Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio YAB

Congratulations, Alex McFarland

2012-02-01T10:52:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Alex McFarland for being selected to serve on the inaugural National Foster Youth and Alumni Policy Council, headed up by FosterClub and Foster Care Alumni of America.

Alex currently serves as Legislative Liaison of Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter and Vice President of the Ohio Youth Advisory Board.

The majority of council members are between the ages of 16 and 24 at the start of their service. Two seats are reserved specifically for older alumni.

Requirements for Eligibility:

Must have spent time in out-of-home care (may include foster care, residential treatment, kinship care, legal guardianship)
Demonstrate capacity to participate in a leadership position involving child welfare policy (for example, through participation on a Youth Advisory Board or Youth Council)
Be able to articulate ideas and solutions regarding youth issues and concerns
Have the ability to interact constructively with peers in a group setting

Alex's Qualifications:

Alexander McFarland has served as President of Ohio's statewide foster care youth advocacy board (Ohio YAB) for two years. He currently serves as Vice President.

When the Ohio YAB lost its funding and supportive staff, Alex immediately began advocating for alternative funds, and succeeded in attaining a grant for 25K that currently supports the continued existence of not only the statewide board, but county and regional foster youth advisory boards as well. Alex has traveled throughout the state of Ohio to help create and develop youth advisory boards..

Alex has served as the Legislative Liaison for the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America for three years. He participated in the 2008 FCAA Alumni Leadership Institute and the 2009 anniversary of Chafee funding. Alex was chosen by Ohio's First Lady to represent the needs of Ohio's foster care youth on Governor Strickland's 2010 Steering Committee to support Youth and Young Adults in Transition. In 2010, Alex was chosen as a FosterClub Outstanding Young Leader.

Alex is known throughout the state for his vision and determination. He testified before Ohio legislators to advocate for the restoration of the state Independent Living Allocation. He arranged for Ohio foster care youth, alumni and allies to visit 24 legislator’s offices on April 28, 2009, in order to promote Ready to Launch, a reminder to Ohio legislators of a front-end investment in transitional youth.

Alex recently met with the Ohio Attorney General on December 15, 2011 to encourage his office to partner with the Ohio Board of Regents in order to fund a full-time position to support Ohio Reach, a statewide initiative to increase the number of foster care youth who enroll in and graduate from college.

Upcoming Ohio YAB Events in 2012

2012-01-27T12:55:00.000-08:00

March

March 10, Fairfield County Youth Advisory Board Training

Supporting Fairfield County in creating a local youth advisory board

March 12, OCWTP Trainer Event

Crowne Plaza North, 6500 Doubletree Ave, Columbus OH 43229

From 9 am – 4:30 pm

Networking opportunity for emancipated foster care youth who wish to become involved in the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program, including the possibility of becoming certified child welfare trainers

March 16, Stark County Youth Advisory Board Training

306 Market Ave North, Canton OH 44702

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Supporting Stark County in continuing to develop their youth advisory board

April

April 19, Ohio Youth Advisory Board Quarterly Meeting

Viaquest, 525 Metro Place North,Suite #300, Dublin OH 43017

From 11 am – 2 pm

April 21, Lucas County Youth Advisory Board Training

705 Adams St., Toledo, OH 43604

Time TBA

Supporting Lucas County in creating a local youth advisory board

May

May 1-2, OACCA Advocacy Conference

Doubletree Hotel Columbus/Worthington,175 Hutchinson Ave., Columbus, OH 43235

Additional details forthcoming regarding time; lunch for youth will be provided

Youth speakers who have experienced private agency placement (treatment foster homes, group homes, residential centers)will be invited to share their voices, while keeping the name of the placement anonymous.

May 5, SAFY Conference Columbus

Stonybrook United Methodist Church, 485 Cherry Bottom Road, Gahanna, OH 43230

From 9 am – 5:00 pm

Workshops for foster parents and foster care youth

May 7, Fourth annual Ohio Reach Summit

Doubletree Hotel, 175 Hutchinson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, United States 43235

From 9 am – 5:00 pm

Workshop presentations will strive to pair a foster care teen/emancipated youth with a co-presenter to discuss topics related to increasing the number of foster care youth who enroll in and graduate from higher education.

May 8, NW PCSAO

Hancock Co. JFS, 7814 Co. Rd. 140, Findlay, OH 45839

From 9 am – 1 pm (Presentation from10:15-12:15) •

Supporting NW Ohio counties in creating local youth advisory boards, and sharing information with them about the Ohio Reach initiative

May 12, Franklin County CASA

Additional details forthcoming

Currently seeking youth panelists who reside in Franklin County

June

June 21-22, Purple Project Conference ~ Cleveland, OH

Student Center at Cleveland State University

2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115

Ohio YAB President Cieria Rodriguez-Toney will be assisting with this event

July

July 19, Ohio Youth Advisory Board Quarterly Meeting

Viaquest, 525 Metro Place North,Suite #300, Dublin OH 43017

From 11 am – 2 pm

July 23-25, CDF's National Conference

Underground Freedom Center, 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Time TBA

One or more workshop/panel presentations by the Ohio YAB

September

Sept., 3-7, Daniel Memorial NILA conference, including pre-conference youth activities

Hilton Atlanta, 255 Courtland Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30303

Time TBA

One or more workshop/panel presentations by Ohio YAB representatives
County boards are welcome to utilize their funding allocation so that their youth can participate in this event

October

Oct. 18, Ohio Youth Advisory Board Quarterly Meeting

Viaquest, 525 Metro Place North,Suite #300, Dublin OH 43017

From 11 am – 2 pm

Oct. 24-25, PCSAO conference

Doubletree Hotel Columbus/Worthington,175 Hutchinson Ave., Columbus, OH 43235

Time TBA

One or more workshop/panel presentations by the Ohio YAB

2012 and 2013 Ohio YAB Strategic Plan

2012-01-25T13:30:00.000-08:00

On January, 14, 2012, during the Ohio Youth Advisory Board Officers Retreat, generously hosted by the Dave Thomas Foundation, Ohio YAB officers crafted their two-year strategic plan:

2012 - 2013 Ohio YAB Strategic Plan

On January 19, 2012, during the first quarterly Ohio YAB statewide meeting, brainstorming sessions included youth/young adult representatives from Athens, Cuyahoga, Fairfield, Franklin, Greene, Lorain, Lucas, Mahoning, Montgomery, Portage, Summit and Vinton counties.

Their insights are documented in these Youth Proposed Action Steps related to each of the Strategic Plan categories:

Education
Workforce Development
Finance and Resource Management
Housing
Advocacy Opportunities
Youth Voice in Court
State and County Youth Advisory Board Development ~ coming soon...

Ohio YAB Officers Pictured in FosterClub's 2011 Yearbook

2011-12-29T15:55:00.000-08:00

Ohio YAB Media Spokesperson Dauntea Sledge is featured on the cover, and on pages 8, 11, 12, 21, 25 and 26 --- as you might remember, Dauntea was chosen as a 2011 FosterClub All-Star.

Ohio YAB President Cieria Rodriguez-Toney, chosen as 2011 FosterClub Outstanding Young Leader, appears on page 14 ♥

Here's the link: www.fosterclub.com/files/FosterClub_Yearbook2011.pdf

Summit County Leaders of Tomorrow at Ohio's Third Annual Adoption Advocacy Day

2011-11-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

Timeline of Youth Advisory Boards in Ohio

2011-11-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

Timeline regarding the establishment of foster care Youth Advisory Boards in Ohio:

2004: VISION in Montgomery County began Voicing Independent Solutions in Our Neighborhoods

2005: TAGyc was born, Cuyahoga County's Teen Advisory Group Youth Council

2006-2007: Establishment of the OHIO Youth Advisory Board (Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio)

January 11, 2008, Groundwork to establish a future Stark County YAB

January 25, 2008, Groundwork to establish a future Lorain County YAB

July 15, 2008, Official birth date of the Mahoning and Stark County Youth Advisory Boards

July 22, 2008, ACTION in Athens was born: "Athens County Together in Overcoming Negatives"

*Please note: We are still working to determine the exact dates that Franklin, Hamilton and Summit County YABs were established.

**Counties that are currently working to establish a local Youth Advisory Board within the next year include: Allen, Lucas, and Portage Counties.

***Counties that face challenges in establishing a county Youth Advisory Board but wish to partner with others to establish a Regional Board include Greene County (who formerly partnered with Montgomery County to participate in the SW Youth Advisory Board).

2011 Career and Entrepreneurship Event for Foster Care Youth and Alumni

2011-10-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, representatives from the Ohio Youth Advisory Board met with ODJFS Director Michael Colbert, and shared a vision with him...

This vision was for Ohio to hold a statewide event for current and former foster youth -- the primary purpose of which would be to connect young people with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

As with every other issue that we have brought to ODJFS Director Colbert's attention so far, he took our request seriously and followed up on it.

Yesterday, Ohio's very first Career and Entrepreneurship Event for Foster Care Youth and Alumni was held...

Meeting Space was made possible due to the ODJFS funding allocation for the Ohio Youth Advisory Board.

Continental Breakfast, Lunch and Beverages are provided courtesy of the Dave Thomas Foundation, Foster Care Alumni of America's Ohio chapter, New Beginnings Insurance Services, the Institute for Human Services, and Randi Lewis' generous donation to the support the Ohio Youth Advisory Board.

The event included a Resume Clinic, staffed by professionals, and Suits for Success, freely available to participating youth...

At the end of the day, our most valuable feedback came -- of course -- from the youth themselves...

Rhonda Sciortino's Keynote ~ Quotes from Youth Evaluations:

“It was wonderful. I am SO glad she was able to come. It gave me a lot of insight, not only into my situation, but how to live my life.”

“I liked that Rhonda encouraged us – we need more of that”

“It was nice to be able to meet someone that was a foster child in the past, and that has a wonderful life.”

“This session was really helpful and inspirational to me cause it gave a lot more hope for my future and it showed me that you can do whatever you want, if you have the passion for it and put your mind into it.”

“Mrs. Sciortino taught me that no matter what anyone says to try and put me down and say that I can’t do it, that I’m the ONLY ONE who can change my life and succeed in my life.”

"Was really interested in what Rhonda was saying – it gave me hope that I could become something in life. LOVED IT”

One young person just wrote, on the evaluation form regarding Rhonda's presentation: "Thank you."

Overall Event ~ Quotes from Youth Evaluations:

“Worth the trip, thoroughly enjoyed it”

“It was wonderful. I really enjoyed it. I hope we can do it again, soon.”

“I loved it. This conference ROCKS! I hope we have another”

“I thought that it was all very helpful! And I think that all the information I got today will help me down the line.”

“Anything they said was helpful, if you just apply it to your life. A quote that always went through my head: ‘How to you live when you’re ruled by your past? But how do you forget a past that made you?”

“I enjoyed it, and it will help me in the future.”

“The event was a success in terms of the people I connected with.”

“The whole event was very professional, and organized by the way that everything was set up and put together, and I believe everyone who decided to have this event for us are really caring people who really cares about the youth and where they end up, and who they become. Thank you very much for inviting me.”

“I have really enjoyed the whole entire time I’ve been here. I appreciate every single person who taught me things that I didn’t know were possible”

“I’m glad I came today, because I learned a lot of stuff that will help me with a successful future.”

“I am really glad that I got to come up to Columbus; I am leaving with lots of new facts than when I came. I really think that all students need to do what I did today.”

“I really enjoyed it, even though I had to get up really early. I liked it.”

“I really enjoyed myself and really changed my perspective on jobs, life and success. Loved it!!!”

