY. She has served the State of Ohio for more than 20 years in various roles in the child welfare field. 

“Director Wente’s unwavering commitment to Ohio’s children is evident in everything she does,” said Jeff Van Deusen, Assistant Director of the DCY. “Her dedication to ensuring the safety, well-being, and bright futures of our youth is unmatched.” 

Every year, Ohio CASA honors a child welfare advocate, an attorney advocate, a child welfare advocate and an outstanding rising star CASA volunteer and veteran CASA volunteer. 

Hundreds gathered for the annual awards ceremony. Over 700 people attended Ohio CASA’s 29th Annual Celebrate Kids! Conference.
Director Wente’s father accepts the award on her behalf, sharing information about his CASA volunteer work.
Director Wente’s parents, Ted and Diana Bertke, smile with Ohio CASA Board President Josh Eck during the ceremony.

“We were excited to honor Director Wente and multiple dedicated child welfare advocates,” said Ohio CASA Executive Director Doug Stephens. “The entire Ohio CASA Network sincerely appreciates our partnership with Director Wente and the Department, as well as all of her efforts to raise awareness and provide services for some of Ohio’s most vulnerable children.” 

Director Wente’s parents are pictured with DCY Chief Government and External Affairs Officer Joel Potts and Project Manager Tequilla Washington.
Diana and Ted Bertke accept the 2024 Child Advocate of the Year award on behalf of their daughter, DCY Director Kara Wente.

There are CASA programs in 60 Ohio counties. CASA volunteers are community members who, after comprehensive training, advocate for Ohio children who experience abuse and neglect. You can learn more about our mission here