tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56023291334769196862024-03-17T20:00:54.771-07:00Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio YABLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.comBlogger413125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-14266669746251239122024-02-23T19:02:00.000-08:002024-02-25T07:04:36.417-08:00Buckeye Ranch Brainstorming Meeting<p>On Friday, February 23, 2024, OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador came to Buckeye Ranch in person to brainstorm about ways that community members can support current and former foster youth. <br /><br />During the meeting, we shared a <a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2024/02/2024-menu-of-ways-to-help-foster-youth.pdf">menu of ways that community members can help</a> improve outcomes for the foster care population, which was created previously by members of the OHIO YAB.<br /><br />Karimah shared a powerful and insightful quote: <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"The system isn't broken; it's just disconnected."</span></b><br /><br />Future connections that could be made and opportunities that could be pursued include:<br /><br /><b>1.) Mentoring:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In Cleveland, they have transformed the Open Table approach into a <a href="https://www.hopecle.org/">Community of Hope</a> to support current and former foster youth.<br /><br /></li><li>In Cincinnati, there was a previous Higher Education Mentoring Initiative (HEMI) that <a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2019/09/2017-hemi-research-study.pdf">drastically improved outcomes for foster youth participants</a>. The program started in ninth grade, lasted throughout post-secondary education and mentors received ongoing trainings. Hamilton County foster care youth and alumni were deeply saddened by the sunsetting of this program. </li></ul><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpBz9H1no8_x_yetb540M1-3EAVhrrdiEMurYhwoAzYrCruEloozG_LTrwtTzj9WVw9rQYDf9uKCTDDdpGeIgHJeBoGIhdwiC2uHC2-igPWX5a3ywhC7gfEu9VJJpeH7BAQjKuy31FMgU9S0qvoEF1sn4-NrhqQWgq_puRvGTu7Q-x4NqqX9_MRJWpcdFT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="542" data-original-width="1560" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpBz9H1no8_x_yetb540M1-3EAVhrrdiEMurYhwoAzYrCruEloozG_LTrwtTzj9WVw9rQYDf9uKCTDDdpGeIgHJeBoGIhdwiC2uHC2-igPWX5a3ywhC7gfEu9VJJpeH7BAQjKuy31FMgU9S0qvoEF1sn4-NrhqQWgq_puRvGTu7Q-x4NqqX9_MRJWpcdFT=w640-h222" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>2.) Sibling Outings: </b><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A Camp to Belong is one of the only programs in the United States designed specifically to address the relational needs of siblings who are separated by foster care. Sadly, they do not yet have a camp here in Ohio. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The OHIO YAB and ACTION Ohio hosted our 2023 Self Care Summit for Current and Former Foster Youth at the Hope Valley Retreat Center in Newark. This might be a great site to pilot a future sibling connections retreat. </li></ul><b>3.) Workforce Connections:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>CCMEP stands for Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program. Each county has a designated lead agency responsible for managing CCMEP. Sadly, current and former foster youth don't always know which agency is facilitating the program in their area. </li></ul><div><br /></div><p></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVryfVuoHLl1tjCCMhooc9TwbMgf4ZUCJWWtTtCpTpNyhaSvXY6YK0h-YCdHXLwl5fC1NtUlwIrbw3Oq6-TrBsXdrV55jq6pJtpDLDBFFYbMOsHxGZ0Bf4S2nl5bI5MrvfDh2q5cNA1etpIkyo1Lud0IGKZ-p-LjZH9Np2aSyKZQqA9NoeuN9oKbPGQ6s/s4032/IMG_9993.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVryfVuoHLl1tjCCMhooc9TwbMgf4ZUCJWWtTtCpTpNyhaSvXY6YK0h-YCdHXLwl5fC1NtUlwIrbw3Oq6-TrBsXdrV55jq6pJtpDLDBFFYbMOsHxGZ0Bf4S2nl5bI5MrvfDh2q5cNA1etpIkyo1Lud0IGKZ-p-LjZH9Np2aSyKZQqA9NoeuN9oKbPGQ6s/s320/IMG_9993.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aLiHyIkzmvuJvWXlvFpIaGULDuHW8HFF4WeH4073jforHBHyoyRnO6FkYSZytu3R9gycChwJGwlb7QfwRmbnusKq4mRo0mcNo4uOe1IXG6jbdQnrZkcCh66u2pv_WdT-tTlM5qSPbr4YamgCstZ1ZnAWXjN0014X6ZxoDAv5BRD_wqneN4hvTu_AShJW/s3012/IMG_9994.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3012" data-original-width="2575" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aLiHyIkzmvuJvWXlvFpIaGULDuHW8HFF4WeH4073jforHBHyoyRnO6FkYSZytu3R9gycChwJGwlb7QfwRmbnusKq4mRo0mcNo4uOe1IXG6jbdQnrZkcCh66u2pv_WdT-tTlM5qSPbr4YamgCstZ1ZnAWXjN0014X6ZxoDAv5BRD_wqneN4hvTu_AShJW/s320/IMG_9994.jpeg" width="274" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7Le0v47LmxjkDdDHXuG6H6By03H6VyOXWu26Xmrec-j7W_U6uiXLGC9xfr9eSvsyOFpCIKkAXMlwBZqs6Jh30qyy2q8sEG5JDToJrsFPPj4AjfqUZfwEyKk97cHdR6g01LylAFpicuZkrk9nQxiOdplFUMGXIbmubO_RPYzc6bMUgnURG1TcFhKQw8XR/s3231/IMG_9997.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3231" data-original-width="2692" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7Le0v47LmxjkDdDHXuG6H6By03H6VyOXWu26Xmrec-j7W_U6uiXLGC9xfr9eSvsyOFpCIKkAXMlwBZqs6Jh30qyy2q8sEG5JDToJrsFPPj4AjfqUZfwEyKk97cHdR6g01LylAFpicuZkrk9nQxiOdplFUMGXIbmubO_RPYzc6bMUgnURG1TcFhKQw8XR/s320/IMG_9997.jpeg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-32653807786312286902024-02-19T07:59:00.000-08:002024-02-26T04:44:38.455-08:002024 Virtual Focus Group About the Bridges Program <p><b>On Sunday, February 18, 2024, </b>OHIO YAB members were invited to participate in a virtual focus group regarding the 2024 Mission, Vision and Goals of the Bridges program. Participants included Lyric, Celebritty, Antonio and Brooke. <br /><br /><b>Participants shared insights </b>regarding how the Bridges program can:<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Empower young adults (emancipated foster youth) by supporting their journey to independence through individualized services and opportunities, inspiring their lifelong success. </li><li>Increase participation, enrollment and length of stay in the program. </li><li>Support and prepare participants to achieve success in adulthood. </li><li>Strengthen the Bridges workforce.</li></ul><u>Insights shared by participating young adults:</u><br /><br /><b>1.) Appreciation for Bridges: </b>One participant shared how her Bridges worker helped her with budgeting, real world advice and preparation for adulthood. She shared what it felt like to be emancipated at age 18: <i>"I thought I could live on my own, but I was homeless within three months of emancipating. Bridges gave me motivation and tools."</i><br /><br /><b>2.) Importance of IL skills during Bridges participation: </b><i>"I didn't learn the proper skills in independent living classes and wasn't able to implement them as a teen. Could there be life skills classes for young adults enrolled in the Bridges program?”</i><br /><br /><b>3.) Impact of being placed out of county: </b>One participant shared what it was like to be the custody of one county, but placed in another county, several hours away. The distance made an impact. The 'warm hand off' wasn’t warm: <i>“I felt like they just pushed me off onto a Bridges worker.”</i><p></p><p>One day, the young person was living in a group home – one that had promised to continue to care for her after she turned 18 years old. On the day of her birthday, she was told she needed to leave. She felt blindsighted: <i>"My group home said: We don't drop our kids. But they dropped me the day after my birthday. They just kind of gave me the boot. They promised to be there, but there weren't. As a young adult, you are trying to move on - but you feel like a little girl, like the system has failed you."</i><br /><br />Her home county was able to identify a local apartment for her to move into; but it was three hours away from the group home she had just left. </p><p><b> 4.) Impact of trauma: </b>Former foster youth experience trauma at a rate twice that of war veterans. During time in foster care, moving from place to place, the focus is on immediate survival. But when young adults move out on their own, trauma can resurface, in the form of flashbacks, nightmares, etc. <br /><br />Quote: <i>“I had experienced losses in my personal life. I was unable to get out of bed. This led to me being disconnected to my college program and being kicked out of the Bridges program. I was trying to explain to my Bridges worker that I am literally grieving my old life. Even though the system put me though hell, when I was in foster care, I knew I could call someone from the county to fall back on."</i><br /><br /><b>5.) Needing a personal approach: </b>More personal questions for the youth; not just perfunctory. Young adults don’t automatically trust their new Bridges worker, and it is often a personal loss when the prior relationship they had with their caseworker is severed. Quote: <i>“I’m more a person who wants people to come to me. It would have helped if my new Bridges worker had checked in. I didn’t know her well enough to share my struggles. I received texts from her saying that we needed to sign papers, but her texts didn’t include a personal touch.”