Congratulations, 2012 Ohio Youth Advisory Board Officers

2011-10-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

After our Halloween-themed October quarterly meeting, the Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio (O.H.I.O) Youth Advisory Board would like to welcome and congratulate 2012 Statewide Officers:

President Cieria Rodriguez-Toney, Lorain County
Vice President Alexander McFarland, Montgomery County
Media Spokesperson Dauntea Sledge, Franklin County
Secretary Denae Haney, Athens County
Parliamentarian Autumn Kester, Portage County
Treasurer Terrell Howard, Cuyahoga County

ODJFS Director Michael Colbert: Champion of Ohio Foster Youth Transitioning Into Adulthood

2011-10-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

The Ohio Youth Advisory Board and Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America deeply appreciate the thoroughness with which ODJFS Director Michael Colbert has followed up on concerns expressed by Ohio foster care youth regarding challenges faced during the time when they transition into adulthood.

Please visit the following links to read:

Celebrating the Accomplishments of Ohio Youth

2011-07-24T15:07:00.000-07:00

July Youth Advisory Board Meeting

View more presentations from Lisa Dickson

Arlene Jones Testimony on HB 86 ~ Foster Youth Notification Provisions

2011-06-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

Sub. HB 86: Criminal Sentencing and Juvenile Justice Reform
Foster Youth Community Notification Provisions
Representatives Lou Blessing and Tracy Heard, Sponsors

Good evening Chairman Grendell, Vice-Chairman Obhof, Ranking Member Turner and members of the Senate Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee. I am Arlene Samuel Jones and I am caseworker at a Public Child Serving Agency, a wife, mother, caregiver, productive member of society and a foster care alumnus. Today I stand before you not as representative of my agency, but as a member of society, mother, caregiver and a foster care alumnus. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to hear my testimony.

I first want to express my deepest and sincere gratitude for the recent addition of $2 million in support of foster youth making the transition into adulthood. This is a very scary stage of foster care and your support at this point in a foster youth’s life deserves recognition. Thank you for your investment in the leaders of tomorrow today.

Today I stand before to express my opposition to the provision added to Sub. HB 86 entitled Foster Youth Community Notification Provision. This provision will require that information about youth who have been identified as “special needs” and placed into treatment homes be shared with members of the community. I am opposed to such notification on the grounds that it places these identified youth at further risk for harm, it promotes false assumptions and stigmatizes foster youth beyond the presumed notions that are already prevalent in our society, it is discriminatory and does not protect a youth’s right to confidentiality.

In Ohio, a school can preclude a student from attending their school based on certain information, which can include diagnoses that have been linked with behavioral issues. If we let this provision stay in this bill and provide school officials with the information that this provision is requiring to be released, school officials at certain schools will not accept a student based on this information, thereby placing foster youth at further risk as we all know that education is the key to success in life. If we as a foster youth cannot get this education from an institution that our caregiver believes is best for us, we are doing more harm than good. In addition to this, these identified special needs foster youth will automatically be targeted as the culprits of criminal activity that occurs within the neighborhood, which will also increase vulnerability as they will become scapegoats in the community and could potentially be the target of vigilante justice or some type of retribution. This directly contradicts what public child serving agencies are supposed to do; provide a safe home for youth who are placed in out of home care.

This provision also inadvertently promotes the false assumption that we as foster youth are “bad” kids. Per current statute, community notification is required for sexual offenders as they have committed acts against someone. When we are placed in the custody of a PCSA it is usually not a result of our own actions and should not be treated as if we have done something wrong, which also stigmatizes us. Compounding this false assumption and stigmatization is the inherent discrimination against foster youth. I have a son who would more than likely be identified as “special needs” child, yet there are no provisions stating that I must provide notification of my residence, my son’s name, age and other identifying information to people in our community. Best practices indicate that foster youth should be provided with as much normalcy as possible, and this provision does not promote the normal life that we as foster youth so desperately yearn for.

In fact, if some of the information that will be required to be released were sent out to community members on any other child, namely a child who is not in the care of PCSA, there would be parents and caregivers protesting the release of information that is supposed to be confidential, i.e. facts surrounding diagnosis, delinquency charges and related facts, age and other identifying information.

I have heard on several occasions that too often, Ohio is reactive in its legislative process instead of proactive. I heard this very statement at this Statehouse during a press conference celebrating the passage of the Marcus Fiesel Bill and just yesterday from a colleague of mine. We cannot penalize the foster youth of tomorrow and do so in the name of safety because someone who was in foster care did not fare so well. As a famous musician once said, “You can plan a pretty picnic, but you can’t predict the weather.”

In closing, I would like to again express my gratitude for your support of foster youth who are transitioning into adulthood. I respectfully request that the Foster Youth Community Notification Provisions be removed from Sub. HB 86. Thank you so much for listening to my testimony. I would be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have at this time.

Lamar GrahamTestimony on HB 86 ~ Foster Youth Notification Provisions

2011-06-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

Sub. HB 86: Criminal Sentencing and Juvenile Justice Reform
Foster Youth Community Notification Provisions
Representatives Lou Blessing and Tracy Heard, Sponsors

Chairman Grendell, Vice-Chairman Obhof, Ranking Member Turner, and members of the Senate Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee, thank you for the opportunity to offer testimony on HB 86.

Mr. Chairman my name is Lamar Graham and I’m an alumnus of Franklin County Children Services and Montgomery County Children Services. I spent 8 years of my life as ward of the court. First let me say that I am very appreciative for the opportunity to present before you today.

I am here to express concerns regarding a provision that has been added to House Bill 86, that would require notification when a foster child moves into the neighborhood.

I come to you today as a concerned ex-foster child, who knows all too well what it feels like not to have self-esteem. I entered foster care because I was abused and neglected by my mother – the person whom I loved the most.

Now, just imagine, not only being alienated from your mother, but also society. Imagine having the people around you, including your teachers and the local police force, look at you with the preconception that you were going to cause problems. That is too big a burden that no one should carry.

My desire is to give back to my community to allow other foster youth to know that they can overcome any obstacle that may come their way. I only hope now that you meet me half way. For what is worth, today I am a proud college graduate. I currently have an Associate’s Degree as well as a Bachelor’s of Science. My occupation is a teacher and college advisor.

My desire is to give back to my community to allow other foster youth to know that they can overcome any obstacle that may come their way. I only hope now that you are willing to meet me half way.

I hope that you can find compassion in your heart to overturn HB 86 not only for the foster youth who would be ostracized, but also for the community at large. Each one of us are a valuable part of the community and, if you allow HB 86 to pass, then you not only hurt directly the foster youth, but you also hurt yourself indirectly, by not allowing our contributions to society.

I urge you to remove provisions slipped into HB 86 that would require notification when a foster child moves into the neighborhood. Most foster children just want to find a place to call home.

Thank you for your time. I would be happy to answer any questions.

Alex McFarland Testimony on HB 86 ~ Foster Youth Notification Provisions

2011-06-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

Sub. HB 86: Criminal Sentencing and Juvenile Justice Reform
Foster Youth Community Notification Provisions
Representatives Lou Blessing and Tracy Heard, Sponsors

Chairman Grendell, Vice-Chairman Obhof, Ranking Member Turner, and members of the Senate Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee, thank you for the opportunity to offer testimony on HB 86.

My name is Alex McFarland I am a former foster child and current youth advocate. I represent the Ohio Youth Advisory Board, for which I served as President for two years.

I am here to express concerns and opposition to Foster Youth Community Notification Provisions that have been added to House Bill 86. Notices would be sent to school superintendents, the County sheriff and the Chief of Police, with the child’s name, age and address - as if the youth were an adult sexual offender or a hardened criminal.

My argument will focus on discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping. The stigma of being in foster care is hard enough for young people to overcome. I once had told a friend that I was in the system; her response was,” What did you do wrong?” This idea that we the kids have done something wrong is one of the main reasons it took me a while to tell anyone about my past. Not only that but how do you explain to someone that your family doesn’t love you?

As a child I was thrown around, and told daily that I was worthless. This had a negative impact on my self esteem. I had low expectations of myself, because in my eyes, I was worthless.

Today, I am a college student, entering into my junior year at the Miami University Oxford. I am a manager at a pet store; a job that I have held for the past three years. I have served in leadership roles on a local and statewide level to advocate for current and former foster youth. The list could go on with the things I have accomplished. I am not worthless, and people value me.

As foster youth, we cannot change our parents or how we were raised - we can only change our future. This provision denies us once again the ability to live a normal life, something we want more than anything, to just feel okay.

What is the intent behind this provision? What is it intended to accomplish? By notify the Chief of Police and County Sheriff where foster youth live, this implies that if anything goes wrong in that neighborhood, it is probably a foster care youth. Similarly, contacting the superintendent sends the message that, “This child will not perform well at your school. This child will cause problems at your school.”

This provision is a form of prejudice that denies foster care youth the ability to live a normal life, something we want more than anything else, to just feel okay. We are not criminals; we are survivors in a world arranged for us to fail. This provision will only create one more barrier for us in our efforts to succeed. This provision is bad policy for Ohio and is bad policy for change.

Therefore I urge the Senate Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee to remove the provision form HB 86 that will require notification when a foster youth moves into a neighborhood. Thank you for your time, and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Coalition of Opposition to HB 86 Foster Child Community Notification Provisions

2011-06-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

To: Chairman Tim Grendell, Senate Judiciary Committee - Criminal Justice
Senator Larry Obhof, Vice Chair Senator Nina Turner, Ranking Minority Member
Senator Frank LaRose Senator Eric Kearney
Senator Peggy Lehner Senator Joe Schiavoni
Senator Scott Oelslager
Senator Mark Wagoner

RE: Opposition to HB 86 Foster Child Community Notification Provisions

We strongly urge members of the Senate Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee and all members of the Senate to remove provisions slipped into HB 86 that mix Sex Offender Registration and Notification policy with the placement of abused and neglected children into treatment and therapeutic foster homes. The amendment language, added into the substitute bill can be found in Sections 2151.55 THROUGH 2151.555.

Currently, about half of all foster children are placed in some level of therapeutic care due to their history of being abused or neglected. The notification requirements added to HB 86 target many children who pose no community safety threat and will have the unintended effect of stigmatizing and further traumatizing children for being foster children and needing specific treatment to address multiple and sometimes severe psychiatric, emotional and behavioral management issues.

The notification provisions cross the line and will not increase community safety, but rather add to the vulnerability of the children our state is obligated to protect from additional trauma and abuse. We are talking about children who, at no fault of their own, have been removed from their homes and traumatized by abuse and neglect.

We oppose this amendment as it would violate privacy and penalize children and families, with no improvement of public safety. These community notification requirements perpetuate the myth that people with mental illnesses or emotional disorders are violent. These provisions promote the criminalization of individuals with mental illness. Furthermore, these notification provisions contribute to the challenge of finding, preparing and supporting the foster homes that are desperately needed to care for Ohio’s abused and neglected children.

As a coalition, we strongly request you delete this language.

Sincerely,

OHIO YAB (Overcoming Hurdles In Ohio Youth Advisory Board), Cieria Rodriguez-Toney, President
Adopt America Network (based in Lucas County), Wendy Sproerl, President
Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio, Renuka Mayadev, Director
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Rita L. Soronen, President and CEO
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio, Terry Russell, Executive Director
National Center for Adoption and Law Policy, Capital University Law School, Denise St. Claire, Director
Ohio Adoption Planning Group (OAPG), Kathy Franz of NOAS, Chair
Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies, Penny Wyman, Executive Director
Ohio CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Jackie Wilson, Executive Director
Ohio Foster Care Association (OFCA), Betsy Johnson, Board President
Ohio Grandparent Kinship Coalition, Dionne Simmons, Wright State University & Jamie Richardson, Lucas Co
Area Agency on Aging, OGKC Co-Presidents
Ohio Independent Living Association (OHILA), Darlene Skinner of Daybreak, President
Public Children Services Association of Ohio, Crystal Ward Allen, Executive Director
The Ohio Council, Hubert Wirtz, CEO
Voices for Ohio’s Children, Amy Swanson, Executive Director
Bellefaire Jewish Children’s Bureau, Debbie Cowan, Director
Catholic Charities / Parmadale, Maureen E. Dee, Director
Daybreak, Linda Kramer, CEO
Maryhaven, Paul H. Coleman, President and CEO
Northeast Ohio Adoption Services (NOAS), Cindy Deal, Executive Director
Pathway Caring for Children, Eric Belden, Executive Director
The Village Network, Jim Miller, Executive Director

Ohio YAB Opposition to Provision Added to House Bill

2011-06-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 20, 2011

To the Ohio Senate Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee,

We are writing to express concerns regarding Foster Youth Community Notification Provisions that have been added to House Bill 86.

The Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board (OHIO YAB) is a statewide organization of young people (ages 14-24) who have experienced foster care. We exist to be the knowledgeable statewide voice that influences policies and practices that effect all youth who have or will experience out of home care. Our members and our officers represent every region in Ohio.

We strongly oppose this provision, which requires community notification when an exceptional needs foster youth moves into the neighborhood. Notifications would be sent to school superintendents, the County sheriff and the Chief of Police – as if the youth were an adult sexual offender or a hardened criminal.

One of the primary concerns of Ohio foster youth is normalcy. We believe that this provision is stigmatizing and discriminatory. Community notices would include the child’s name, age and address. It would state that the home is a treatment foster home.

Ohio foster care youth have value and potential. We cannot help where we came from, but we can help where we are going. This provision will violate our privacy and label us as a risk to the community.

Many of the strongest youth voices in Ohio would once have been considered in the “exceptional needs” category. Where are we today? Serving our country through military service. Enrolled in the police academy. Studying for a future law degree. Serving as teachers and librarians. Recently licensed as a social worker.

As one of our members stated, “I did not choose to be born to an addicted parent. I did not choose to be abused. I did not choose to be removed from my home. But I can and I will choose to grow up to be a productive citizen.”

If this provision is not removed, Ohio foster youth will be stigmatized, their potential will be overshadowed by childhood abuse or neglect, and their right to confidentiality will be ignored. Their past will dictate their futures because people will judge them without the facts and without getting to know the youth first. There will be no benefit to the community, in spite of the harm done to young people.

We urge you to remove provisions slipped into HB 86 that would require notification when a foster child moves into the neighborhood.

Sincerely,

Cieria Rodriguez-Toney, President, Lorain County
Rich Haag, Vice-President, Stark County
Traci Justice, Treasurer, Athens County
Chelsie Akers, Secretary, Miami County
Dauntea Sledge, Media Spokesperson, Franklin County
Roneishia Finney, Parliamentarian, Montgomery County

Adrian McLemore in Associated Press article

2011-06-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

This Father's Day, an article about our very own Adrian McLemore, first President and founding member of the "Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio" statewide youth advisory board, and current Media Spokesperson of Foster Care Alumni of America's Ohio chapter, is being shared throughout the country.

Authored by Associated Press journalist Helen O'Neill, this article focuses on Adrian's role as uncle/kinship caregiver for his niece and nephew.

Radio interview with ODJFS Director Michael Colbert and Adrian McLemore

2011-06-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

ODJFS Director Michael Colbert and Adrian McLemore were recently interviewed by Mary Kuhlman of Public News Service, Ohio.

Key quotes:

ODJFS Director Colbert points out that today's foster teens are Ohio's future citizens and leaders, and that by supporting them now, they won't need other types of support in the future.

"What you don't want is young people to leave our system and come back, right back in another system. You want them to leave our system and go on to become productive citizens in life."

The director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Michael Colbert, has met with many of Ohio's foster youth, and says he is impressed with their resilience. He adds that it's crucial to prioritize support for their future success.

"These are very good young people. They've had some tough times and, by giving them a small bridge to help them better themselves in life, we are making Ohio as a whole better, and this goes a long way for such a little investment."

Appreciation of ODJFS Director Michael Colbert

2011-06-07T15:42:00.001-07:00

ODJFS Director Michael Colbert,

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America would like to thank ODJFS for advocating for the $2 million/year designation of TANF funds in HB 153 to support the restoration of the foster care Independent Living Initiative. We offer our thanks on behalf of the Ohio Youth Advisory Board as well.

Please let us know if there is any work that we can do to support your efforts. We are more than willing to advocate for funding.

Ohio foster care youth and alumni were deeply involved in advocating for this allocation in 2009:

Adrian McLemore reminded the Ohio Senate that we foster care youth look to the government to be our parent.

Sarah Callihan explained in detail how independent living funds had helped her to successfully transition from foster care to adulthood.

Lisa Dickson quoted national research indicating that “Every $1 invested in continued foster care supports and services results in a return of $2.40."

Foster care youth visited 24 legislators offices to remind them of the wisdom of investing in transitional youth who are “Ready to Launch” into adulthood.

Testimony by Ohio foster care youth was quoted in the 2009 Hannah Reports:

Public testimony before Human Services Subcommittee

Public testimony before the Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee

Please keep us posted and let us know if there is anything we can do to support your work,

Once again, thank you – the words themselves seem insufficient in comparison with our gratitude.

Sincerely,

Lisa Dickson
Communications Chair
Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter
www.fcaa-oh.org

2011 Wendy's Wonderful Kids Summit ~ Youth Panel

2011-05-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Wendy's Wonderful Kids Summit took place at the Hilton at Easton.

Attendees included adoption recruiters and their supervisors from all 50 states and Canada - 250 adoption professionals who work to find families for children in United States foster care. Many work with older youth.

Lisa Dickson, of the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America, moderated a 3-panel youth panel presentation, made up of members of the Montgomery County VISION Board and the Ohio Youth Advisory board.

Panel members Tyniesha ("Tiny") Lanos, Brianna Christian and Adrian McLemore did a wonderful job!

2011 life changing power of adoption

View more presentations from Lisa Dickson

Summit County Youth Panel

2011-05-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

On May 12, representatives from the Summit County Youth Advisory Board, "Leaders of Tomorrow" participated in a three-hour youth panel about the "Aspects of Positive Foster Care Placement" during the 2011 NEORTC Foster Parent conference.

Resources for Ohio youth "aging out" of foster care

2011-05-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

Employment

Foster care youth are 100% eligible for WIA funds.
Contact your local WIA Board.

Food

Go with the young person to apply for food stamps, or accompany him or her to the nearest Food Bank.
Here's a list of Food Banks in Ohio.

GED

Job Corps is a great way to complete a high school education, and even provides housing!
Ohio has three Jobs Corps Centers.

Healthcare

Foster care youth who "age out" of the system can receive Medicaid until age 21.
Navigating the adult Medicaid system can be challenging.
Don't assume that the staff at the Medicaid office will be aware of this program -- bring a copy of the flyer.

Higher Ed

Ohio Reach is a statewide initiative to increase the number of foster care youth who enroll in and graduate from college.
A good place to start in choosing a college is to look over the list of Ohio Reach Campus Liaisons.

Housing

The Family Unification Program provides housing vouchers for which foster care alumni are eligible.
Find out if your county has applied for FUPS - and how to make this happen.

Legal Assistance

Are you a current or former foster youth between ages 16-25?

Do you need help with:

Understanding legal papers?
Getting healthcare, public benefits, housing or insurance?
Applying to college? Deleting criminal records?
Finding your social security card, birth certificate, or other personal documents?
Speaking up for yourself in court, at school or in the community?

Contact the Foster Youth Advocacy Center: (614) 236-6768, fyac@law.capital.edu

Literacy

Have you contacted your local library and/or Literacy Council?
The Ohio Literacy Network offers a free online membership.

Mental Health

Each Ohio county has a Mental Health Board, and it's up to us to advocate for specific services for transitioning foster care youth.
It's important to be aware that former foster youth suffer from PTSD at a rate twice that of Vietnam war veterans.

Parenting

The Ohio Parent Information Network provides free information and support, and the State Library of Ohio has compiled this list of additional resources.
Foster Care Alumni of America recently published a book, FLUX, which includes a chapter on parenting after foster care.

Phone Bills

Lifeline, Link Up, and Toll Limitation Service (TLS) help keep Americans connected by making basic, local telephone service more affordable for more than 7 million Americans.

Self Advocacy

Mission Transition is a free online resource.
Another free online source is the Foster Youth Rights Handbook created by the Ohio YAB.

Social Security

Emancipating foster care youth with disabilities can submit SSI applications up to 90 days before federal foster care payments are supposed to end.
Remind the staff member that this is an exception to the general rule regarding this process.

Cieria Rodriguez-Toney, 2011 FosterClub Outstanding Young Leader

2011-04-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Cieria Rodriguez-Toney for being chosen by FosterClub

to be recognized as a 2011 Outstanding Young Leader.

Prior to being elected as the Ohio YAB's first female President, Cieria served as Vice President for two years.

Cieria has participated in youth panels for several organizations, including Capital Law School's National Center for Adoption Law and Policy and the 2011 Northeast Ohio Independent Living Summit. She was invited by the Ohio Supreme Court to present during a 2010 Judicial Teleconference on Youth Voice in Court.

Throughout the state, Cieria continues to support the efforts of county youth advisory boards, including:

Co-presenting a workshop for Lorain County foster youth on how to build and maintain foster care youth/alumni communities
Co-presenting a workshop for Stark County youth on navigating relationships with biological parents

During her time in foster care, Cieria felt disconnected from her Hispanic heritage. As a young adult, Cieria is currently advocating for opportunities for Ohio foster care youth to reconnect with their culture during their time in foster care. Particularly, she would like to see the Columbus International Festival offer a youth track, at cost to the public but free of charge to foster youth.

Because of her passion to make a difference, Cieria recently helped facilitate the 2011 Hispanic Leadership Conference.

Cieria is an articulate advocate, skilled at diplomacy and very reliable. She exemplifies the type of vision and determination that young people need to succeed. And... she is also a wonderful mother:

2011 FosterClub AllStar Dauntea Sledge

2011-04-25T10:29:00.001-07:00

Dauntea Sledge is a former Franklin County foster youth who currently serves as President of the Franklin County Youth Advisory Board, and Media Spokesperson of the Ohio Youth Advisory Board. He is an active member of the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America.

Dauntea's volunteer experience includes the following:

Bridges Out of Poverty Steering Committee
Youth Violence Prevention Board
Franklin County Citizen Corps Counsel
Salesian Boys and Girls Club
Americorps VISTA

After attending the Bridges Out of Poverty and Getting Ahead programs as a participant, Dauntea now assists facilitators in leading workshops that support the Bridges Out of Poverty Initiative.

During his time with the Salesians Boys and Girls Club, Dauntea was the runner-up for "Youth of the Year" and received the "Turned Around Teen of the Year" award.

Dauntea spent a year volunteering for Americorps Vista, working for Community Properties of Ohio, working with people in poverty and broken homes.

Recent activities that Dauntea has been involved in include:

Participating in an FCAA/FosterClub Focus Group to investigate launching an Americorps pilot targeted specifically for foster care youth
Presenting as part of a Youth Panel during the 2010 Ohio CASA Conference
Co-presenting workshops for youth during the 2010 Northeast Ohio Independent Living Summit
Sharing the importance of "Youth Voice In Court" during a 2010 Judicial Teleconference hosted by the Ohio Supreme Court

After presenting during the 2010 Judicial Teleconference on Youth Voice in Court, Dauntea was asked to write an article for Common Ground, a publication of the Ohio Supreme Court that goes out to each of Ohio's 88 judicial districts. The decision was made that, from now on, there will be a Youth Corner in the Common Ground Publication.

During his time in foster care, Dauntea was able to stay in touch with his younger brother Antonio, in order to support and encourage him, and make sure he is aware of resources to assist in navigating both foster care and young adulthood.

Dauntea and Antonio currently volunteer to co-facilitate monthly activities for Village Network Columbus in order to help to prepare foster youth for adulthood, and encourage them to support one another as peers.

Additional investments that Dauntea makes with his time include:

Supporting the goals of National Center for Adoption Law and Policy to starting a free legal clinic for current and former foster youth
Supporting ODJFS in improving the quality of caseworker visits
Supporting Ohio CASA in their desire to include the voices of current and former foster youth on Citizen Review Panels.
Being a wonderful father to his two children:

VISION in Dayton leads to campus housing

2011-02-27T07:46:00.000-08:00

Kudos to the VISION Youth Advisory Board for their advocacy efforts to provide campus housing during breaks for former foster youth attending Wright State University!!

