The Ohio Federation for Children’s Mental Health originally named the Ohio Family Advocacy Organization for Children’s Mental Health has beginning in 1992 with support from Cliff Davis, then Chief of Child and Prevention Services of the Ohio Department of Mental Health.

 In 1995 the National Federation for Children’s Mental Health signed a covenant with the Ohio Federation. At this time, the Ohio Department of Mental Health began funding the Federation through block grant dollars. The Federation opened its first office in Columbus, Ohio.

 The first official meeting of the Board was held in 1996.The Ohio Federation was the first in the nation to form a Youth Federation chapter. Youth continue to form and serve as an integral part of the Ohio Federation, serving in advisory capacities as well as speakers to policy making, legislative, and other groups.

 In 1998, the Federation contracted Terre Garner as an Executive Director for five hours per week. The contracting of this staff member allowed the Ohio Federation to apply for additional grants. In addition, the Federation began to be recognized throughout the nation.

 In 2001, a second office was opened at Summit Behavioral Health in Cincinnati. The Executive Director, now full time thanks to expanded ODMH grant funding, spent time at both office sites when not in the field providing training, advocacy, or support.

As of 2005, The Federation employs a part time General Manager who serves to maintain and grow the infrastructure and business of the organization in order to allow the Executive Director more freedom to pursue the programmatic development Federation’s goals.

 In August of 2006, the Ohio Federation for Children’s Mental Health was accepted by the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health as its representative in Ohio.

 Now and in the future, the Federation continues its outreach and advocacy in order to insure better opportunities in Ohio and in the nation, for the full development of youth to their fullest potential.