Raven's College Graduation

OHIO YAB Ambassador Raven Grice has attained a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art, a minor in Business from Cleveland State University, as well as certificates in pre-Art Therapy and Nonprofit Management. She graduated Cum Laude (with honors) yesterday, and depending on her grades, she might have attained Magna Cum Laude. Around her neck, she is wearing her Honors Medallion. She received a medal for being part of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and yesterday she wore the stole for that and the stole for being a Native American graduate. Great job, Raven!!!

Link to more photos.

Allen County Youth Advisory Board Presentation

On Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, Mattie Harrod presented in Allen County. Her presentation was titled, "Why the OHIO YAB?" and the topics she shared were:

• What is the OHIO YAB?
• What are the benefits to attending statewide meetings and maintaining a local YAB?
• What has the OHIO YAB accomplished?
• What do OHIO YAB statewide quarterly meetings look like?

Mattie's presentation was engaging and heartfelt:

• Mattie shared that the reason behind the OHIO YAB's ongoing efforts is: "Because, unfortunately, the system isn't perfect and there will always be another topic to bring to light."

• She mentioned that, "If I were to put even half of what the YAB has accomplished in here, you'd be here for hours and hours."

• She ended with her personal testimonial, which is pictured above. 

Mattie serves as President of the Allen County Youth Advisory Board. Her presentation inspired caseworker support to prioritize YAB involvement and led to four additional youth joining the Allen County Youth Advisory Board. 

Participant Praise for Youth Panelists during YCPRT Virtual Symposium

 

Youth Centered Permanency Roundtables ~ 2023 Virtual Symposium

 On Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, the OHIO YAB presented an overview, and encouraged counties to:

• Nominate Youth Ambassadors to the OHIO YAB
• Transport foster youth and young adults (ages 14-24) to statewide quarterly OHIO YAB meetings
• Create and maintain county/regional Youth Advisory Boards

Participants in the OHIO YAB Youth Panel were:

• Kevin of Clark County
• Jaylynn of Lorain County
• Aryunna of Montgomery County

Mattie of Allen County and Jahmie of Franklin County shared their insights about permanency during preparatory calls, but were unable to participate on the day of the Summit. 

Both Kevin and Jaylynn experienced Youth Centered Permanency Roundtables, and felt that it was a valuable experience. They felt that they were genuinely listened to, and that their outcomes had improved as a result of participating in YCPRTs:

• Kevin described permanency as, "The state of not worrying about where you are going to be for the foreseeable future."

• Jaylyyn talked about how much it means to her that, after she ages out of foster care, her foster parent will still be there for her. She's been assured that she will still be a part of the family, still on the Christmas list, and that there will still be a seat for her at the Thanksgiving table.

Aryunna had not experienced a Youth Centered Permanency Roundtable. She shared that it would have been helpful, particularly for a young person who is in a positive foster care placement in which they feel safe and cared for... In the meantime, Aryunna has maintained a network of post-emancipation support by staying in touch with her CASA and former caseworker, and through her relationships with her boyfriend and his mother. 

Youth felt that both life skills and caring connections are important in preparing for the transition into young adulthood. During preparatory calls, Mattie made the point that, "There are definitely programs to support them like Bridges and independent living. But if you don't do one of these, you don't have support. No one is reaching out to you or checking in on you if you don't have a case with them. It's like: Goodbye, see you later, and hope you're good."

Youth reflected the importance of caring adults in their lives: 

• Jaylynn mentioned that, "Lorain County caseworkers are like family to me because I've known them for so long. They've got my back and I know that pretty well. Basically, all I've known for six years is the foster care agency and caseworkers."
  
  
• When Kevin was asked to talk about his support network, he mentioned: "Half of Clark County JFS, my independent living mentors and my two caseworkers."  Kevin also shared his positive experience with Project Jericho, his artwork being shared in multiple venues, and how much it meant to be able to express himself. 
  
  
• Aryunna praised her former CASA for staying in her life and helping her with her resume, jobs and so much more. "It's really important to stay in touch with your caseworker and CASA, they can help you a lot."