Quote from Adrian McLemore, posted on Wright State's website

and featured in Sunday Dayton Daily News today:

"When I aged out of the foster system, I moved straight to Wright State. Being a former foster child, I had nowhere to go during breaks. See, we're not allowed to go back to where we were. Dan Bertsos and others at Wright State helped me to be sure I always had someplace to stay. They saw things in me that I couldn't see. I've learned a lot about myself and have become a leader, helping other foster kids find their way to college and to break the cycle of foster care."

—Adrian McLemore, Political Science major

Ohio YAB Event Calendar ~ Spring 2011

2011-02-20T07:14:00.000-08:00

January

January 15, Ohio YAB Officer's Retreat
January 20, Quarterly Ohio YAB Meeting in Columbus
January 29, Stark County workshop on "Navigating Relationships With Bio Families"

February

February 11, OFC opportunity for youth voice on Ohio rules & regulations
February 13, Franklin County Youth Panel
February 15, Deadline to submit FosterClub AllStar Application/Recommendation
February 26, Summit County Youth Advisory Board Training

March

March 8, SACWIS meeting
March 11, CO-OP Conference for Foster Parents

April

April 16, Hispanic Leadership Conference in Lorain
April 21, Quarterly Ohio YAB meeting in Columbus

May

May 12, Youth Panel in Summit County
May 19, Wendy's Wonderful Kids Summit

June

June 24-25, Purple Project Conference in Cleveland

2011 Ohio YAB Officers Retreat

2011-01-21T08:08:00.001-08:00

The 2011 Ohio YAB Officers Retreat took place on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

9:00 am – 10:00 am, Review Ohio YAB Strategic Plan (Adrian McLemore)
10:00 am – 10:30 am, Oath of Office for Ohio YAB Officers (Adrian McLemore)
10:30 am – 11:00 am, ODJFS Funding for YABs: Logistics (Doris Edelmann)
11:00 am – 11:30 am, Business Cards for Officers (Cieria Rodriguez-Toney)
11:30 am – 12:00 pm, YAB Officer Training and Development (Lisa Dickson)

BREAK for LUNCH

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Polls, focus groups, CRB, OH Bulletin (Lisa Dickson)
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Ohio’s $8 billion deficit and advocacy (Doris Edelman)
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm, Regional outreach, YAB promotion (Adrian McLemore)
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm, Media Outreach, Technology (Alex McFarland)

Presidential Address

2011-01-12T15:53:00.000-08:00

Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board

We exist to be the knowledgeable statewide voice that influences policies and practices
that affect all youth who have or will experience out of home care.

I’d like to start out by saying how excited, as well as honored I am to serve as your President of the Ohio Youth Advisory Board.

I want to remind each of you that we are a board of people who are concerned and motivated to serve you and those brothers and sisters of ours that are still in care or aged out and for the future youth to come.

With that being said, I cannot stress enough that we are just the face of this board, and that you and the others we speak out for are the strong heartbeat that truly matters to us and keeps us going.

As President, I personally vow to stay as knowledgeable as possible for the advancement of foster care into a better tomorrow. I will advocate for all needs no matter how small or large the obstacle may seem.

With a new year and new administration ahead, I would also like to take this time to invite ideas from every youth member of the board, as well as adult supporters.

I’d like to thank each adult supporter in advance for supporting the needs of your youth, as well as the vision of Ohio Youth Advisory Board, and look forward to working with you and appreciating your individual areas of expertise.

Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or thoughts you may have. I would like to reiterate that I look forward to leading as your president during this New Year ahead.

~ President Cieria Rodriguez-Toney

Spotlight on Ohio Youth: Danny Taylor

2011-01-08T16:38:00.003-08:00

Danny Taylor has a long history of involvement in foster care advocacy, including his involvement in Cuyahoga County’s Teen Advisory Group (TAGyc) and Ohio’s statewide foster care youth advisory board (Ohio YAB).

Danny's strongest skills are creativity and communication. Danny could walk into a room of strangers, and make every person in that room feel at ease. He has the ability to connect with and communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds.

During the time that Danny served as Media Spokesperson for Ohio’s statewide youth advisory board, he was asked to figure out a way to share his communications skills with other youth. Danny responded by creating this diagram:

Danny’s diagram, the Taylor Model, has been shared on a statewide level, and proved to be helpful in facilitating positive communication between youth and social workers, youth and foster parents, and during roundtable meetings discussing permanency/independent living.

As Danny explains it, “When I come to the table, I don’t expect to do all the talking. I’m willing to listen, too. And I will respect the role and responsibilities that you have. But I’d like to have at least one-third of the say at the table – because your decisions directly impact my life and my future.”

Similarly, during Ohio’s NE Thanksgiving dinner for teens in foster care and emancipated youth, Danny shared a poem he had written about what holidays are like for youth after emancipating from foster care. His words resonated with attendees:

Chew on this... you look left and right and see empty chairs
You talk about fun times over the year but silence only fills the air
You slouch down in your chair and no one scolds you and makes you sit up
A plate hits the floor and no one tell you to get up

I know. Hard to imagine, yet crazy as it seems
This is reality for some, at times even myself
To lie to myself and say all I need is me
No dinner on the table... just another day I'm thankful for being able to see more misery

Grateful for feeling unwanted and not feeling a part of the family
Knowing and having it shoved in my face like the dressing
Stuffed like a turkey of thoughts so depressing
It shouldn't be like this!

Why is it like this?
Why can't I connect with you? Why can't you connect with me? Why is it like this?
How come my yams aren't so sweet?

In addition to capturing the struggle of holidays spent without a forever family, Danny’s poem also spoke of humor, hope, and resilience:

Who said anything about misery?
I'm all smiles and giggles, come look at me
Looky! Looky! I got collard greens
And never had zucchini bread until I had some from the wonderful lady
Every time I take a bite, I savor the flavor and think how much better it tastes around everyone….

These stanzas capture the heart of Danny’s upbeat personality. Throughout every challenge I have seen him face as an emancipated foster youth, including having his wisdom teeth come in when he lacked medical insurance, Danny has displayed perseverance and a positive attitude. I am proud to know him, and to be able to stand side-by-side in our efforts towards foster care advocacy and building up the community of current and former foster youth here in Ohio.

Winter 2010 Ohio YAB Update

2010-12-29T08:28:00.000-08:00

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America is privileged to serve, side-by-side with Doris Edelmann of Montgomery County Children Services, as primary adult facilitator of the Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio statewide foster care youth advisory board.

Recent Ohio YAB Events

July 28, Foster Care Panel for Capital Law School
Aug. 4, Adoptee Panel for Capital Law School
Aug 31, Lorain County YAB Training
Sept. 10, Workshop for NILA Conference
Sept. 24, Judicial Teleconference on Youth Voice in Court
Oct. 2, 2010 CASA Conference Youth Panel
Dec. 6, Disproportionality Symposium

2011 Ohio YAB Officers
President Cieria Rodriguez-Toney, Lorain
Media Spokesperson Dauntea Sledge, Franklin
Treasurer Traci Justice, Athens
Secretary Cheslie Akers, Miami
Parliamentarian Roneshia Finney, Montgomery
*Elections for Vice President will be held in January.

2011 Ohio YAB Meeting Dates
Jan. 20 at Lifeway for Youth, 3800 Lacon Drive
April 21 at ODJFS Air Center, 4020 E. Fifth Ave.
July 21, location TBA
Oct. 20, at ODJFS Air Center, 4020 E. Fifth Ave.

Ohio YAB Officers Retreat
Many thanks to the Dave Thomas Foundation for sponsoring the 2011 Ohio YAB Officers Retreat and the cost of food and beverages for youth during Ohio YAB Quarterly Meetings.

Spotlight on Ohio Youth: Antonio Frierson

2010-12-29T08:14:00.001-08:00

From the time that I have met Antonio (“Tone”) Frierson, I have found him to be steadfast, reliable and sincere. Tone is dedicated to the people he loves and the causes to which he has dedicated his heart. His deepest desire is to increase the amount of resources available for the Ohio’s 1,300 youth who “age out” of foster care each year.

I first met Antonio in 2008, at a teen event in Cleveland for teens in foster care. He and his fellow members of TAGyc, Cuyahoga County Children Services teen advisory group/youth council, were presenting an Orientation to Emancipation. One of the first things I noticed was the passion, energy and creativity of the activities, and Tone’s infectious sense of humor.

Our paths continued to cross during Teen Fairs for foster youth, annual FCAA Ohio Thanksgiving dinners for young people in and from foster care, and statewide Independent Living Summits. I watched Tone reaching out to younger foster care youth, and encouraging them to make good choices. I witnessed him advocating for better resources for young people transitioning from foster care to adulthood, particularly regarding housing.

As I grew to know Antonio better, I saw glimpses of his serious side. I heard him speak from the heart at events for foster youth. I saw his desire to constantly grow and learn new things. I witnessed his heartfelt appreciation and acknowledgement of every person who built into his life, including and especially Cuyahoga County caseworker, Seanine Cook.

This fall, as I listened to Antonio participate on a radio interview by Public News Service, I continued to be impressed by his positive attitude and vision for the future. Having benefitted from Seanine Cook’s role as a mentor in his life, Tone now wants to be a role model to foster youth, and to increase the circle of support available in each youth’s life.

I believe that Tone has the capacity to ignite a spark of passion and energy in every person he touches.

(But I'm still not sure why Tone looks like he is in heaven in this picture :)

Arlene Jones Graduates from Wright State University

2010-11-24T06:40:00.000-08:00

Arlene Jones with her husband Shawn Sr. and three sons, Manny, Shawn Jr. and Nicholas

Arlene Samuel Jones:

served as Media Spokesperson during the first year of the Ohio YAB's existence
served as PCSAO Foster Youth Adviser for the Ohio YAB for two years
is a great mom, and an all-around lovable person!!
graduated from Wright State University with her Sociology degree on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010.

Congratulations, Arlene!!!

Laquita Howell participates in 50 States in 50 Days

2010-11-22T17:06:00.000-08:00

The Ohio stop on Kevin Montgomery's 50 States in 50 Days tour, benefitting the Orange Duffel Bag Foundation to support teens aging out of foster care and homeless teens, featured Laquita Howell of Hamilton County:

2010 NE Ohio Independent Living Summit

2010-11-02T08:45:00.001-07:00

The 2010 Northeast Ohio Independent Living Summit, sponsored by Stark County Children Services, took place on Friday, October 29, 2010, from 9:00 am-4:00 pm at First Christian Church, 6900 Market Avenue North, Canton, OH, 44721.

This event was dedicated to “Supporting Success for Youth Transitioning From Foster Care.”

Supporting Organizations included: Stark County Children Services, OACCA, Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter, Adoption Network Cleveland, Community Care Network, Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services, Family and Community Services of Portage County, Institute for Human Services, Lorain County Children Services, Lowery Training Associates, Lucas County Children Services, Mahoning County Children Services, Montgomery County Department of Job and Familiy Services, Pressley Ridge, Starr Commonwealth, and Voices for Ohio’s Children.

Outcome of Ohio YAB Officer Elections

2010-10-23T06:12:00.000-07:00

Madame President

Congratulations to 2011 Ohio YAB Officers:

President Cieria Rodriguez-Toney, Lorain County
Vice President*
Media Spokesperson Dauntea Sledge, Franklin County
Treasurer Traci Justice, Athens County
Secretary Cheslie Akers, Miami County
Parliamentarian Roneshia Finney, Montgomery County

*Vacant: Elections for this position will be held in January.

Seanine Cook, Cuyahoga County Youth Advisory Board: TAGyc

2010-10-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

Seanine Cook, an Independent Living caseworker with Cuyahoga County Child and Family Services, was recently awarded 2010 Ohio Child Protection Worker of the Year by the Public Children Services Association of Ohio.