</i><br /><br /><b> 6.) Recommending proactive communication: </b>Quote: <i>“My previous independent living worker reached out to me to let me know that Bridges was ending my case. My Bridges worker told her that there was a lack of communication on my part – but she did not communicate that to me personally. How can I fix it if you don’t tell me?” </i> The young person was able to communicate her disappointment to her Bridges worker, who apologized and said she would try to her best to help the young person re-enter the program. </p><p><b>7.) Unsure what to do if disconnected from Bridges:</b> Quote: <i>“If our Bridges is terminated, who do we reach out to? I wasn’t sure if could reach out to my home county.” </i> Young adult participants mentioned that knowing about the mental health exemption would be helpful to know; how to get a disability waiver to maintain eligibility.</p><p><b>8.) Lack of information about the Bridges program: </b>Participating youth talked about the need for a better understanding of the difference between having an emancipated youth case with their county vs. Bridges. One youth shared: <i>“I wasn’t sure exactly what the Bridges program would do. I heard that they would help pay your rent.” </i></p><p>Another young adult shared: <i>“I never really understood what Bridges is for. Is it an alternative to independent living? The age range wasn’t clear. They talked about it in terms of how disperse funds. They said that if you miss one month, you are kicked out of the program. They told me: ‘You’re better off with post-emancipation.’”</i></p><p><b>9.) What youth need and want the most from their Bridges worker:</b> <i>“Proactive communication and proactive reassurance would help. Knowing about resource options would help. Better understanding of the Bridges program would help. If Bridges doesn’t work out – what will happen to me? What do you tell kids who don’t know anything? Being reassured that they have your back.”</i><br /><b><br />10.) Young and/or inexperienced Bridges workers: </b>One of the focus group participants shared that, when she was in the Bridges program, her Bridges worker was still in college, had recently stopped living in her mother's house and was still learning to do things on her own. Another young adult who wasn't able to participate in the focus group texted that her Bridges worker was so young that she treated her more like a peer. </p><p><u>Young Adult Recommendations:</u></p><p><b>1.) Start working with youth six months before emancipation.</b> Tell them the difference between Bridges and county post-emancipation services. Have a chart that maps this out clearly, so that they can make an informed decision. Make sure the young person knows about available resources and how to access them. </p><p><b>2.) Bridges workers should be willing to transport young adults to opportunities.</b> Could this be added to the contract? The current excuse is that this is not a contract requirement. Throughout the state of Ohio, Bridges workers are not transporting youth to OHIO YAB statewide quarterly meetings, early Thanksgiving Together events or statewide conferences such as Self Care Summits for current and former foster youth. OHIO YAB members have shared that active participation has developed their voice, courage and confidence. They don't want to miss out on in-person opportunities for peer support and sharing their insights due to Bridges lack of willingness to transport. <br /><br /><b>3.) Prioritizing relationship-building over paperwork: </b>Workers can get caught up with getting administrative stuff done and lose track of the purpose of why they are there. This is not just about getting papers signed. This is human, purposeful stuff. Engagement. Building trust. For emancipating foster youth, they often don't have a lot of trust in the system. <br /><br /><b>4.) Reassuring young adults who are new to Bridges: </b>Lyric suggested that the OHIO YAB could partner with Bridges to design a “We Matter” card, as a note of reassurance for young adults who enter Bridges. Quote: <i>“That would have meant a lot to me; seeing and hearing from fellow foster care youth and alumni.”</i><br /><br /><b>5.) Areas of impact to improve outcomes: <br /></b><br />a.) Brooke mentioned that: <i>“A lot of areas could have used support, primarily help with financial literacy. Actually sitting down with an advisor, someone you can trust would have been really beneficial to learn about financial planning. </i><i>They didn’t teach me how to pay the bills on time; I had to learn that on my own. They didn’t teach me how, when life takes a turn, how to be resourceful when things like that happen. </i><i>Also, housing afterward would have been beneficial. They were trying to get me to apply for Section 8, but it seemed like they didn’t have a process or a contact. I would have just been applying like anyone else.</i><i>”<br /></i></p><div>b.) Antonio shared: <i>“If a person doesn’t have a family support system, they need financial literacy. They need life skills, to help them learn how to cook, clean, pay rent, budget, save and buy groceries efficiently. There is a lot of education that goes into it.”</i><br /><br />c.) Antonio also mentioned that Foster Youth Driving Act, and how he wasn't able to get a license during his time in foster care because he was a ward of the state. He has a license now, but still doesn't have a car. Lisa mentioned that it can be difficult to get someone to teach you how to drive as a young adult. <br /><br />d.) In terms of improving higher educational outcomes, Antonio recommended that the Bridges program learn from the Higher Education Mentoring Initiative (HEMI) program, which was excellent, but was discontinued. Quote: <i>“</i><i>Bridges could take inspiration from elements that they had in the HEMI program, such as informing youth about grants, FAFSA, assistance with books, transportation, and tuition itself.</i><i>”</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b>6.) The OHIO YAB can assist with trainings for Bridges workers:</b> OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Jewel Harris is an approved OCTWP trainer for an Emotional Resiliency workshop that would be beneficial. During the 2024 Leadership and Life Skills Summit, Bridges workers who transport young adults will be able to receive CEUs for attending a workshop on communication and de-escalating power struggles. <br /><br /><b>7.) Bridges participant meet and greets: </b>Focus group participants suggested that Bridges have activities where young adults and Bridges workers interact in an informal way. This could help with relationship-building, and underscore that this is not just a job. <br /><br /><b> 8.) Youth suggestions to improve Bridges focus group participation: </b>Celebritty suggested:<i> </i><i>“</i><i>You could have it like a roundtable. And ask the young adults: What life challenges are you facing as you transition into young adulthood? Like being a partner after foster care. That's hard. Having your first child, being a new mom with bottles to make and bills to pay -- how do you groove about those things?</i><i>”</i><i> </i></div><div><br /><b> 9.) Concrete tools to build up a young adult's personal support group: </b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This could include having Bridges workers consistently utilize the Permanency Pact form as a tool for identifying supportive connections.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>During the focus group, Bill Dawson asked, <i>“The idea behind Bridges is to set young adults up for success after they leave the program, and to build up the young adult’s informal support group. Did this happen for you?”</i></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>One participant answered: <i><i>“</i>No, that was never a part of it. Bridges taught me how to be self-sufficient. I left foster care and went to Bridges. I had two workers, but they only taught me how to take care of myself. I continue to have a lack of supportive connections - and that's a struggle, especially as a young mom.</i><i>”</i></li></ul></div><div><b>10.) Stressing the importance of reassurance and timely communication:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Quote:<i> <i>“</i>We are not the mail. You shouldn’t have to wait 3-5 business days for them to get back with you. You are all that we have. Some of our families are toxic. Some of us have no family. </i><i>My family is very inconsistent; I would rather have their complete absence than inconsistency. <i>Me as a hurting kid, coming from a hurting path, I want someone interacting with me.</i><i>”<br /><br /></i></i></li><li>Quote: “<i>The communication piece is something that I would love to see happen. We have experienced trauma, and we often have a wall up. We need someone to turn to for reassurance, resources and support. People always say to call them - but who is actually going to be there?”</i></li></ul></div><div><u>Questions from participating young adults:</u></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How long does it take it take for a young adult to be dropped from the Bridges program?</li><li>How long of a grace period do participating young adults receive?</li><li>If young adults only just turned 18 and they are struggling during the first three months, rather than dropping them from the program, could Bridges help the youth figure out options?