This month’s principle, “OFC seeks and supports strategies
to strengthen the voices of youth and families for its work,” is not one that
always comes naturally. In addition to stepping outside traditional methods of
outreach, we must make an effort to present and capture information in a way
that makes sense to those who don’t readily understand the complexities of
child welfare policy and programming. The OFC Placement Team (located in the
Substitute Care/Permanency Section) is striving to incorporate this principle
into its daily work.
This month, we’re featuring Section Chief Amy Eaton, who has
taken a leadership role in developing programming that promotes positive youth
development. Amy supervises the human developer staff who are responsible for
writing all policy that is relevant to children in foster care from birth to
age 21.
“Amy’s presentation during a statewide youth advisory board
won the hearts of youth in the audience,” said Lisa Dickson of Ohio’s chapter
of Foster Care of America. “She was brief and to the point as she expressed her
dedication and commitment to listen to the voices of youth, and welcomed their
firsthand insights regarding child welfare policies.” We spoke with Amy to ask
her about this experience.
Q. What is the picture for youth aging out of foster care?
A. Every year in Ohio, 1,000 to 1,300 youth age out of
foster care. Nationwide, a third of youth who age out of foster care have
dropped out of school, and a third are or have been incarcerated. Almost a
quarter have experienced homelessness, and almost half of the girls have been
pregnant. Half are unemployed or underemployed and living three times lower
than the national poverty level. Over one-half report at least one mental
health problem, and a third are in dire need of health care coverage. These
youth are twice as likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder as Iraq
war veterans.
Q. What have you learned by attending OYAB meetings?
A. So many things. First, there is a stark distance between
the youth I hear and the statistics I read. I am so impressed every single time
by the maturity, thoughtfulness and sheer likability of the youth I meet
through OYAB.
I also am struck by how much I assume I know, and how this
often turns around when I listen to youth describe their successes and
challenges. For example, the topic of drivers’ licenses is a huge issue for
youth. I think we often assume this is related to youths’ universal desire to
drive, but when I listen to these articulate young people reflect on the
importance of a driver’s license, I am reminded that — in addition to all the
teenage motivations — they also are looking ahead to issues of housing,
education, employment and maintaining a connection to familiar adults.
Q. Not everyone has the good fortune to attend OYAB. What
would you suggest instead?
A. I would love to see every PCSA consider starting a local
YAB. The benefit to the youth is so important. These boards create a sense of
community and give youth-in-care an opportunity to engage with bright and
successful young adults who have navigated the child welfare system and are
living meaningful lives. I think these foster care alumni beget other success.
They give courage.
Q. You sound like a YAB convert.
A. I am. And, from a selfish standpoint, I think that the
YAB really benefits programming that I support. It is one more way to identify
those youth who might especially benefit from the services we can provide to
support educational and professional development.
I also want to encourage caseworkers and supervisors to take
advantage of the new Ohio Child Welfare Training Program course that we have
developed, called the Youth Development Curriculum. This includes
representatives from OYAB to help teach others how to work with older youth.
There is an exercise called “Mind Field” that I think is profound. It reminded
me that it is not the loudest voice that gets heard; youth gravitate toward the
quiet voice that nurtures. I think we tend to shout.
Q. What one thing do you think caseworkers can do to help
youth transition to independence?
A. Start earlier. Our rules require that preparation for
independent living begins at 16, but two years is a really short time to
accomplish all that needs to occur. There is nothing that prohibits our work
from beginning at 14, for example. These are skills that all young adults need,
regardless of where they reside.
Q. Anything else?
A. I am very much involved in community service, especially
a group called Jack and Jill. So much of what that group is founded on
resonates in my job, but I try to incorporate the tenets they project: To
create a medium of contact for children, which will simulate their growth and
development, and seek for ALL children the same advantages we desire for our
own.
Q. You’ll be happy to know that Doris Edelman from Montgomery
County Children Services Board says you have “intentional listening skills that
allow youth to feel comfortable to speak honestly.”
A. That feels good. I hope people know that even though OFC
staff don’t often have direct contact with youth and families, we care.
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