Seanine Cook was also recently awarded the Channel 3 News Today Gold Star:

Social worker goes beyond the call of duty to help a foster kid, WKC.com, October 13, 2010

Along with two Cuyahoga County foster care alumni, Tone Frierson and Romero Smith, Seanine recently participated in the following radio interview:

Kuhlman, Mary. Entering Adulthood a Lonely Road for Hundreds of Ohio Youth. Public News Service: Ohio, October 11, 2010.

2010 CASA Conference

2010-10-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

General Session: Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board Panel Discussion
The Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board, created in 2006 by youth for youth, advocates for youth who have experienced out-of-home care.

The Ohio YAB’s recommendations include:

Considerations for the courts and CASA/GALs
Developing independent living skills, addressing mental health issues of youth in foster care
Communication issues between caseworkers, foster parents and parents
Sibling concerns
Maintaining normalcy while in foster care

This panel of exceptional young adults spoke to the issues that are the greatest concern for youth in foster care, sharing their experiences, strength and hope for the future.

2010 Judicial Teleconference on Youth Voice in Court

2010-09-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

Agenda:

Introduction of Topic and Panel Members
Magistrate shared the history of youth involvement in court and how this plays out in practice
Youth Panel
Questions from the audience

Youth Panel Questions

Please tell us a little bit about your experience in foster care…
Were you able to attend one/more court hearings? If so was it helpful? Were you prepared ahead of time?
If not, what was it like not knowing what goes on in court? What information about your case did you want the judge/magistrate to know?
How is hearing from youth in person different from hearing from their CASA or caseworker?
What would you tell a judge or magistrate that was on the fence about including youth in hearings?

Additional Questions:

a.) Are all hearings equal, or are some hearings more important than others? (i.e. placement decision/change in case/general review with no change)

b.) Should they make exceptions based upon:

The child’s age?
What a young person wants?
If they think the child/teen isn’t emotionally ready?
If the logistics are inconvenient? (long drive for adult/long wait for child)
Whether or not the court is kid-friendly? (or teen-friendly)

Superintendent Delisle quotes Alex McFarland

2010-09-23T07:23:00.001-07:00

The Office for Exceptional Children held their annual Special Education Leadership Conference yesterday afternoon and Superintendent Deborah Delisle provided the keynote address.

In her closing, she mentioned that she had come from a meeting with the OFCF Cabinet Council, where she heard from an amazing youth who had previously been in foster care. She proceeded to share Alex McFarland’s story as an example of the difference that one teacher can make in the life of a child, especially one that others may have overlooked or given up on.

Kara Waldron of the Office for Exceptional Children relates:

"Alex’s story was truly an inspiration to our crowd of more than 1,700. We are grateful for the work that he continues to do on behalf of Ohio’s youth. Without Alex McFarland, Adrian McLemore, and their counterparts, we might forget the meaning behind our efforts."

Future of Youth Advisory Boards for Foster Youth in Ohio

2010-07-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

Future of Ohio Youth Advisory Boards

View more presentations from Lisa Dickson.

INVESTING IN COUNTY and STATE YABS

• YAB funding from ODJFS
• Upcoming Ohio/County Youth Advisory Board Membership Drive
• Lunchtime with Lisa: Resource for YAB Adult Supporters
• NEW website: http://fostercareyouthleadership.wikispaces.com to support the preparation and retention of future Ohio YAB officers

CELEBRATING OHIO YOUTH ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• 2010 Ohio Foster Club All-Star: Jeremie Austin-Brown, Stark County
• 2010 Foster Club Outstanding Young Leaders: Rico Rushin and Alex McFarland
• 2010 Ohio Reach Summit: Laquita Howell, Hamilton County
• Dayton Daily News: Uncle takes on role of dad to keep family together

Now, more than ever, with tight budgets and limited resources, Ohio's emancipating foster care youth NEED support, empowerment and preparation!

Upcoming Opportunities for Youth Involvement

2010-07-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

YOUTH PANEL

• July 28, Foster care panel for Capital Law School ICWI in Columbus
• Aug. 4, Adoptee panel for Capital Law School ICWI in Columbus

FALL CONFERENCES

• Aug. 11, Southwest Independent Living Summit in Cincinnati
• Sept. 24, Judicial College video teleconference in Columbus
• Oct. 2, Youth Panel at Ohio CASA conference in Columbus
• Oct. 29, Northeast Independent Living Summit in Canton

FUTURE STATE ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES

• Ready to Launch: Ohio Gubernatorial Campaigns
• State budget: Promote use of WIA and ODE funds for transitional foster youth
• OACCA compilation of potential ODJFS budget areas that might be at-risk
• OCOG funds (Demos/Policy Matters Ohio)

OHIO BUDGET PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT COMMISSION

• This budget committee is tasked with understanding the magnitude of the budget deficit and to discuss general strategies.
• Some of the committee members will be on the House and Senate budget committee in 2011.
• It’s important that committee members are informed about the importance of funding for foster youth.
• Foster care youth and alumni will need to arrange meetings with individual committee members.

Happy Father's Day, Adrian!

2010-06-20T06:38:00.000-07:00

Uncle takes on role of dad to keep family together
Wynn, Kelli. Dayton Daily News, June 19, 2010.

Adrian McLemore with his niece and nephew Arayiah McLemore, 3 and Tyiaun Jones, 1, play guitar and sing to Tina Turner in their home in Trotwood. McLemore grew up in Montgomery County’s foster care system. In order to prevent his niece and nephew from becoming wards of the county due to a family crisis, McLemore took custody of the children.

TROTWOOD — In December 2009, Montgomery County officials gave Adrian McLemore two options: Take custody of his sister’s two children or let them enter the foster care system until their mother’s life improved.

McLemore knew that one day he might be faced with this decision given his sister’s background, but hoped this day would not come. The Trotwood resident loves his family and considers himself a brother and uncle who would always come to his family’s rescue in a time of need. But being a full-time surrogate father was not a part of his original life plan. Like his mentors said, this would be a great responsibility for a 23-year-old bachelor enrolled in college and managing a video store.

The decision to take custody of 3-year-old Arayiah and 1-year-old Tyiaun was not about what would interrupt McLemore’s life, but rather stopping the beginning of a family trend. “I refuse to let a second generation of the McLemores be in foster care,” he said.

McLemore, now 24, and his two sisters spent most of their childhood in foster care. They entered the system in Georgia as their mother battled alcoholism. The siblings ended up in Georgia after their mother moved them there from Florida following a divorce from their father in 1992.

The McLemore siblings would not be reunited with their father until 1995. Adrian McLemore was about to be put up for adoption when Ernest McLemore, who was serving in the U.S. Air Force, obtained custody and moved his children to Las Vegas. They lived with their father for two years before he announced that he had received an assignment overseas and gave them the option of moving to Ohio to live with their mother again. The children moved back with their mother, a decision that has Adrian and his older sister Britney McLemore, 24, asking themselves today, “what if?”

All three siblings were in and out of Daybreak, an emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youths, from 1999 to 2000.

At one point, Adrian McLemore did not want to return home, so shelter officials called Montgomery County Children Services, who placed him and his sisters in foster care. Britney and Adrian aged out of the system at age 18, and their younger sister, Devanna, was placed in Britney’s custody once Britney turned 21. At the time, Devanna was pregnant with Arayiah, who would have also become a ward of the county had Devanna remained in foster care.

Meanwhile, Ernest McLemore died in 2004 in Georgia at age 40 after suffering from brain cancer. His children were still in foster care.

Even though his time with his children was short, Ernest McLemore was a big influence. Adrian hopes that all the positive things that he learned from his father will help him while his niece and nephew are in his custody.

One of the messages that McLemore said he hopes his actions will send to Arayiah and Tyiaun is that “a man loves his child no matter what” and provides emotional and financial support for his family.

“I am convinced that I made the right decision based on where they are now — as far as development — compared to where they were the day I picked them up,” he said.

“I love them to death. I want to show them that I am here to play, to hug or discipline... Just to be there.”

Although McLemore’s experience in foster care has been mostly positive, he still said he feels “foster care is no system for children.”

He also didn’t like the idea of his niece and nephew potentially being placed in separate foster homes without a familiar face.

“Having a second generation of our family in foster care is unthinkable to me and I wouldn’t allow it,” he said.

Devanna McLemore, 21, was the one who suggested to county officials in 2009 that her brother take custody of her children. She currently has weekly visits with them and her next custody hearing is scheduled for January.

This year, Father’s Day takes on a whole different meaning to Adrian McLemore. He believes his father would be proud of the decision he made. “I could have continued to do what I wanted to do. But instead, I now do what I have to do.”

Athens County Foster Care Walk

2010-06-18T12:50:00.001-07:00

Hooray for more A.C.T.I.O.N. in Athens! They just had their Second Annual Foster Care Walk...

Alex McFarland named 2010 FosterClub Outstanding Young Leader

2010-05-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

Alexander McFarland has served as President of Ohio's statewide foster care youth advocacy board (Ohio YAB) for two years. When the Ohio YAB lost its funding and supportive staff, Alex immediately began advocating for alternative funds, and succeeded in attaining a grant for 25K that will support the continued existence of not only the statewide board, but county and regional foster youth advisory boards as well. He has traveled throughout the state of Ohio to help create and develop youth advisory boards.

Alex has served as the Legislative Liaison for the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America for two years. He participated in the 2008 Alumni , the 2009 anniversary of Chafee funding, and presented a workshop at the 2009 NILA Conference. Alex was chosen by Ohio's First Lady to represent the needs of Ohio's foster care youth on Governor Strickland's 2010 .

Alex is known throughout the state for his vision and determination. He testified before Ohio legislators to advocate for the restoration of the state Independent Living Allocation. He arranged for Ohio foster care youth, alumni and allies to visit 24 legislator’s offices in order to promote Ready to Launch, a reminder to Ohio legislators of a front-end investment in transitional youth.

Alex is committed to supporting the national foster care youth/alumni community. During the 2009 NILA conference, he arranged a meeting of representatives from the Colorado, Tennessee and Ohio chapter in order to network and share ideas. He continues to keep in touch with FCAA members in Colorado, in order to be a support to them as they build their chapter.

Finally, Alex is a strong advocate of education reform. He is an active participant in Ohio Reach, a statewide initiative to increase the number of foster care youth who enroll in and graduate from college. In 2009, he participated in the statewide Ohio Reach Summit, including serving on the panel of youth voices. Alex’s words and passion resonated with participants, which included 100 social workers and 100 higher education representatives.

Alex uses his experiences from his entire life, when he was officially in foster care and even before that, as well as all the experiences from the youth he interacts with on a daily basis, to help shape solutions for Ohio’s foster youth. Whether he is on the field in a legislator’s office, at school studying Biology, or working as a Assistant Manager for Jack’s Aquarium and Pets, Alex strives to help the Children, Foster Youth, Former Foster Youth and pets of his community.

Honoring Our Beginnings

2010-05-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

Ohio is known as the birthplace of aviation. Let it be known that PCSAO is the birthplace of the Ohio Youth Advisory Board, and has served as its support base for the past three years. What began with a room full of foster care youth from across the state is now recognized as a legitimate and serious youth voice for all those who are served by the Ohio child welfare system.

It cannot be understated that we would not be where we are today without the stability and reputation of PCSAO. What better way for a young organization to grow, than under the guidance of an established entity? A very heartfelt thank you to Crystal Ward Allen, Brandi Scales, Greg Kapcar, Max Bucey, Jessica Schneider-Chance, Kelly Knight and Jeed Jitprasert, and every intern or associate that played a part in supporting the Ohio Youth Advisory Board…

Just as the youth involved in the Ohio YAB are traveling along the road to independence, so the Ohio Youth Advisory Board is developing our own unique identity as well. This evolution has been recently supported by ODJFS through their generous investment in the growth and development of county youth advisory boards. From the very beginning, Ohio YAB officers have hoped to establish and build a regional presence throughout the state, and building up county youth advisory boards is an important step in that direction.