</li></ul><div>Quote: <i>“</i><i>You guys were quick to drop me even though you knew I only just turned 18. I relied on you guys for so long, if I don’t gain a better support system, where do I go? That had an impact on me, recognizing that you were just going to drop me like that with no support. They can just drop you. It makes me cautious of reaching out now. It makes me wonder: Who will I turn to? Am I just another case to you?</i><i>”</i><i><br /></i></div></div><br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-25575913414733134762024-02-18T04:48:00.000-08:002024-02-20T07:59:03.049-08:00Virtual presentation for Ohio's new Department for Children and Youth<p><b>On Friday, February 16, 2024, </b>OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors participated in a virtual meeting with representatives of Ohio's new Department for Children and Youth. <br /><br /><b>Participants included:</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Denielle Ell-Rittinger, Bureau Chief Children Services Policy Supports</li><li>Laurie Valentine, Section Chief Independent Living and Transitional Aged Youth</li><li>Monica Kress, Assistant Bureau Chief Foster Care Licensing</li><li>Sharla O'Keefe, Section Chief Substitute Care and Licensing Policy </li><li>Ashley Keller, Section Chief Child Protective Services</li><li>Stevie Romano, Assistant Deputy Director of Regulatory Compliance</li><li>Patricia Wilson, Section Chief IV-E Policy</li><li>Lynn Sowards, Section Chief Kinship and Adoption Policy</li></ul><p><b>Miatta and Aarron served as lead presenters,</b> and the <a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2024/02/2024-ohio-yab-qrtp-recommendations.pdf">slides they shared</a> were authored by fellow youth leader Karimah. During the meeting, we were honored to have the additional insights of Myranda as well. Group discussion included:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>the negative impact of school disruption, when it comes to loss of adult and peer support</li><li>the importance of staff being medically certified</li><li>that it is a dangerous practice to medicate but not educate <i>(i.e. failing to empower traumatized youth by teaching them coping skills)</i></li></ul><p></p><p>Miatta stressed the need for youth voice in statewide decision-making, and the importance of ensuring that group homes and residential facilities are safe, secure and comfortable. Myranda shared that it can be difficult to work on your own trauma within a setting of 11 other residents. Quote: <i>"</i><i>The staff need better training. </i><i>Not every youth in the unit is in the same place. We only get to see the therapist once a week. It's hard to focus on personal trauma because of the chaos."</i></p><p><b>Representatives from the Department of Children and Youth</b> were very open to youth insights and feedback. Stevie Romano shared that her department certifies and monitors QRTPs, but that there can be a difference between a one day inspection vs. the day-to-day experiences of youth residents. Sharla O'Keeffe shared that her team writes QRTP rules, and has partnered with the OHIO YAB on other projects, such as exit interviews, in the past. </p><p><b> Quotes from DCY staff:</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #cc0000;">"I was overwhelmingly impressed by what I saw today."</span></li><li><span style="color: #cc0000;">"You and your group are pioneers."</span></li><li><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Your voice matters."</span></li><li><span style="color: #cc0000;">"The time is right for you to come to us with this."</span></li></ul><p></p><p><b>Next steps will include focusing on: </b></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Platform for youth voice<i> (i.e. virtual focus groups, breakout sessions during OHIO YAB statewide quarterly meetings)<br /><br /></i></li><li>Youth voice in training<i> (similar to how <a href="https://fosteractionohio.org/hands-on-activities/">OHIO YAB members have previously assisted OUCCAS in vetting workshops for foster parents</a>)<br /><br /></i></li><li>Establishing a Medical Ombudsman Office<i> (<a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2023/12/dcy-letter-from-arron-brown.pdf">here is a link to Arron's written testimony,</a> which, on page 2, includes mapping out the need for this resource)<br /></i><br /></li><li>Streamlining communication <i>(Laurie Valentine is of great assistance in this regard)</i><br /><br /></li><li>Service Planning </li></ol><p></p><p><b>OHIO YAB Ambassador Arron ended our call with a message of gratitude:</b></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Thank you all for taking your time, space and energy to hear us out. Your gratitude is truly a gift. Thank you for talking and connecting with us. Thank you for your partnership in amplifying the voices of youth in matters that directly impact them. </i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Lisa, our big sister and system sibling of a lifetime has been pushing a boulder up this hill that each of us youth are more than equipped and prepared to help see change in.<br /></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Vital check:<br /><br />- Youth need and deserve safe housing (vs. spending nights in buildings)<br /></i></span><i style="color: #cc0000;">- A Medical Ombudsman is needed for youth ASAP<br /></i><i style="color: #cc0000;">-Funding toward clinical nurses in QRTPs is vital, so we can ensure that residentials do not get shut down, leaving youth without a safe avenue of shelter<br /><br />Our passion comes from our experience of trauma. We do not intend to reiterate what we have gone through. We are the voices of youth today who cannot speak for themselves, who cannot be in these rooms. We are the new frontline of our struggle. <br /><br />Together, we will see a difference. Together, we are the change. You all are truly phenomenal. It is so rare to truly feel heard. My heart goes out to each soul who sat and listened and responded with us today.</i></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-1733793631231867492024-02-12T08:02:00.000-08:002024-02-18T03:58:06.641-08:00Lighthouse Youth Services and the Hamilton County Youth Advisory Board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTtB9kXMB-Gvlimx80mcZqNZR6EH4dwReLVmN0a8YV94UXa_sUUPQmFTDNigUhto_Zvz_F0ECvnvVX_WwT00c_Cq6PwUFvsFL1GyefkNVeGOlB9Lm0VTr7bnXTxKgUqOK8ezF2K_HXkSh0cHTUtv-3W8SURiPiSF7qP6YW2-zJVmOlFMKch6x4hQm2Gwr/s1898/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-09%20at%2011.48.57%20AM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1898" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTtB9kXMB-Gvlimx80mcZqNZR6EH4dwReLVmN0a8YV94UXa_sUUPQmFTDNigUhto_Zvz_F0ECvnvVX_WwT00c_Cq6PwUFvsFL1GyefkNVeGOlB9Lm0VTr7bnXTxKgUqOK8ezF2K_HXkSh0cHTUtv-3W8SURiPiSF7qP6YW2-zJVmOlFMKch6x4hQm2Gwr/w640-h358/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-09%20at%2011.48.57%20AM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /><b>On Friday, February 9, 2024, </b>Jaleshia Brown of the Hamilton County Youth Advisory Board and Lisa Dickson of the OHIO YAB participated in a virtual meeting with the leadership team of Lighthouse Youth and Family Services. </p><p><b>Participants included:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Paul Haffner, President and CEO</li><li>Bonita Campbell, Chief Operating Officer</li><li>Nathan Lynch, Vice President of Juvenile Justice and Residential Treatment</li><li>Victoria Ackman, Vice President of Clinical Services</li><li>Kelly Dunnigan, Vice President of Homeless Youth Services</li></ul><p></p><div><b>This brainstorming meeting focused on future opportunities</b> to collaborate and support Hamilton County youth and young adult voice, on a local and statewide level. </div><div><br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-90366582046832746232024-02-12T07:41:00.000-08:002024-02-18T03:56:58.181-08:00Virtual Meeting with Buckeye Ranch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The OHIO YAB was excited to learn that <a href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/healthcare/2023/11/03/as-youth-mental-health-crisis-grows-columbus-groups-partner-ohios-first-residential-treatment-center/71435058007/" target="_blank">the Buckeye Ranch is partnering with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to create Ohio’s very first child psychiatric residential facility</a>, to open in 2025. </div><p><b>On Friday, February 9, 2024, </b>OHIO YAB Ambassador Karimah Addison Bolding participated in a virtual meeting with the Buckeye Ranch leadership team to discuss. <br /><br /><b>Participants included:</b><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Vickie Thompson-Sandy, President and CEO</li><li>Kim Miller, Executive Vice President of Innovative Strategies</li><li>Casey Sudzina, Director of Marketing and Communications</li><li>Abby Maenle, Director of Development</li></ul>Karimah shared <a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2024/02/2024-ohio-yab-qrtp-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">this presentation</a>. <br /><br /><b>Her insights were welcomed by Buckeye Ranch staff, </b>and there will be a follow up meeting for further