2016 DC Sightseeing and Journeys Home

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Thursday was a day to relax and celebrate the many accomplishments that youth had made during their fourth annual trip to DC. ACTION Ohio (Alumni of Care Together Improving Outcomes Now) was honored to sponsor and facilitate this week’s adventure.

2016 Legislative Visits - Day Two

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Legislative Visits on Wednesday were followed up by a Celebratory Dinner, sponsored by Casey Family Programs.

2016 Legislative Visits - Day One

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On Tuesday and Wednesday, youth visited 15 legislators' offices to share their two proposals. They also attended a Capital Hill briefing by Bryan Samuels, the Executive Director of Chapin Hall. 

2016 Three Days on the Hill - Training and Meeting with HUD and HHS

On Monday morning, youth participated in training, preparation and practice.

Followed by a 4 pm meeting at HUD Headquarters in Julian Castro's official meeting room that included their staff and representatives from Health and Human Services, including the head of the Children's Bureau.

Youth brought two proposals:

1. HUD-FASH:  A foster care housing program based off an existing successful veteran housing program. The youth asked that this program be implemented and made into an Ohio demonstration project (make it happen and we will show that it can work)

2. A proposal regarding Chafee, which is existing funding to help youth aging out of care, but has been flat funded since 1999 (meanwhile, the number of youth served is increasing)