As founding member, two-term President and current Alumni Facilitator of the Ohio YAB, I truly believe that our organization is on the brink of being one of the greatest youth advisory boards in the county. And we owe our progress to our supporters. From the meeting spaces, to the logistics of organizing events, to helping craft our message and present it to the various entities, PCSAO has been there all the way. Teaching and guiding us as we maneuver the halls of the legislature; advocating for our fellow brothers and sisters. As we transformed from able youth to advocating adults, PCSAO was just a heartbeat away, aiding in breaking down the bureaucratic tape and language.

It started as an idea, a call to action for young people to make a difference. The seed of an organization was planted, and PCSAO helped grow the leaders to lead it. We have made a difference in the lives of so many people and will continue to do so. I offer my gratitude to the organization that has supported our development for so long, and my appreciation for Doris Edelmann and Lisa Dickson for serving as primary adult supporters during our transition.

I offer up my gratitude to PCSAO, OHILA, ODJFS, OCWTP, OACCA, FCAA-Ohio, the Supreme Court of Ohio, and the many other organizations and individuals who have contributed to our success. On behalf of current and former foster youth, I say a heartfelt “Thank You” to everyone for everything in regards to OUR Ohio Youth Advisory Board.

Thank you and God Bless,

--President Adrian M. McLemore

Governor's Steering Committee on Transitional Youth and Young Adults

2010-04-30T06:50:00.000-07:00

During 2010, Ohio YAB President Alex McLemore, former President Adrian McLemore, and adult supporters Mark Mecum, Doris Edelmann and Lisa Dickson participated in the Ohio Family and Children First Youth and Young Adults in Transition Steering Committee.

The committee was convened by Governor Strickland to recommend alignment and consolidation of policies, efforts, and resources and to identify major gaps for this particularly vulnerable and often overlooked population: vulnerable youth and young adults, ages 14-25.

After months of meetings, the committee has released its final report to the Ohio Family and Children First Cabinet Council. The report may accessed here.

National Advocacy Opportunities

2010-04-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

Regarding the upcoming reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Ohio foster care youth and alumni are invited to write letters to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, regarding the need to support the specific needs of foster care youth.

Letter from Senate Caucus on Foster Youth
Letter from the Ohio Youth Advisory Board

Template that Ohio youth/alumni can use, and personalize with their own insights/experiences:

The Honorable Tom Harkin
Chairman, HELP Committee
428 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Mike Enzi
Ranking Member, HELP Committee
428 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Chairman Harkin and Ranking Member Enzi,

We are writing you on behalf of (your county youth advisory board), a youth-led organization of foster care youth, to request that foster care specific concerns be addressed in the Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

As foster care youth, we have experienced educational challenges. (Insert specific experience, such as changing schools in the middle of the year, having different textbooks and losing credits, etc. For statistics, you can use some of the stats listed on the Changing the Odds wiki).

There are specific steps that can be included in the reauthorization of the ESEA that would improve the educational experiences and outcomes for youth in and from foster care. (Make your suggestions)

Sign on behalf of the officers of your county youth advisory board:

Name of Officer

Office Held

Name of Board

Save the Date: May 22, 2010

2010-04-16T05:22:00.000-07:00

Message from the Purple Project:

The Purple Project, would like to invite your agency and teens in care, to attend “Finishing The Journey,” Aging Out of Today’s Foster Care System, a youth conference in Cleveland, Ohio May 22, 2010. This is a great opportunity for teens!

Guest Speakers will include Emmy award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Legend Darryl “DMC” McDaniels from the pioneer group RUN DMC, County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones, and Philanthropist-Foster Care Alumni and Advocates Tanya Cooper and Tanisha Cunningham.

Please contact the Purple Project at (216) 269-6667, email youth@thepurpleproject.com or visit us at www.thepurpleproject.com if you have any questions or need assistance registering.

Thanks, and we hope to see you there!

2010 Ohio YAB Officers

2010-04-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

President Alex McFarland, Montgomery County

Vice President Cieria Rodriguez-Toney, Lorain County

Treasurer Krystal Robinson, Lorain County

Secretary Chasstity Young, Athens County

Media Spokesperson - TBA

Parliamentarian - TBA

An Open Letter Dr. William C. Bell, CEO of Casey Family Programs

2010-04-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Dr. William C. Bell,

We are writing you on behalf of the Ohio Youth Advisory Board (OHIO YAB), a youth-led
organization that exists to be the statewide voice for Ohio foster care youth, to ask Casey
Family Programs to offer scholarships for each of the 50 states so that two youth from
each state can attend the 2010 NILA “Growing Pains” conference.

Every year, foster care and emancipated youth throughout the nation looked forward to
the “It’s My Life” conference, formerly sponsored by Casey Family Programs. This
conference provided youth leadership and advocacy training, facilitated national
information-sharing regarding Best Practices, and contributed to building the national
network of foster care youth and alumni.

Now that “It's My Life” is on (permanent?) hiatus, the annual NILA “Growing Pains”
conference, sponsored by the Daniel Memorial Institute, is the primary national
conference that facilitates interaction between foster care youth, foster care alumni and
child welfare professionals each year. This conference is coordinated by Stephanie
Waugerman, (904) 296-1055 ext. 1013, SWaugerman@danielkids.org

The 2010 NILA “Growing Pains” conference will take place from September 7-10, 2010 in
Washington D.C. Activities will include legislator visits with Congressional representatives
from across the nation, and an opportunity to meet with the Senate Caucus Committee on
Foster Care. Sponsoring two youth from every state to participate would allow 100
foster care youth an opportunity and a voice at our nation’s capital.

We welcome any questions you may have regarding this request.

Sincerely,

Alex McFarland, President
Cieria Rodriguez-Toney, Vice President
Ohio Youth Advisory Board

2010 Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Statewide Meetings

2010-01-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

To encourage and allow for youth participation during quarterly Ohio YAB statewide meetings, they are scheduled in conjunction with the Ohio Independent Living Association's quarterly meetings:

January 21, 2010
April 15, 2010
July 15, 2010
October 21, 2010

Meetings will be held at the ODJFS Air Center located at 4020 E. Fifth Street in Columbus from 11:00AM - 2:00PM.

Young Advocate Leadership Training on Saturday, Nov. 7th

2009-09-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

The Ohio Children's Defense Fund is partnering with Central State University to host the first annual Young Advocate Leadership Training® program. This intensive organizing training will bring together over 100 student leaders from across the state.

Training Date: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009

Training Location: Central State University, 1400 Brush Row Rd., P.O. Box 1004, Wilberforce OH 45384, in the Auditorium of the Center for Education & Natural Sciences Building, Room 114.

CDF-Ohio will provide meals and coordinate transportation for all successful applicants. This might be particularly helpful for youth who are over the age of 18/emancipated and actively involved in local and statewide youth advisory efforts.

Kelly Knight receives the Mary Ellen Social Work Award

2009-09-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

During the 2009 Ohio CASA conference, the Ohio YAB's very own Kelly Knight was awarded the Mary Ellen Social Work Award for Excellence in Children Services.

Since January 2008, Kelly has trained over 130 new CASA/GAL volunteers, during her nights and weekends. She tells her classes, "If you don't see concurrent planning, you should be questioning the case plan and insisting on its inclusion."

During her acceptance speech, Kelly pointed out that, "Time passes differently for children."

Kelly described how, for busy professionals, postponing paperwork or continuing a case might be tempting because time seems to be moving quickly. But for the child, that time is moving painfully slowly in terms of connecting them with love and permanency.

OHIO YAB Play Production

2009-07-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

Lights! Camera! Action!

The OHIO YAB will be presenting a theatrical production of All My Foster Children during the 23rd Annual PCSAO Conference.

Learn More At: http://sites.google.com/site/ohioyabplay/

Child-Centered Recruitment of Adoptive Families

2009-07-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Justice recently asked OHIO YAB members for insight because she is creating a survey questionnaire to enlist youth input regarding connecting older children in foster care with adoptive homes.

Former Ohio YAB President Adrian McLemore suggested that the survey be divided into three parts:

a. Level of Connection Desired With Biological Family

b. Bonding With Perspective Adoptive Parents

c. Post-Adoption Support & Resources

If you have additional insights to offer, please contact her at jennifer.justice@jfs.ohio.gov

For Youth From Youth: OHIO YAB Handbook

2009-07-17T18:16:00.001-07:00

The OHIO YAB has just released a handbook for foster care youth:
http://www.pcsao.org/OhioYAB/2009/FYHandbook.pdf

Many thanks to youth for their insights during the April Ohio YAB meeting!

And many thanks to Kelly Knight for editing the handbook!

Mission Transition

2009-07-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.mymissiontransition.com/

2009 Lorain County Youth Collaborative Youth Summit

2009-06-15T08:47:00.001-07:00

2009 LORAIN COUNTY YOUTH COLLABORATIVE YOUTH SUMMIT— Calling all youth groups! Lorain County, specifically Ciera Rodriguez-Toney, OHIO Youth Advisory Board Member and one of the event’s coordinators, has invited you to their Youth Summit held June 19 and 20th in Lorain County. On Friday, June 19th there will be food, fun and entertainment. Then on Saturday, it’s time to work!!! There is a leadership development session and awards presentation.

For more information or to pre-register, contact: The Elyria YWCA at 440/322.6308 or The Boys and Girls Club of Lorain County at 440/775.2582.

Youth Opportunity: Write for Represent Publication

2009-05-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

17TH ANNUAL SUMMER WRITING WORKSHOP— Application Deadline: June 9th!!! This summer, from July 6th to August 13th, Represent will hold its 17th Annual Summer Writing Workshop at our office in Manhattan. Anyone between the ages of 14 to 20 who lives in a group home, foster home or on a campus (or who used to be in foster care) is eligible to apply. Those selected will write articles for publication in Represent and will receive a $600 stipend upon successful completion of the workshop. Writers also get metrocards and $5/day for lunch. Space is limited so apply early. The deadline for applications is June 8th.

2009-05-07T11:37:00.001-07:00

Sex has Consequences!!!!

2009-05-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

THE NATIONAL DAY HAS ARRIVED- Take the National Day Quiz at http://www.stayteen.org/quiz/.

Today is the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. We hope that everyone concerned about teen pregnancy will do what they can to promote this fun and informative online event. The purpose of the National Day is to focus the attention of teens on the importance of avoiding too-early pregnancy and parenthood.

Thanks to the hard work of more than 200 National Day partners, state and local organizations who are organizing National Day events all across the country, and teens themselves, the National Day is already off to a strong start. Already, more than 60,000 teens have participated by taking the National Day Quiz and more than 7,000 have added our National Day "Relationship Reality Pop Quiz" widget to their personal websites and social networking profiles. The advance turnout for this year’s event has simply been amazing and we expect that hundreds of thousands more will participate over the course of the month.

Last year more than 300,000 teens participated in the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. With your help, we hope to reach even more teens this year. Please help spread the word.

Remember, the National Day Quiz and Widget will both online throughout May, so it's not too late to help spread the word. Need some ideas? Check out our Tips for Getting Involved. For more information, visit the National Day section of our website.

As always, thank you for all that you are doing to make the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy an event to remember. Without the dedication and creativity of organizations and individuals such as yourself, we could never have accomplished such an amazing event. We look forward to working with you throughout the year and on the next National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
We'll be in touch soon with the final results from this year's quiz. Stay tuned for more information!

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY

2009-03-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY— Children's Action Network and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption have partnered to create a national scholarship program, Fostering a Future sponsored by Capital One, to benefit youth adopted from foster care.

The fund was designed to provide children who were adopted from foster care with the opportunity to pursue their educational goals. The fund will provide parents considering the adoption of an older child an opportunity for education assistance by adding this special scholarship to existing post-adoption resources. It is also our intent that the fund will help alleviate some concerns about new financial obligations facing adoptive parents.

We are currently accepting applications. Applicants must: have been adopted from the United States foster care system after the age of 13, be graduating high school senior, maintain or improve qualifying grade point average throughout applicant’s senior year and demonstrate financial need.