discussion on Friday, February 23rd. <p></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3k6P8n1F9-c5m2gP9eYm5TR5b67-NUSyC0rJKeYqaFtkG_VbCYWWPVGQzpHXYS69h8OEH4HAZz23rN4h5EnOt5Hyy7coIlZ1Zz2dMGWYgc-4wRubl1570pE6vlD8HlEG5ZbPLF6o7eDnZ8Egg2dg6-k8VGz2ywaZBbPtWNd_BwC95vUM9mE7_w8WBAfY/s1778/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-12%20at%2010.42.33%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1778" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3k6P8n1F9-c5m2gP9eYm5TR5b67-NUSyC0rJKeYqaFtkG_VbCYWWPVGQzpHXYS69h8OEH4HAZz23rN4h5EnOt5Hyy7coIlZ1Zz2dMGWYgc-4wRubl1570pE6vlD8HlEG5ZbPLF6o7eDnZ8Egg2dg6-k8VGz2ywaZBbPtWNd_BwC95vUM9mE7_w8WBAfY/w640-h468/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-12%20at%2010.42.33%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-792403612196507242024-02-05T06:49:00.000-08:002024-02-05T08:01:49.875-08:00Portage County involvement in the OHIO YAB<p> On Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, an initial phone call was held to discuss future Portage County involvement in the OHIO YAB. <br /><br />Their adult supporter mentioned that Portage County youth had recently taken the Casey Life Skills Assessment, and overwhelmingly scored low in civic engagement and understanding of the child welfare system. The OHIO YAB is a great way to build this type of skills and knowledge. <br /><br />Portage County foster youth are welcome to participate in:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>the NW Youth Leadership Retreat</li><li>the June Leadership and Life Skills Summit</li><li>OHIO YAB statewide quarterly meetings</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJ6CBod0hJdeYz3K-vQltMDfgYbXB95x1fRMnRkEEMrokdo1fzBdBhWsV4RXKs9BZKJY35bKCL-8BhKbfI1yC8p9w_oAnhYETQqikFbFIFQrLS3J6KfgnpLVSFLhb-I_ugmf09oHEg9QINwLOeYn6IYbSWQ35WgpY0naBUcpvSMyCJwpg2P1ClW7yvDfs/s652/portage%20county.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJ6CBod0hJdeYz3K-vQltMDfgYbXB95x1fRMnRkEEMrokdo1fzBdBhWsV4RXKs9BZKJY35bKCL-8BhKbfI1yC8p9w_oAnhYETQqikFbFIFQrLS3J6KfgnpLVSFLhb-I_ugmf09oHEg9QINwLOeYn6IYbSWQ35WgpY0naBUcpvSMyCJwpg2P1ClW7yvDfs/s320/portage%20county.png" width="294" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-41023422329628755152024-01-23T18:33:00.000-08:002024-01-24T16:33:58.684-08:0010 Things You Can Do To Support Foster Youth<p><b>On Tuesday, January 23, 2024,</b> OHIO YAB Ambassador Yavian Webster co-presented with Jenny Stotts and Jennifer Moore about the Youth Ombudsman Office during the Out of School Time Conference. The presentation was very well received: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>One program administrator in attendance highly praised Yavian, and remarked that she wished more workshops included presenters with "lived experience."</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Another attendee came to the presentation by accident; he had initially intended to go to another workshop. He raised his hand and shared that attending this workshop was "meant to be" because he knows his program has foster youth that participate and he had no idea any of the resources the presenters were sharing even existed.</li></ul><p></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6m6hnCwCRiwIZNX6WpQ4SyptSAcoWNmORgMOPmfpcw7UrGy8MvCR211lOa36jVVbocji3fIYczGHFn3RFE18AfQXxwBAq8XzRJz5Qra8DEMHwHgnA5t6t-IOW5i6E716tbljxtJIkEHTfocIHm4ixtL0y4QfGgkI8wcNOrlmJQi9AJMF2ZO9DkXmVtTxC/s1500/10%20things%20you%20can%20do.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6m6hnCwCRiwIZNX6WpQ4SyptSAcoWNmORgMOPmfpcw7UrGy8MvCR211lOa36jVVbocji3fIYczGHFn3RFE18AfQXxwBAq8XzRJz5Qra8DEMHwHgnA5t6t-IOW5i6E716tbljxtJIkEHTfocIHm4ixtL0y4QfGgkI8wcNOrlmJQi9AJMF2ZO9DkXmVtTxC/w640-h340/10%20things%20you%20can%20do.png" width="640" /></a></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-44954958461381395462024-01-13T07:13:00.000-08:002024-01-20T06:40:06.940-08:002024 January OHIO YAB Statewide Quarterly Meeting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZjmsiPSwC1CGkT_beNoxoZzQtER-SAQFGEJsR4o8KQhKm2midZjSmw4uToYhJDde_4665qZUriy6xyLC1TUij3YwP-633cLJsxmjGvnbG0_TggzTlN6NqG0EAr_ohqV4RzS9okF7eORDY4UrtRc12ub9Urv74O4Oodup0sf-PNEuL7QZOMPkjimyXu2o/s1500/2024%20Jan%20OHIO%20YAB%20meeting.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZjmsiPSwC1CGkT_beNoxoZzQtER-SAQFGEJsR4o8KQhKm2midZjSmw4uToYhJDde_4665qZUriy6xyLC1TUij3YwP-633cLJsxmjGvnbG0_TggzTlN6NqG0EAr_ohqV4RzS9okF7eORDY4UrtRc12ub9Urv74O4Oodup0sf-PNEuL7QZOMPkjimyXu2o/w640-h340/2024%20Jan%20OHIO%20YAB%20meeting.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/qa7kNycYf5xjGmaV8">Link to more photos</a>.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemaCeXHNHO2vXtK2CQJLKipCAkqR17ERnsUzNW2P36NvSqcdTh4m8xctStxNvVAppB7SE-Xq932MfviWHf6Ka1U19Mq3287rb6XnRToAeg4jpfmMFllXEPsTl9F2Ehp5SE1GVyFss5NFjv6Lcj5X_11UONPYv80-9iKJPv_pl4RjqfQ-8kOz8XjKt5vuV/s2348/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-18%20at%208.32.48%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1678" data-original-width="2348" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemaCeXHNHO2vXtK2CQJLKipCAkqR17ERnsUzNW2P36NvSqcdTh4m8xctStxNvVAppB7SE-Xq932MfviWHf6Ka1U19Mq3287rb6XnRToAeg4jpfmMFllXEPsTl9F2Ehp5SE1GVyFss5NFjv6Lcj5X_11UONPYv80-9iKJPv_pl4RjqfQ-8kOz8XjKt5vuV/w400-h286/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-18%20at%208.32.48%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></p><p><a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/2024-january-ohio-yab-meeting-1.pdf">Link to slides</a>.</p><p>Youth were able to share their insights regarding this <a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/ohio-crg-draft.pdf">Community Response Guide.</a> </p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-17851572245689036472023-12-17T06:01:00.000-08:002023-12-17T06:20:39.103-08:00Raven's College Graduation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdDXeKOweVVi-ec50KN3MnDNpzL87Dar2eV6qlYHk-sTmBiv2l26UXmVOc8zF8lIsDAcfAMZeQgzv7rRDlHp_YJQW9tzjX4OYvU-8zY8NGOyb6nEPFyman36DZ7Cn6y0ipNnnxkdQ0Fk0PJMm75ZAY-3dF8QewqMP4NOOIRKNYqGfZNPiz3L9TzLlt9dO/s1500/2023%20Raven%20Graduation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdDXeKOweVVi-ec50KN3MnDNpzL87Dar2eV6qlYHk-sTmBiv2l26UXmVOc8zF8lIsDAcfAMZeQgzv7rRDlHp_YJQW9tzjX4OYvU-8zY8NGOyb6nEPFyman36DZ7Cn6y0ipNnnxkdQ0Fk0PJMm75ZAY-3dF8QewqMP4NOOIRKNYqGfZNPiz3L9TzLlt9dO/w640-h340/2023%20Raven%20Graduation.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>OHIO YAB Ambassador Raven Grice has attained a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art, a minor in Business from Cleveland State University, as well as certificates in pre-Art Therapy and Nonprofit Management. She graduated Cum Laude (with honors) yesterday, and depending on her grades, she might have attained Magna Cum Laude. Around her neck, she is wearing her Honors Medallion. She received a medal for being part of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and yesterday she wore the stole for that and the stole for being a Native American graduate. Great job, Raven!!!</p><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/4Uxjs2bS8FFALnvcA">Link to more photos</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-57312675882990276732023-12-15T07:12:00.000-08:002023-12-15T07:12:54.444-08:00Allen County Youth Advisory Board Presentation <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArwkCJXqjG3rOYqWwNrus7qhQw2ZWfjJ-rWA9N4vj1tYnUGmmg8aL7QFo0Nz8JLJ9-SXItOTb1v2JfLZ-UyoqNaQB7SkzECysR2hBhmyHUyMNwPr6NkXMw7WA8_CAOk4zljwNKlX63Wx9m_23nH5a7GzwcgvNbI04CvZxv97n1E-T64eLrgdPuK06NCXr/s2836/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-15%20at%2010.01.42%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1562" data-original-width="2836" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArwkCJXqjG3rOYqWwNrus7qhQw2ZWfjJ-rWA9N4vj1tYnUGmmg8aL7QFo0Nz8JLJ9-SXItOTb1v2JfLZ-UyoqNaQB7SkzECysR2hBhmyHUyMNwPr6NkXMw7WA8_CAOk4zljwNKlX63Wx9m_23nH5a7GzwcgvNbI04CvZxv97n1E-T64eLrgdPuK06NCXr/w640-h352/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-15%20at%2010.01.42%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>On Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, Mattie Harrod presented in Allen County. Her presentation was titled, "Why the OHIO YAB?" and the topics she shared were:<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What is the OHIO YAB?</li><li>What are the benefits to attending statewide meetings and maintaining a local YAB?</li><li>What has the OHIO YAB accomplished?</li><li>What do OHIO YAB statewide quarterly meetings look like?</li></ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBu_6G_-DQ3hDaeBqfapkpulXr5bj3KK7dhRQkgPPscBtSi4po_r9jFiKKZH0fX5SS8ktiSdqsemOFZeHbN0xRPN-dhWTR8PQOOMlMdLrkTEbMrjYi5izQiYi8st8ZSXRLcFup6d1wL21dVLpxaNSomOYZtsGEVeURMq5pDTS_2uGuozdAexxM-BXuAyXN" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="135" data-original-width="1280" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBu_6G_-DQ3hDaeBqfapkpulXr5bj3KK7dhRQkgPPscBtSi4po_r9jFiKKZH0fX5SS8ktiSdqsemOFZeHbN0xRPN-dhWTR8PQOOMlMdLrkTEbMrjYi5izQiYi8st8ZSXRLcFup6d1wL21dVLpxaNSomOYZtsGEVeURMq5pDTS_2uGuozdAexxM-BXuAyXN=w640-h68" width="640" /></a></div><br />Mattie's presentation was engaging and heartfelt:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mattie shared that the reason behind the OHIO YAB's ongoing efforts is: "Because, unfortunately, the system isn't perfect and there will always be another topic to bring to light."</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>She mentioned that, "If I were to put even half of what the YAB has accomplished in here, you'd be here for hours and hours."</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>She ended with her personal testimonial, which is pictured above. </li></ul></div><div>Mattie serves as President of the Allen County Youth Advisory Board. Her presentation inspired caseworker support to prioritize YAB involvement and led to four additional youth joining the Allen County Youth Advisory Board. </div><p></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-67196355833814254482023-11-09T04:37:00.001-08:002023-11-09T04:37:53.225-08:00Participant Praise for Youth Panelists during YCPRT Virtual Symposium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrzlaevFKgo-3QnJiE607Tf33DyItQUFIwE-au5PkoFFDRLSKFgA5gBTAFPSGypmcqol68f7fsA4ZHXgA3EtvJEGWItgxz3BBMgIyDDzmHoeGxRW-tOsVIfPrLKcxgJZ7uvQxM0w0R6p5wFOdDe8mqCktlayPH0ViwFAVWjwsM3dZxbYMTVsYn8xZw0al/s1490/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-06%20at%2012.25.35%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1490" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrzlaevFKgo-3QnJiE607Tf33DyItQUFIwE-au5PkoFFDRLSKFgA5gBTAFPSGypmcqol68f7fsA4ZHXgA3EtvJEGWItgxz3BBMgIyDDzmHoeGxRW-tOsVIfPrLKcxgJZ7uvQxM0w0R6p5wFOdDe8mqCktlayPH0ViwFAVWjwsM3dZxbYMTVsYn8xZw0al/w640-h320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-06%20at%2012.25.35%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-29751805739628145312023-11-05T06:46:00.003-08:002023-12-31T04:07:08.476-08:00Youth Centered Permanency Roundtables ~ 2023 Virtual Symposium<p> On Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, the OHIO YAB presented <a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/2023-ycprt-ohio-yab-overview.pdf" target="_blank">an overview</a>, and encouraged counties to:<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Nominate Youth Ambassadors to the OHIO YAB</li><li>Transport foster youth and young adults (ages 14-24) to statewide quarterly OHIO YAB meetings</li><li>Create and maintain county/regional Youth Advisory Boards</li></ul><b>Participants in the OHIO YAB Youth Panel were:</b><br /><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Kevin of Clark County</li><li>Jaylynn of Lorain County</li><li>Aryunna of Montgomery County</li></ul><div>Mattie of Allen County and Jahmie of Franklin County shared their insights about permanency during preparatory calls, but were unable to participate on the day of the Summit. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Both Kevin and Jaylynn experienced Youth Centered Permanency Roundtables,</b> and felt that it was a valuable experience. They felt that they were genuinely listened to, and that their outcomes had improved as a result of participating in YCPRTs:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Kevin described permanency as, <span style="color: #cc0000;">"The state of not worrying about where you are going to be for the foreseeable future."</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jaylyyn talked about how much it means to her that, after she ages out of foster care, her foster parent will still be there for her. She's been assured that she will still be a part of the family, still on the Christmas list, and that there will still be a seat for her at the Thanksgiving table.</li></ul><b>Aryunna had not experienced a Youth Centered Permanency Roundtable. </b>She shared that it would have been helpful, particularly for a young person who is in a positive foster care placement in which they feel safe and cared for... In the meantime, Aryunna has maintained a network of post-emancipation support by staying in touch with her CASA and former caseworker, and through her relationships with her boyfriend and his mother. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Youth felt that both life skills and caring connections</b> are important in preparing for the transition into young adulthood. During preparatory calls, Mattie made the point that, <span style="color: #cc0000;">"There are definitely programs to support them like Bridges and independent living. But if you don't do one of these, you don't have support. No one is reaching out to you or checking in on you if you don't have a case with them. It's like: Goodbye, see you later, and hope you're good."</span><br /><br /><b>Youth reflected the importance of caring adults in their lives:</b> </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jaylynn mentioned that, <span style="color: #cc0000;">"Lorain County caseworkers are like family to me because I've known them for so long. They've got my back and I know that pretty well. Basically, all I've known for six years is the foster care agency and caseworkers."</span><br /><br /></li><li>When Kevin was asked to talk about his support network, he mentioned: <span style="color: #cc0000;">"Half of Clark County JFS, my independent living mentors and my two caseworkers." </span> Kevin also shared his positive experience with Project Jericho, his artwork being shared in multiple venues, and how much it meant to be able to express himself. <br /><br /></li><li>Aryunna praised her former CASA for staying in her life and helping her with her resume, jobs and so much more. <span style="color: #cc0000;">"It's really important to stay in touch with your caseworker and CASA, they can help you a lot."</span></li></ul><div>During preparatory calls, Mattie also mentioned her caseworker, and the OHIO YAB as well. Youth discussed the reality that permanency comes in a number of ways. They mentioned that participating in the Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board is a way to connect with peer support, as is coming to annual Thanksgiving Together events. </div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOvUcxPuQ8xUdzYiFYV-tIrVy091la_8G9HE-Laudianfk9Goqi-HzifhOCvicBa8X1cIexf_SKuF6Sb8o_FevK-40x9ZeDO1_5jr6L4qWSjM4N5jMihPFB3B28VhdhkEwOfMNFZI4CT5Wpb-7F1TB5rFnr-pb1Ko6S56aVY94qeCuRC_m3jFdEUL4Hrfo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="936" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOvUcxPuQ8xUdzYiFYV-tIrVy091la_8G9HE-Laudianfk9Goqi-HzifhOCvicBa8X1cIexf_SKuF6Sb8o_FevK-40x9ZeDO1_5jr6L4qWSjM4N5jMihPFB3B28VhdhkEwOfMNFZI4CT5Wpb-7F1TB5rFnr-pb1Ko6S56aVY94qeCuRC_m3jFdEUL4Hrfo=w493-h640" width="493" /></a></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-83998688074354542532023-10-27T06:45:00.006-07:002023-11-05T07:48:01.201-08:00Virtual Meeting with Director Wente<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJE82085qLNoJDW0gXEorPXGWeMpI08ZHWzO6nTsQoqgowVD_ezI491BDwuy48o4lwp7MbLGaoRPGoG5aeYSol5GJX5zRLQ2zNSevWwJ8OvuwcG3-RUoXBt0ue9o8H-IhdB4a4rmX37gkCSWrS4TuS3PhuQog3DVqOmKUrYrMyfP6wwgBp_OBW5BPV3k3a/s1500/wente%20zoom.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJE82085qLNoJDW0gXEorPXGWeMpI08ZHWzO6nTsQoqgowVD_ezI491BDwuy48o4lwp7MbLGaoRPGoG5aeYSol5GJX5zRLQ2zNSevWwJ8OvuwcG3-RUoXBt0ue9o8H-IhdB4a4rmX37gkCSWrS4TuS3PhuQog3DVqOmKUrYrMyfP6wwgBp_OBW5BPV3k3a/w640-h340/wente%20zoom.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><b><i>Below is a follow-up message sent to Director Kara Wente after a virtual meeting with her and twelve representatives of the OHIO YAB on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. </i></b></p><p>Director Wente,</p><p><b>Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with us at a time that we are available</b> and thanks for being willing to do so on evenings and even weekends if needed. Sunday nights at 6 pm work best for us, but we can often make Wednesday or Thursday nights at 6 pm or later work as well. </p><p><b>Thank you so much for inviting our feedback, </b>because as we looked at the current website for the new Ohio Department of Children and Youth, and as we looked at the list of priorities and goals, we did not yet see ourselves and feel included. We care and understand that this website and these efforts are in a transition stage, and we would love to be of help and support. </p><p><b>The OHIO YAB recommends that the <a href="https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/" target="_blank">website of the new Ohio Department of Children and Youth</a> include a “Youth Page.”</b> Currently, the website only has tabs for Families, Providers and Partners. Since the department’s mission statement is: “To place children at the core of its mission to promote positive, lifelong outcomes for all Ohio youth,” we believe that a subpage on their website for Youth is needed.</p><p>We can and understand that the Department has not hired a new Communications person yet. As Aaron mentioned last night, <i>“I cannot wait to meet the new Communications Director when we are gifted with that beautiful human!”</i></p><p><b>When it comes to the future “Youth” page on the website, </b>we would love to work together on two goals:</p><p><b>1.) Resources: </b>For the Youth Page to include resources for teens and young adults who lack family support. Not every young person has a family that they can rely on; they need and deserve access to information and resources as well. We are including an attached summary of resource links that Ohio youth leaders have recommended be included on the future Youth subpage of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth website.