Applications will be accepted between now and April 20, 2009. In order to download an application, please visit Children's Action Network. If you have any questions, or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to e-mail Children’s Action Network at Caninformation@aol.com or call 800.525.6789.

O.H.I.O. Youth Advisory Board Officer's Retreat

2009-03-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Officer's Retreat

DATE: March 21, 2009

TIME: 10 AM- 4 PM

LOCATION:
South Side Settlement House
310 E. Innis Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43207

MORE: Please RSVP by contacting Arlene Jones at arlene@pcsao.org

WRITING COMPETITION OPEN TO FOSTER YOUTH

2009-03-04T05:55:00.000-08:00

Write an entry for the Second Nationwide Essay Contest sponsored by the Campaign for U.S. Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Winners Receive Free Trip to Washington, DC.

350-500 word essay submissions will be accepted through March 20, 2009. Students of junior high or high school age may apply.

Five winners will be chosen and will receive airfare and accommodations for him/herself and one parent/legal guardian/foster parent to participate in the Campaign’s June 1-2, 2009 Symposium at the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, DC.

The Instruction Kit and Application are available for download on the Campaign’s Web Site at --
http://www.childrightscampaign.org/crcindex.php?sNav=youth_snav.php&sDat=youth_dat.php
(look under Contest Materials).

Youth Opportunities

2009-02-26T07:04:00.001-08:00

OFA SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY— The Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) is now accepting applications for scholarships for the 2009-2010 academic year. Scholarships are available to eligible former foster youth who are pursuing postsecondary education. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria: Have been in foster care for one consecutive year at the time of their 18th birthday or high school graduation OR have been adopted or taken into legal guardianship out of foster care after their 16th birthday OR have lost both parents to death before age 18 and not been subsequently adopted; Be accepted into or enrolled in an accredited postsecondary program (university, college, community college, or vocational/technical institute); Be under age 25 on March 31, 2009.

BECOME A FOSTERCLUB ALLSTAR— The FosterClub is recruiting current and former foster youth (ages 18 to 24) for its summer leadership and internship program, FosterClub All Stars. Youth will be selected to spend the summer traveling, making presentations, and helping other children and youth in foster care. Applications are due March 1, 2009.

For links to more information, visit:
http://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/index.cfm?event=website.viewArticles&issueid=102&articleid=2527

2009 OHIO YAB Officers

2009-02-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

While many youth expressed an interest in providing leadership to the O.H.I.O. Youth Advisory Board, six youth were selected to serve in the following leadership roles.

PRESIDENT:
Alex McFarland of Montgomery County

VICE-PRESIDENT:
Derek Biggers of Sandusky County

SECRETARY:
Marcella Stewart of Franklin County

TREASURER:
Traci Justice of Athens County

MEDIA SPOKESMAN:
Lamar Hammons of Franklin County

PARLIAMENTARIAN:
Elizabeth Bowers of Athens County

Please join me in congratulating them.

Don't forget tomorrow's meeting: Elections!

2009-02-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

O.H.I.O. Youth Advisory Board Statewide Meeting

DATE: February 19, 2009
TIME: 11-2 PM
LOCATION: FCCS, Regional Training Center
855 W. Mound Street
Columbus, Ohio 432223

MORE: For more information, please contact Brandi or Arlene at 614-224-5802.

FosterClub All-Stars Accepting Applications

2009-01-27T07:04:00.000-08:00

Each year, 12 young people are selected through a competitive national application process to serve as FosterClub All-Stars. They travel the country motivating and informing their peers, provide child welfare professionals with the perspective from youth, and raise public awareness. The deadline for submission for the application is quickly approaching, March 1, 2009. If you want more details, go to their website: www.fosterclub.com/allstars.

KOHL’S KIDS WHO CARE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

2009-01-27T06:56:00.001-08:00

The Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program recognizes and rewards young volunteers (ages 6-18) who help make their communities a better place. Applicants must meet the following criteria: The young person’s actions must be described in detail and should document efforts that are above and beyond what is normally expected of a child his or her age. Volunteer efforts should have made a positive impact on others and occurred in the last 12 months. The activity cannot be performed solely to benefit a family member. Applicants must not have graduated high school as of March 15, 2008.
Winners are selected based on the project chosen, the benefits of the project and the actual outcome of the project. KOHL’s will accept nominations from Feb.1-March 15, 2009. The awards range from a $50.00 gift card to a $5,000 scholarship. For more details, go to the website at www.kohlskids.com.

COHHIO YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS

2009-01-27T06:55:00.000-08:00

The Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio’s Youth Empowerment Program has partnered with Direct Energy to offer leadership awards to recognize youth in Ohio who have experienced homelessness/housing crisis and are trying to better their situations. There will be four (4) leadership awards given each in the amount of $500. Awards will be presented to the winners at the COHHIO conference April 20th and 21st.

Any youth or young adult, in or out of school, (11 to 22) in Ohio who has experienced homelessness or housing crisis, including youth who have lived in shelters, doubled up, independently homeless, or who have lived in other types of transitional or temporary situations are eligible to apply.

The leader award can be used for expenses associated with any leader opportunity identified by the applicant. This may include, but not limited to: Class trips, summer camp, sports, music, art or dance programs and supplies, college fees, GED classes, tutoring, school tuition, extracurricular activities, graduation fees, college visits, test fees and prep courses, summer classes, or anything that will contribute to the personal and leadership development of the youth.

To obtain an application, contact Angela Lariviere or Nick Bates at 614-280-1984. Applications are due March 17, 2009.

O.H.I.O. Youth Advisory Board Statewide Meeting Rescheduled

2009-01-27T06:51:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, the statewide meeting scheduled for January 15th, 2009 had to be cancelled. The next OHIO Youth Advisory Board statewide meeting will be held on February 19th, 2009 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at FCCS Regional Training Center, 855 W. Mound Street, Columbus, OH. At this meeting, elections will be held and several opportunities for youth involvement will be discussed. Please mark your calendars and save the date!

Help Make OHIO YAB Great in 2009! If you are interested in becoming an OHIO YAB member or an OHIO YAB Adult Supporter contact Arlene Jones at Arlene@pcsao.org or
614) 224-5802.

FosterClub All-Stars Accepting Applications

2009-01-22T06:48:00.000-08:00

How to apply to become a FosterClub All-Star:
Introduction Overview Details How to apply

The application deadline is March 1, 2009.

Part 1: Application

This year the application is completely online. The application is long and may require a few hours to complete. We have provided downloadable Word and PDF versions of the application for preparation of your drafts, which will then be entered into Survey Monkey. We strongly advise you to download the application, review the questions, write out practice essay questions, and then return to Survey Monkey to upload your answers. No incomplete applications are accepted, so please take your time to review questions and allow adequate time to insert your answers on Survey Monkey.

Prepare your application: Go here for the links to the application.

http://www.fyi3.com/allStars/apply.cfm

2009 FosterClub All-Star practice Microsoft Word Version

2009 FosterClub All-Star practice Adobe PDF Version
(If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download it here.)

Submit the application online:

Official Fosterclub All-Star Online Application

The application deadline is March 1, 2009. If you have any problems with this application process, please call Dan at FosterClub at 503-717-1552.

There are essay questions in the application process. All essays must be filled out entirely for a completed application. FosterClub recommends that you write your essays into a word document, spell check, proof-read, etc. and then copy and paste your essay into Survey Monkey.

If you are providing a Recommendation for a youth applying for the All-Star program, click here.

Part 2: Recommendations

This year the Recommendations must be submitted online using Survey Monkey. The link is provided below (there is also a link at www.fosterclub.com). We require two recommendations from adults who know you. Recommendations should address your leadership skills and any other qualities that would make you a good candidate to become an All-Star. Some people you may want to ask for a recommendation could include employers or managers, teachers, coaches, pastors, Independent Living Providers, leaders of extra-curricular activities (club leaders, scout leaders, etc.), foster parents, or managers of any of your volunteer activities. Recommendations should not be from friends or relatives. Recommendations must be submitted online using the link provided below. The Website will ask the adults a few questions about you and will provide them with a place to make comments. Your application is not complete without two recommendations.

Please direct adults who are submitting recommendations to FosterClub’s front page where a link will be provided for them to submit their recommendations.

www.fosterclub.com

Deadline is MARCH 1, 2009

All-Star Selection

FosterClub will make its selections by April 1st. Youth will be selected to represent diversity in foster care experiences, education, current paths (college, employment, job corps, etc.), race, ethnicity and geographical location. Young people who apply but are not selected should in no way view the fact that they weren’t selected as an indication of their abilities or personality. It simply means that other youth were selected this year to help us build a diverse team for the All-Star Program.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a competitive application process and applying does not guarantee your selection to participate in the internship. If you have any questions, please contact Daniel Knapp at 503-717-1552. If you are still in care and your caseworker, foster parent or guardian have any questions, we encourage them to call also.

For information, call 503-717-1552 or visit www.fosterclub.com

Save the Date!!! OHIO YAB STATEWIDE MEETING

2008-12-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

Hello OHIO YAB and respective Adult Supporters!

The time is nearing for the next statewide meeting. Please mark your calendars for JANUARY 15, 2008 from 11:00am - 3:00pm. The meeting will be held at the same location as previous meetings: The ODJFS Air Center, 4020 E. Fifth Street, Columbus, OH. Parking is free at this location.

Lunch will be provided free for youth, however we do ask that adult supporters contribute $5 for the lunch.

Youth, we will be holding elections for the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Media Spokesperson and Treasurer. If you are planning to run, please come prepared with a 3-5 minute prepared statement and be prepared to answer questions. Remember that you can run for more than one seat.

We hope to see you there!

Best,
Arlene Jones
Foster Youth Advisor
Public Children Services Association of Ohio 510 E. Mound St., Suite 200 Columbus, Ohio 43215
phone: 614.224.5802
fax: 614.228.5150
arlene@pcsao.org
www.pcsao.org

2009 OHIO YAB Meeting Schedule

2008-12-30T08:17:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 15, 2009 from 11:00am - 3:00pm

Thursday, April 16, 2009 from 11:00am - 3:00pm

Thursday, July 16, 2009 from 11:00am - 3:00pm

Thursday, October 15, 2009 from 11:00am - 3:00pm

To be held at the ODJFS Air Center located at 4020 E. Fifth Street in Columbus, Ohio.

Welcoming Brandi as adult supporter of the Ohio YAB

2008-10-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

Staffing Changes Regarding the OHIO YAB:

Brandi Scales will be joining Arlene Jones as adult supporter of the Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board. She brings a wealth of experience to this position, including her law degree, undergraduate degree in Political Science, and experience lobbying state legislators in Washington, D.C.

Brandi used to work in the Ohio Statehouse for Senator Ray Miller. She aspires to be a judge one day, specializing in family law and adoptions, in order to provide permanency for young people in foster care. As a social worker, Brandi has experience working with youth, and she is very excited about supporting and equipping statewide youth advisory board members

Kelly Knight will continue be involved with the O.H.I.O. YAB, although her role will change to focusing on special projects, such as working with youth to create the statewide foster care youth rights handbook.

Upcoming Conferences in 2008 and 2009

2008-10-19T14:47:00.001-07:00

On Dec. 15, 2008, YEP will host their 2nd annual statewide Youth Housing Summit.

National conferences coming to Ohio in 2009:
April 23 – American Adoption Congress 30th annual conference in Cleveland, Ohio
Aug 12-15 – NACAC 35th annual conference in Columbus, Ohio
Nov 19 – American Association of Children’s Residential Centers in Cleveland, Ohio

Other national events to look forward to in 2009:
NILA Growing Pains conference
Casey It's My Life conference

Statewide events to look forward to in 2009:
Ohio’s 3rd annual statewide Independent Living Summit, hosted by OACCA
Ohio's 3rd annual Youth Housing Summit, hosted by YEP

Recent Ohio events involving and supporting youth

2008-10-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

Ohio recently hosted five statewide events focusing on the needs and concerns of young people aging out of foster care.