</p><p>As one of our youth leaders mentioned last night, as a youth without family support transitioning into young adulthood: <i>“It’s so hard for get information to even know about resources. They are not accessible if you don’t have someone who knows. This makes it 10 times harder.”</i></p><p>While a “Youth” page on the Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s website can never replace the need for caring adults to coach, support and encourage teens and young adults, it can inform those caring adults and the youth themselves. </p><p><b>2.) Photos of Teens and Young Adults: </b>Again, we would love to help with this, once the new Communications staff member is hired. When youth reviewed the current website, they noticed that: <i>“It’s not really focused on teens. It seems focused on ages 10 and under. There is no representation of teens in the photos on the website, just families and children and focused on the first years.”</i></p><p>One of our youth leaders asked last night,<i> “Speaking as someone who entered the system at three years old age, and re-entered at 10 years old, we (the teens and young adults) are the children that you wanted to help. Where is the focus on older youth? What made you all steer towards younger children?”</i></p><p>She added, <i>“We are those same three-year-olds. We are just older now.” </i></p><p><b>When it comes to the <a href="https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/" target="_blank">Department’s website</a> --- and, ultimately, the Department’s goals,</b> it would be wonderful if the voices, experiences and outcomes of teens and young adults who lack family privilege could have greater representation. And, again, we would love to help.<br /><br /><b>As one of our youth leaders, Aaron, shared at the end of the call:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Thank you for giving me the opportunity to listen in on this insightful meeting tonight. It sparked a deeper conviction in my soul. </i></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Director Wente, my gratitude goes out to you for a most well-presented gathering. I feel you hear our passion and truly will be a voice in rooms we might not be able to at this moment.</i></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Director Duesen, my gratitude goes to you for sharing and giving us space to be heard.</i></li></ul><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>To all our youth that shared tonight - you were phenomenal, and you spoke for my heart.</i></li></ul><p><b>Aaron recommended:</b> <i>"Let's stay connected with regards to a follow-up Zoom meet together! Having a Progress Tracking Report would be amazing."</i></p><div><br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-76289855534007237852023-10-27T04:48:00.002-07:002023-10-27T04:50:45.293-07:00Geauga County Event, Focusing on Youth Who Lack Family Privilege<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs4Q8i8eifoNWLQVDjkNugbMVDRqgAChllCxxz7IeZ_kDuP9fZ7zvsOv8bsq_6X8q5_1_bnMIavOI_8Xqkqojs32MERZMLbuTuAQb2qVTodS6Lvwzg7rTC_2lQ_IeM7H6_nWYnfioju6H99H5K4sK_EYa7KXWFofjnKPqWhyphenhypheniH9AcE2biCya6XD3VhM7G/s1148/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-27%20at%207.38.28%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1148" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs4Q8i8eifoNWLQVDjkNugbMVDRqgAChllCxxz7IeZ_kDuP9fZ7zvsOv8bsq_6X8q5_1_bnMIavOI_8Xqkqojs32MERZMLbuTuAQb2qVTodS6Lvwzg7rTC_2lQ_IeM7H6_nWYnfioju6H99H5K4sK_EYa7KXWFofjnKPqWhyphenhypheniH9AcE2biCya6XD3VhM7G/w640-h302/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-27%20at%207.38.28%20AM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></div><p>The OHIO YAB recently assisted with planning and preparation for a Geauga County event about: "Young People Who Lack Family Privilege In and Out of the Foster Care System”</p><p>This event took place on Monday, October 23, 2023 at the Federated Church of Chagrin Falls from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. </p><p>The focus was on <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Social Justice Issues for Youth Who Lack Family Privilege:</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Promoting a better understanding of the challenges youth face when transitioning into young adulthood and how community members can support them.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This includes:</li><ul><li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Those who experience foster care and either reunify or "age out" of it.</span></li><li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Those entrusted to residential or kinship care.</span></li><li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Those who are adopted and the adoptions fall through.</span></li><li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Those who were never in foster care, but still face young adulthood without support. </span></li></ul></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Letting community members know how they can wrap support around youth and young adults in the community who lack family privilege.</li></ul><p></p><p><br />Many thanks to:<br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Brooke and Melanie of Geauga County Job and Family Services for helping to identify and prepare the two youth speakers, and for sharing about Geauga County resources. They also assisted in facilitated questions and answers portion. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Andrea Pollock of Next Step, for sharing her work to support youth ages 18-24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including youth who have never been in foster care but perhaps should have been. </li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-66894829532537323312023-10-20T05:20:00.005-07:002023-10-27T08:40:07.297-07:002023 October OHIO YAB Statewide Quarterly Meeting<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tR60NjJRzIcohGbSOl9MXZA_rw8xDSVyzRoJJVTz1BkmSGl_q9jSNKSu2b04J5qswLW1EUmyPPDDxCJmANK4QfMaLBT2UD61SiJOJ3-05tP8PO5gwsapwgKvYxyge63JEZXnizq4sNNCJ-O9miUBvR0b5eLi94FpbVYYIirzZPXM1RmtlkUjhrv_9Nqc/s1500/2023%20October%20OHIO%20YAB%20meeting.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tR60NjJRzIcohGbSOl9MXZA_rw8xDSVyzRoJJVTz1BkmSGl_q9jSNKSu2b04J5qswLW1EUmyPPDDxCJmANK4QfMaLBT2UD61SiJOJ3-05tP8PO5gwsapwgKvYxyge63JEZXnizq4sNNCJ-O9miUBvR0b5eLi94FpbVYYIirzZPXM1RmtlkUjhrv_9Nqc/w640-h340/2023%20October%20OHIO%20YAB%20meeting.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQLjNR2Sqjr9pD3Ikhy5idlnxcJHI5t_O4uMMdV_eARTVcKsUIYvB5oqfxUJ9az2J4p9O8vgRnKfCVgnrxeyYdsNOihAW0y8N9oaWaU59lbYusCw-TGleVJFLHsPYoH2xiu_n1gtsRVfMPE9JRRx6XCTWl3zJ0sQXl336We8p3Enpuvnjnjoxn9ROplav/s1500/2023%20October%202nd%20OHIO%20YAB%20meeting.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQLjNR2Sqjr9pD3Ikhy5idlnxcJHI5t_O4uMMdV_eARTVcKsUIYvB5oqfxUJ9az2J4p9O8vgRnKfCVgnrxeyYdsNOihAW0y8N9oaWaU59lbYusCw-TGleVJFLHsPYoH2xiu_n1gtsRVfMPE9JRRx6XCTWl3zJ0sQXl336We8p3Enpuvnjnjoxn9ROplav/w640-h340/2023%20October%202nd%20OHIO%20YAB%20meeting.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/HUmjXEjo84U2YNLSA">Link to additional photos</a>.</p><p> <iframe frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/hSuIyyIMsON75P?hostedIn=slideshare&page=upload" width="476"></iframe></p><p><a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/2023-october-ohio-yab-meeting.pdf">Link to PDF of slides</a>.</p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-30245811913605252042023-10-03T06:44:00.009-07:002023-10-06T06:27:24.593-07:00Sibling Connections MatterOn Friday, October 6, Abdul’s testimonial about why sibling connections matter was published and shared throughout the state in ODJFS’ First Friday publication.<br /><br /><a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/abdul-in-first-friday.pdf">Link to read his testimony</a>.<br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WzoBCZodPUDfBU72PJSC8jbik4Uvyl_3u67WpxELsBpPcWLENNg0heobYle9xIDpk08em3Ms5mrCX1Y4Xwntqqr-8VmFwN2FwzU1RV6Xmo3uzbFIoKcORr4GfAnpWjpAdRA8ieoc3zNBriztLiwloYep8912ZW0H-mIcRyGzJVBS1edJ_gWgBDnKZOPg/s2258/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-06%20at%209.26.49%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="2258" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WzoBCZodPUDfBU72PJSC8jbik4Uvyl_3u67WpxELsBpPcWLENNg0heobYle9xIDpk08em3Ms5mrCX1Y4Xwntqqr-8VmFwN2FwzU1RV6Xmo3uzbFIoKcORr4GfAnpWjpAdRA8ieoc3zNBriztLiwloYep8912ZW0H-mIcRyGzJVBS1edJ_gWgBDnKZOPg/w640-h280/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-06%20at%209.26.49%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-40644484791408003272023-09-29T05:20:00.000-07:002023-09-29T05:20:59.662-07:00Encouraging each of Ohio's 88 counties to support foster youth involvement in the OHIO YAB <p>On Wednesday, September 27, Raven presented on behalf of the OHIO YAB during the ODJFS bi-monthly touchpoint with county agencies. <br /><br /><b>The meeting agenda was:</b></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Welcome – Kari Akins </li><li>News You Can Use - Vincent Ciola</li><li>Workforce- Melissa Palmer </li><li>Kinship/Grandparents Month – Becky Murray and Lynn Sowards</li><li>Supported Rule and Practice Strategies–Ashley Keller and Sharla O’Keeffe</li><li>Ohio Independent Reporting Tool- Laurie Valentine </li><li>Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board - Raven Grice </li><li>Court Engagement- Jenn Reed and Tequilla Washington</li></ol><p></p><p><b>Raven invited Ohio county public children’s service agencies to:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Nominate youth to serve as OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors on the statewide board</li><li>Create and maintain local or regional Youth Advisory Boards</li></ul><p></p><div><b>Raven shared the benefits of YAB participation </b>for organizations, professionals and the youth themselves:<br /><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLnmKlasK05NE0YlPahZVeLNhTbNoTDxeHIJKfadW_99McAUID7OWUdUfhzSEzIOlXf2g3fcq-nVepealJ2AebkA_9fX59eYLRipZeGJa2-gzJBEfpiYUNHIr4PczEQ2DLJhOSUWae-M8F5XZb_L6jfz6XRa7Ui4bVg8JX7gh8GVrRgrUeuhf0E1vWBpp/s2042/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-29%20at%208.17.15%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="2042" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLnmKlasK05NE0YlPahZVeLNhTbNoTDxeHIJKfadW_99McAUID7OWUdUfhzSEzIOlXf2g3fcq-nVepealJ2AebkA_9fX59eYLRipZeGJa2-gzJBEfpiYUNHIr4PczEQ2DLJhOSUWae-M8F5XZb_L6jfz6XRa7Ui4bVg8JX7gh8GVrRgrUeuhf0E1vWBpp/w640-h354/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-29%20at%208.17.15%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xl2eyFbJJKYQ4PoWKYEjtLKWi5RrkVGmiAJ8WeU-1ADMdyUzQLuVDF1VKVRlRlNNYEj0BDYA2v6Yf07OIa8xBc_Ei4Jb4A0tY4riZsxTVP-JmvkcfCI2SYfvDiJwruD6bzGGMuM6d_CBsqCAhy6W5G9rkX3O2-9MCUGiAwWbO4giF9jzkGbl8asU39D9/s2044/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-29%20at%208.17.25%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="2044" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xl2eyFbJJKYQ4PoWKYEjtLKWi5RrkVGmiAJ8WeU-1ADMdyUzQLuVDF1VKVRlRlNNYEj0BDYA2v6Yf07OIa8xBc_Ei4Jb4A0tY4riZsxTVP-JmvkcfCI2SYfvDiJwruD6bzGGMuM6d_CBsqCAhy6W5G9rkX3O2-9MCUGiAwWbO4giF9jzkGbl8asU39D9/w640-h358/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-29%20at%208.17.25%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-38984401596454422642023-09-22T19:08:00.007-07:002023-09-22T19:12:28.836-07:00OHIO YAB receives Social Justice award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZk0hmwVXqKsqG59QiIVBlb-DEVGFvKw4YKXD1Iiv2veFrgSm1bPmRsWRdag7XUPzN_s_EvCwFI8-5FFnf1trMpWZT0FvejST88addTCK7CvEeLjzOLCp9j_des4kZSSIad5PFRNUavOD8_1IDItuhSe3FCjk1q-DK08OUWjEhAkfzo0NVSy5Vyd_SRtYm/s1500/2023%20Social%20Justice%20Award.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZk0hmwVXqKsqG59QiIVBlb-DEVGFvKw4YKXD1Iiv2veFrgSm1bPmRsWRdag7XUPzN_s_EvCwFI8-5FFnf1trMpWZT0FvejST88addTCK7CvEeLjzOLCp9j_des4kZSSIad5PFRNUavOD8_1IDItuhSe3FCjk1q-DK08OUWjEhAkfzo0NVSy5Vyd_SRtYm/w640-h340/2023%20Social%20Justice%20Award.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>On Friday, September 22, 2023, the Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board (OHIO YAB) was deeply honored to receive a Central Ohio Social Justice Award, alongside fellow recipients: Star House and Huckleberry House.<br /><br /><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/2obx2ShZkwAdtj2Q8">Link to more photos</a>.<br /><br /></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-87940183341591358982023-09-20T07:17:00.002-07:002023-09-24T06:11:20.583-07:00Incorporating Youth Perspectives into the Mandated Reporter CurriculumOn Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, a virtual meeting was held with the Ohio Children's Trust Fund, Briljent and Scale Strategic Solutions. Dorothy Striker and Laurie Valentine were on the call to be of support. <br /><br />Discussion included: <div><br /></div><div>1.) <a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/issue-brief-youth-safety.pdf" target="_blank">The OHIO YAB issue brief on youth safety</a><br /><br />2.) <a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/op-ed-jonathan-thomas.pdf" target="_blank">Jonathan' Thomas' Op Ed</a> <br /><br />3.) <a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2023/09/2023-ohio-yab-hotline-concerns.pdf">The recent presentation on county child abuse hotlines</a><br /><br />4.) <a href="https://fosteractionohio.org/runaway-protection/" target="_blank">Efforts to safeguard youth who run away to escape abuse</a><br /><br />5.) <a href="https://fosteractionohio.org/mandated-reporter-bill/" target="_blank">How Ohio was the last state in the nation to make police mandated reporters</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3CBhbAfWYmnXEr1ftXbwOYMEbNEb9sZq6nw6rfv5ip5rccfyaXWVIsxcXnRihes_350czPiWcmbQx8nxigWJNvqdtqVCmzD0NU0YuUIdByLKOfOvuSrQ4fhQA1HLQ8XYD_vDvhzEl4LFRafsYqzO17-oDq_U-x7VDzEKyuY6N93GWryCA9XoJGEfiSZmE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3CBhbAfWYmnXEr1ftXbwOYMEbNEb9sZq6nw6rfv5ip5rccfyaXWVIsxcXnRihes_350czPiWcmbQx8nxigWJNvqdtqVCmzD0NU0YuUIdByLKOfOvuSrQ4fhQA1HLQ8XYD_vDvhzEl4LFRafsYqzO17-oDq_U-x7VDzEKyuY6N93GWryCA9XoJGEfiSZmE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-83228425217406008892023-09-18T07:56:00.008-07:002023-09-24T06:24:45.292-07:00Mattie's insights about ESSA<p>OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Mattie Harrod created a video regarding the Every Student Succeeds Act and opportunities to improve K-12 outcomes for Ohio foster youth, which was shared as part of a workshop during the PCSAO conference on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023.<br /><br />Mattie's goal in creating this video was to map out the supports needed by K-12 foster youth at school.</p><p>The federal Every Student Succeeds Act, as passed in December 2015, makes a lot of promises on paper that ultimately need to be both funded and held accountable on a federal, state and local level. </p><p>For now, in Ohio (the state of 88 counties), it is up to the voices of tenacious and courageous youth leaders like Mattie, as well as caring ally organizations such as the Ohio Department of Education, to advocate for ESSA support to be a consistent part of the foster youth experience.</p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0ge7BCNZts0?si=hvavy4NyCcTfePCl" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-91057499164375931842023-09-10T06:47:00.007-07:002023-09-29T05:22:21.244-07:00Youth who self-report being abused should be taken seriously<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv327DOqb7qxcLqwAr2NxaftkMsbDJZ08ydqQigR-pfeTEmya6IFihDHb7KjPllOaC6nFnqxPM8ewaPZ-4u8CiFYZ6SUNYqVq54zJk2SYQ1KoaVKb1ReSkxhULkB8Q77HJqgpAePjC2AfafGVLBUQvHGp6s0MVBdk69KH2PAdxozge8xpPQhsldmG0DEak/s1656/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-10%20at%209.46.14%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1656" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv327DOqb7qxcLqwAr2NxaftkMsbDJZ08ydqQigR-pfeTEmya6IFihDHb7KjPllOaC6nFnqxPM8ewaPZ-4u8CiFYZ6SUNYqVq54zJk2SYQ1KoaVKb1ReSkxhULkB8Q77HJqgpAePjC2AfafGVLBUQvHGp6s0MVBdk69KH2PAdxozge8xpPQhsldmG0DEak/w400-h300/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-10%20at%209.46.14%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>The Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board is a statewide organization of young people (aged 14-24) who have experienced foster care. The OHIO YAB exists to be the knowledgeable statewide voice that influences policies and practices that impact youth who have or will experience out of home care.</p><p>On Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, the OHIO YAB held a virtual meeting with ODJFS Leadership to discuss <a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2023/09/2023-ohio-yab-hotline-concerns.pdf" target="_blank">concerns about child abuse hotlines screening out youth who self report being abused</a>. OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors Rory, KC and Raven participated. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7pxsiWRU8m2l6zT2Yd4MC0vD86UQ2zH46Ydv9qnfP0vhQ-cuX2Al7NdYdzmUBK0d4f8pNSCfRwunu_ClvvN100kPYx_nfTM-EU32Tp4U6mZV2HykABRaQB_k2gncHDRcpHiOri5mRzhMEk1uYgRrMG4WjUiDw5dKnO2icJtzHkGymjYygp1BxLMCt1Rl/s1500/hotline%20call%20with%20odjfs.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7pxsiWRU8m2l6zT2Yd4MC0vD86UQ2zH46Ydv9qnfP0vhQ-cuX2Al7NdYdzmUBK0d4f8pNSCfRwunu_ClvvN100kPYx_nfTM-EU32Tp4U6mZV2HykABRaQB_k2gncHDRcpHiOri5mRzhMEk1uYgRrMG4WjUiDw5dKnO2icJtzHkGymjYygp1BxLMCt1Rl/w640-h340/hotline%20call%20with%20odjfs.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-17269859451107938452023-09-09T06:25:00.007-07:002023-10-22T05:05:44.704-07:002023 Self Care Summit for Foster Youth and Alumni<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Hubp7uxOXwQxFpztyuK64ml6ki0ZyVhmb11Sg8ghbJLKpJs78tsoFOY9fzcM0CS48BjlCMdVrjrEowvScE8DwjsbEgTXUipazOo8abKxy96vIKCx0MK76o4gHanXuM6f1mMiSjlL912MXIjRFtgcOhQcCTm7zUyLz_hTAt1XZWAPij4WIvN5rZX3bkDG/s1500/2023%20Self%20Care%20Summit.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Hubp7uxOXwQxFpztyuK64ml6ki0ZyVhmb11Sg8ghbJLKpJs78tsoFOY9fzcM0CS48BjlCMdVrjrEowvScE8DwjsbEgTXUipazOo8abKxy96vIKCx0MK76o4gHanXuM6f1mMiSjlL912MXIjRFtgcOhQcCTm7zUyLz_hTAt1XZWAPij4WIvN5rZX3bkDG/w640-h340/2023%20Self%20Care%20Summit.