1.) Spotlight on Homeless Youth: YEP hosted a statewide retreat for homeless youth on August 10, 2008. Because half of the youth in attendance have a history of foster care, Lisa Dickson was invited to lead a breakout session focusing on resources and opportunities.

2.) Success Is A Choice: Franklin County Children Services and PCSAO sponsored a statewide foster care youth rally on August 19, 2008, led by foster care alumni and motivational speaker Cedric Riley. 150 youth attended this event (pictured above), representing Athens, Hamilton, Franklin and Cuyahoga counties.

3.) PCSAO Conference: The Youth Track included representatives from the following organizations:

- FosterClub
- National Campaign to Prevent Youth and Unwed Pregnancy
- Foster Care Alumni of America

During this conference, the Ohio YAB was awarded Child Advocate of the Year!

4.) IL Summit: Ohio's second annual statewide Independent Living Summit was led by OACCA and supported by youth advocacy organizations throughout the state.

- Youth were able to share their insights with Ohio legislators and agency directors.
- The morning plenary session was led by the Institute of Human Services.
- YEP shared how to advocate for the needs of homeless youth and unite youth to create social change
- Information about valuable resources was provided, including Job Corps, WIA, ETV funds and Dress for Success.

Working Together: Next year, partnering agencies throughout the state of Ohio plan to work together to combine the PCSAO Youth Track with the OACCA IL Summit and create one fabulous two-day event!

5.) CASA conference: Three OHIO YAB members participated in the youth panel of the 14th annual Ohio CASA conference. Participants indicated that hearing from youth was one of the highlights of this event, and strongly recommended that young people return to share their voices and insights next year.

Ohio represented at National Independent Living Conference

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During the 2008 NILA Conference:

1.) The Dayton V.I.S.I.O.N. Board hosted and led pre-conference activities:

2.) Lisa Dickson of Foster Care Alumni of America gave a keynote address, after which O.H.I.O. YAB President Adrian McLemore and members of the VISION Board shared “My Vision” T-shirts. Youth assisted Lisa with her youth and adult workshops as well!

3.) The second keynote of the conference was led by Michael Sanders:

OHIO YAB Youth Track: Registration Deadline August 29th, 2008

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OHIO YAB will be hosting their 2nd Annual one day Youth Track at the PCSAO Conference on Thursday September 18th, 2008. This is a great opportunity for youth to be able to attend an in-state conference with national presnters. Workshops include Foster Care 411 (FosterClub), What’s Love Got to Do With It (National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancies), and Making a Difference for our Brothers and Sisters from Care (Foster Care Alumni of America). Registration is limited to 45 youth between the ages of 14 and 23 who are currently in foster care or have experienced foster care.

The registration fee is only $50 and child welfare professionals who are attending the PCSAO Conference the same day can assist with transportation! For more information about this exciting opportunity please check out the website (pages 12 &13).

Don’t let this exciting possibility pass you by—the registration deadline is August 29th, 2008.
Another thing to consider is that youth, who are members of OHIO YAB, can apply for the OHIO YAB Youth Leadership Program to have either 50% or 100% of their registration fees covered.

Feel free to pass along this great opportunity to others who may be interested.

If you have any questions feel free to email me at kelly@pcsao.org

Learning a New Skill

2008-08-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

As part of OHIO YAB's ongoing efforts to improve both communication and collaboration I met with Lisa Dickson, Foster Care Alumni of America, this past Friday to be introduced to the "blogging world."

The idea of an OHIO YAB blog was suggested by Lisa at the last OHIO YAB Statewide Meeting as a tool that both youth and adult supporters could use to keep updated regarding OHIO YAB events, opportunties and news. Lisa quickly create a OHIO YAB blog to allow us at PCSAO to become more familiar with what she was talking about. It was exciting to see all the possiblities that a blog could provide for OHIO YAB.

However I was a bit intidimated by the aspect of maintaing a blog for OHIO YAB so Lisa kindly agreed to take time out of her busy day to show me the world of blogging. Lisa came prepared, as always, with a quick cheat sheet on how to best maintain the blog. She provided me with a couple quick lessons and I think a new wonderful OHIO YAB endeavor has been born. Lisa also agreed to share with OHIO YAB the great pics she has been taking over the past couple years of OHIO YAB members, taught me a thing of two about Goggle alerts and introduced me to a Wiki.

Lisa also shared some of the projects she has been involved with during the past couple of months and the conferences she plans on partcipating and presenting at in the future. Lisa's energy and drive is impressive and OHIO YAB is thankful to have her a partner.

So I hope that this blog becomes a way for us all to connect regarding not only OHIO YAB but other foster youth related news and events across of Ohio. If you have something you would like to see posted or shared on here just send me an email at kelly@pcsao.org.

" A message from the President"

2008-07-20T19:16:00.001-07:00

"Good Day Everyone,

I am very pleased with the direction that our great board is moving towards. This is a new era of foster care reform in the state of Ohio. It is also a new era of youth leadership and empowerment. I urge each and every youth to take personal reflection on how the system has change your life, good, bad, or indifferent. Now; what can you do to make sure that experience is repeated or never happens again. We are a special population of young people charged with great tasks to change the system for the better. And the change starts with ourselves; we are no longer foster youth! We are youth who have experienced foster care. We are people who have matured through the events that have transformed our lives and allowed us to prosper and become that much more determined. We must continue to strive for a better system, better standards, and better care! The OHIO youth advisory board was formed to tackle such a task, and we need you on board to help accomplish these and many others we set out to undertake! Welcome to the OHIO Youth Advisory Board!"

Adrian M. McLemore, State President
(2006 - Present)

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

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Share your voice and insights to make a positive difference...

Aug. 14-17, 2008
Destination Future
Chevy Chase, Maryland
This youth leadership conference is designed to increase the level of civic engagement and leadership skills of young people in and from foster care.

Sept. 4-6, 2008
NILA conference
Orlando, Florida
This conference is dedicated to the needs of young people preparing to age out of foster care.

Sept. 17-19, 2008
PCSAO Conference
Columbus, Ohio
The Youth Track of the PCSAO conference will take place on Thursday, Sept. 18th.

Oct. 3 - 4, 2008
Independent Living Summit
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio's second annual statewide summit on Independent Living... youth registration is free!

Oct. 4, 2008
CASA conference
Columbus, Ohio
Working towards better court systems and communication with CASA/GALs.

Oct. 31 - Nov. 2, 2008
It's My Life conference
Hollywood, California
The It's My Life conference will take place in Hollywood this year!

If you are interested in being a part of these events, please contact Kelly and Arlene!

OHIO YAB Youth Leadership Program

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Program Purpose
The OHIO YAB Youth Leadership Scholarship Program aims to provide exemplary leadership and empowerment opportunities for youth who have or will experience out of home care. This is accomplished through the funding of partial or full scholarships that allow current and former foster youth to attend and participate in local and national conferences, or other leadership programs as related to the OHIO YAB mission. By providing these opportunities for current and former foster youth OHIO YAB is investing in their future by allowing them to further their employable skills.

Scholarship Application Guidelines
1. Youth must be between the ages of fourteen and twenty-three.
2. Youth must either currently be under the custody of a Public Child Serving Agency or have been under the custody of a Public Child Serving Agency within the last 5 years.
3. Youth must formally be signed up as an OHIO YAB member (see Youth Membership Sign Up Form).
4. Youth must complete a Youth Leadership Scholarship Application form and submit it at least 60 days prior for a local event and 90 days prior for a national event.
5. Scholarships will cover the cost of the selected conference and major travel expenses (transportation and lodging). Youth currently under the custody of a Public Child Serving Agency will be awarded a 50% scholarship with youth not currently under the custody of a Public Child Welfare Agency will receive a 100% scholarship.
6. PCSAO reserves the right to make final decisions, with input from the applicant, in regards to flight and hotel arrangements.
7. All applications will be reviewed by OHIO YAB Officers on a first-come basis for each calendar year. OHIO YAB reserves the right to approve/deny applications to ensure that all opportunities are congruent with the OHIO YAB mission, and within available funds. PCSAO reserves the right to re-evaluate the application prior to final funding approval
8. Each RECIPIENT of the scholarship award agrees to share information or insight gained through their learning experience with other OHIO YAB members in the form of a short written summary, newsletter article, or a brief synopsis at an OHIO YAB meeting.

Making a Contribution
Funding for this scholarship comes from private donations and specified state contributions. PCSAO, OHIO YAB’s partner organization, maintains and tracks these dedicated funds, but does not claim any administrative costs for the service it provides for this scholarship fund. All donations to the scholarship fund are tax deductible. Please make checks out to PCSAO (memo: OHIO YAB Youth Leadership Scholarship), and send them to PCSAO, 510 E. Mound Street, Suite 200, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

OHIO YAB Youth Stipend Program

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Program Purpose
The purpose of the OHIO YAB Youth Stipend Program is to provide youth with empowerment opportunities in which they can further their leadership skills while sharing their experiences and recommendations regarding the child welfare system. Funding for the stipend program has been allocated through the ODJFS WIA grant.

Program Stipulations
OHIO YAB stipends are awarded to OHIO YAB members, who participate in approved OHIO YAB events, assist in providing services or participate at events in which OHIO YAB has been requested to attend. Members will be notified in advance as to which activities and events have a stipend associated with them and will be provided equal opportunity to participate in such events. OHIO YAB meetings, unless otherwise noted, are not part of the OHIO YAB Stipend Program. Youth will receive notification of stipend-related events at either OHIO YAB meetings or OHIO YAB emails.

Participant Eligibility
Youth must be between the ages of fourteen and twenty-three. Youth must either currently be under the custody of a Public Child Serving Agency or have been under the custody of a Public Child Serving Agency within the last 5 years. Youth must formally be signed up as an OHIO YAB member (see Youth Membership Sign Up Form). Youth must be able to have or secure reliable transportation. Youth are recommended to regularly attend OHIO YAB meetings to receive prompt information regarding stipend opportunities as well as maintain an active email account as notification of events will also be sent out via email.

Program Description
Youth will be reimbursed $45 dollars for a half-day event (less than 4 hours) and reimbursed $75 for a full day event (more than 4 hours). Youth who transport themselves to events will be reimbursed for mileage to and from the event. Stipends will be provided in the form of VISA gift cards. Stipends, unless otherwise noted, will be provided the same day as the event or activity.

2008-2009 Strategic Plan

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1. Promote awareness of foster youth issues to the rest of the child welfare field

Goal: Training foster parents & child welfare staff to adequately provide assistance to youth who have experienced foster care.

- Prepare OHIO YAB members to present to foster parents and child welfare staff
-Develop a statewide training program with youth

Goal: Educate the public regarding OHIO YAB and foster youth issues
-Attend Statewide and National Conferences to make others aware of OHIO YAB
-Presentations across the state to child welfare professionals, foster parents, and other foster youth.

2. Policy & Practice Input from a Youth Perspective

Goal: Development of Youth Handbook
-Identify the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved including foster youth, foster parents, biological parents and caseworkers

Goal: Youth Involvement in the development of best practices
-Connect with ODJFS and PCSAs in the state of Ohio to provide input regarding child welfares issues and policies
-Stay current regarding Ohio child welfare legislation and provide testimony and input whenever possible.
-Promote awareness of the mandatory CASA/GAL program in the state of Ohio
-Connect with statewide CASA organization
-Educate foster youth and child welfare professionals regarding the CASA/GAL program.

3. Development of a strong OHIO YAB

Goal: Visible, forward looking knowledgeable OHIO YAB board across the state
-Obtainment and development OHIO YAB marketing tools
-Professional development of OHIO YAB members

Goal: To unify the counties at a state level
-Recruit youth to be part of OHIO YAB
-Develop regional YAB activities

Goal: Build partnerships and collaborations with other statewide child serving agencies (such as FCAA, OHILA, OACCA, I.H.S., OCWTP)
-Invite organizations to OHIO YAB meetings
-Maintain communication with other organizations.