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/69DNLTBz6s2FToFi8" target="_blank">Link to more photos</a>.</p><p>September is Self-Care Awareness Month, and the OHIO YAB and ACTION Ohio partnered with Hope Valley and the Ohio Supreme Court to facilitate a self care retreat for current and former foster youth (ages 14-24).<br /></p><p>The 2023 Self Care Summit for Ohio Foster Care Youth and Alumni took place on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at the Hope Valley Retreat Center, 4560 Gratiot Rd SE, Newark, OH 43056. <br /><br />Activities included:<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Icebreaker balls, with prompts designed by foster youth for foster youth</li><li>Creation Station: Rock painting and making bath bombs </li><li>Labyrinth Activity, facilitated by Hope Valley staff </li><li>Red Flags activity, with physical red and green flags </li><li>Self Calming activities and tools, such as creating an internal safe place </li></ul><p></p><p>We are deeply grateful to the Ohio Supreme Court for sponsorship, Hope Valley for hosting, adult supporters for transporting youth, and to two CSCC professors for facilitating self-care activities. <br /><br />We received RSVPs from Allen, Athens, Belmont, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lawrence, Licking, Lorain, Perry, and Van Wert counties. </p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-90628064937257945732023-08-29T19:41:00.005-07:002023-08-29T19:42:21.008-07:00Praise for Erik's presentation<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGmMINnTOfDAzq4XXJrqlpwcAdwFYadAfRKiIYuxiZqe3pV1BEXGtOOaXYesMqQiHkvC2VSkTR1W58rUsPHaam08qpWibupz69ePCH2rzUxkzCMl12jajAz032eIDec-UIUG6tFKSvB74qryudvrSpV35vnH7hJtYJDQWzXwwkeJWcKDrUhBTYZIsArx5m" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="451" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGmMINnTOfDAzq4XXJrqlpwcAdwFYadAfRKiIYuxiZqe3pV1BEXGtOOaXYesMqQiHkvC2VSkTR1W58rUsPHaam08qpWibupz69ePCH2rzUxkzCMl12jajAz032eIDec-UIUG6tFKSvB74qryudvrSpV35vnH7hJtYJDQWzXwwkeJWcKDrUhBTYZIsArx5m" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><i>Please let Erik know how much we appreciated hearing from him. There was so much shared that we can really take away from the presentation. He was an amazing speaker and shared some really powerful things. The idea of having to learn to value yourself because you are so undervalued, and getting so tired of people saying the wrong thing that you’re surprised when they actually say it correctly. It really made me think about how I can be a better ally and advocate.</i></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-82683235772255594212023-08-29T19:36:00.007-07:002023-09-24T06:13:55.881-07:00ODJFS: Let's Break to Educate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPiXAaGuf3gfaI-tPcoU3cLUWFjyEWat2H2l_KHzZDu23ymR9xlKl0Byu_IrwXnrlWHy85uv6rvyN2XWdOJOaKjlHYacAlMLf_ZQ8ekbjHMRxPvx4vU0jaxCLQUwWVE4w3p_ONyBuMCZRHIllsTTdvA_6gEadh2A9-yvCiyUQ2Pf5BkeWerY6zOwwWMD_/s620/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-29%20at%2011.29.51%20AM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="620" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPiXAaGuf3gfaI-tPcoU3cLUWFjyEWat2H2l_KHzZDu23ymR9xlKl0Byu_IrwXnrlWHy85uv6rvyN2XWdOJOaKjlHYacAlMLf_ZQ8ekbjHMRxPvx4vU0jaxCLQUwWVE4w3p_ONyBuMCZRHIllsTTdvA_6gEadh2A9-yvCiyUQ2Pf5BkeWerY6zOwwWMD_/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-29%20at%2011.29.51%20AM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>On Tuesday, August 29th, OHIO YAB Ambassador Erik participated as a virtual panelist for an ODJFS "Let's Break to Educate" session. The focus was on how to support LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults in and from foster care.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Questions included:</b><br /><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>How does discrimination and bias impact LGBTQ youth and adults who are in child welfare, including foster and adoptive parents?</i></li><li><i>Considering your own experience, how can a support system help with resiliency when facing discrimination or bullying?</i></li><li><i>What does allyship look like?</i></li><li><i>Trans youth face additional microaggressions and discrimination, such as misgendering, deadnaming, all the way up to denial of appropriate medical care. With the current issues facing the trans community, how might we address these issues or support trans individuals? </i> </li></ul></div><div><div><b>During his time in foster care, </b>Erik spent a lot of time explaining to his foster parents:</div><div> </div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>• The gender and sexuality aren’t the same thing.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>• That gender is a spectrum/continuum.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>• That sexuality is a spectrum/continuum.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>• Helping them understand terms.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>• Letting them know which terms not to use.</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>He emphasizes the importance of foster parents being willing to learn in this area:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #cc0000;">"None of my foster parents understood right away, but I remember and still stay in touch with the ones who were willing to learn.”</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #cc0000;">"It feels so different when the person you are talking to or living with is trying to understand.”</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Foster parents, it might not be a big deal to you, but it’s a big deal to us. It reflects you caring about our life, who we are and what we have to deal with on a daily basis.”</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Please… Be willing to listen. Be willing to learn. See the young person as a resource.”</span></li></ul></div></div><div>The OHIO YAB has begun working on a <a href="https://fosteractionohio.org/lgbtqia-foster-youth/" target="_blank">resource pathfinder for LGBTQIA+ foster youth</a>. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602329133476919686.post-43021066705006668252023-07-21T06:14:00.007-07:002023-07-21T06:30:15.786-07:00OHIO YAB Evaluation of the (very first) Youth Ombudsman Report<p><b><a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/ohio-yab-evaluation-of-ombuds-report.pdf" target="_blank">The OHIO YAB Evaluation of the Youth Ombudsman Annual Report</a> </b>was submitted this morning, and is based on a series of youth focus groups, as well as outreach suggestions shared by youth during yesterday's statewide OHIO YAB meeting.</p><p><b>Section 5101.892 of the Ohio Revised Code </b>requires within 60 days of the release of the Youth Ombudsman Report, the OHIO YAB is required (and empowered) by law to provide an evaluation to both Governor DeWine and Youth Ombudsman Jenny Stotts.</p><p>Ohio foster care youth and alumni are deeply grateful that that the Youth Ombudsman Office was established. Their evaluation begins by thanking the Office, thanking the Governor, and thanking the agencies whose work has intersected with the Youth Ombudsman Office.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0l6BkyPv96kwNXRsIW5CrB96VqGTRucxgtehC3JhODfx8WKhlS37ZE1U6nYotf7uK9uZyrza-9pZpNLQfIs4nDDalREst2T2fw7q0W-EO_spQhRuiLcgie_yJNSxFb_NEq675NAb4JPdsdDeF4q3QsLdD0Z6ViDvXnFN94IAUa0F6eUCiNEPjjl1V9Ql4/s720/threefold%20thanks.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="720" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0l6BkyPv96kwNXRsIW5CrB96VqGTRucxgtehC3JhODfx8WKhlS37ZE1U6nYotf7uK9uZyrza-9pZpNLQfIs4nDDalREst2T2fw7q0W-EO_spQhRuiLcgie_yJNSxFb_NEq675NAb4JPdsdDeF4q3QsLdD0Z6ViDvXnFN94IAUa0F6eUCiNEPjjl1V9Ql4/s320/threefold%20thanks.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2023/07/yfo-annual-report-2022.pdf" target="_blank">As illustrated by the annual report,</a></b> this new Office is accomplishing amazing work. In the success stories listed on pages 36-38, a young adult was able to avoid homelessness, a teen was able to attain a driver’s permit, a youth whose rights had been violated was able to address those concerns, and so much more. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Many thanks to Youth Ombudsman Jenny Stotts and Assistant Youth Ombudsman Jeff Phillips for their tireless dedication. Thanks also to Kim Eckhart of the Children's Defense Fund-Ohio for her support when we were advocating for the establishment of this office. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8VrR17njsoTqYQ258ekNe1Yv_jB5JOpcD5hz_xeoGA7hi5vtyhBiKInn5OtaJvHoJH1vgoO1MwuxA4ehVtp4_RecsuAEd_8tDdbg8lKz84t1sRx2nU8vcREa-6Rsu7GyUlXnCS6o9HEd67ruoy0hzpATSfARdMzCXcmkcTMyWcud1AXX6EGyLxh37RpC/s1500/2023%20Youth%20Ombuds%20Eval.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8VrR17njsoTqYQ258ekNe1Yv_jB5JOpcD5hz_xeoGA7hi5vtyhBiKInn5OtaJvHoJH1vgoO1MwuxA4ehVtp4_RecsuAEd_8tDdbg8lKz84t1sRx2nU8vcREa-6Rsu7GyUlXnCS6o9HEd67ruoy0hzpATSfARdMzCXcmkcTMyWcud1AXX6EGyLxh37RpC/w640-h340/2023%20Youth%20Ombuds%20Eval.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Stotts, Kim Eckhart and Jeff Phillips</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0