During preparatory calls, Mattie also mentioned her caseworker, and the OHIO YAB as well. Youth discussed the reality that permanency comes in a number of ways. They mentioned that participating in the Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board is a way to connect with peer support, as is coming to annual Thanksgiving Together events. 

Virtual Meeting with Director Wente

Below is a follow-up message sent to Director Kara Wente after a virtual meeting with her and twelve representatives of the OHIO YAB on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. 

Director Wente,

Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with us at a time that we are available and thanks for being willing to do so on evenings and even weekends if needed. Sunday nights at 6 pm work best for us, but we can often make Wednesday or Thursday nights at 6 pm or later work as well. 

Thank you so much for inviting our feedback, because as we looked at the current website for the new Ohio Department of Children and Youth, and as we looked at the list of priorities and goals, we did not yet see ourselves and feel included. We care and understand that this website and these efforts are in a transition stage, and we would love to be of help and support. 

The OHIO YAB recommends that the website of the new Ohio Department of Children and Youth include a “Youth Page.” Currently, the website only has tabs for Families, Providers and Partners. Since the department’s mission statement is: “To place children at the core of its mission to promote positive, lifelong outcomes for all Ohio youth,” we believe that a subpage on their website for Youth is needed.

We can and understand that the Department has not hired a new Communications person yet. As Aaron mentioned last night, “I cannot wait to meet the new Communications Director when we are gifted with that beautiful human!”

When it comes to the future “Youth” page on the website, we would love to work together on two goals:

1.) Resources: For the Youth Page to include resources for teens and young adults who lack family support. Not every young person has a family that they can rely on; they need and deserve access to information and resources as well. We are including an attached summary of resource links that Ohio youth leaders have recommended be included on the future Youth subpage of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth website.

As one of our youth leaders mentioned last night, as a youth without family support transitioning into young adulthood: “It’s so hard for get information to even know about resources. They are not accessible if you don’t have someone who knows. This makes it 10 times harder.”

While a “Youth” page on the Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s website can never replace the need for caring adults to coach, support and encourage teens and young adults, it can inform those caring adults and the youth themselves. 

2.) Photos of Teens and Young Adults: Again, we would love to help with this, once the new Communications staff member is hired. When youth reviewed the current website, they noticed that: “It’s not really focused on teens. It seems focused on ages 10 and under. There is no representation of teens in the photos on the website, just families and children and focused on the first years.”

One of our youth leaders asked last night, “Speaking as someone who entered the system at three years old age, and re-entered at 10 years old, we (the teens and young adults) are the children that you wanted to help. Where is the focus on older youth? What made you all steer towards younger children?”

She added, “We are those same three-year-olds. We are just older now.” 

When it comes to the Department’s website --- and, ultimately, the Department’s goals, it would be wonderful if the voices, experiences and outcomes of teens and young adults who lack family privilege could have greater representation. And, again, we would love to help.

As one of our youth leaders, Aaron, shared at the end of the call:

• Thank you for giving me the opportunity to listen in on this insightful meeting tonight. It sparked a deeper conviction in my soul. 

• Director Wente, my gratitude goes out to you for a most well-presented gathering. I feel you hear our passion and truly will be a voice in rooms we might not be able to at this moment.

• Director Duesen, my gratitude goes to you for sharing and giving us space to be heard.

• To all our youth that shared tonight - you were phenomenal, and you spoke for my heart.

Aaron recommended: "Let's stay connected with regards to a follow-up Zoom meet together! Having a Progress Tracking Report would be amazing."

Geauga County Event, Focusing on Youth Who Lack Family Privilege

The OHIO YAB recently assisted with planning and preparation for a Geauga County event about: "Young People Who Lack Family Privilege In and Out of the Foster Care System”

This event took place on Monday, October 23, 2023 at the Federated Church of Chagrin Falls from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. 

The focus was on Social Justice Issues for Youth Who Lack Family Privilege:

• Promoting a better understanding of the challenges youth face when transitioning into young adulthood and how community members can support them.

• This includes:
• Those who experience foster care and either reunify or "age out" of it.
• Those entrusted to residential or kinship care.
• Those who are adopted and the adoptions fall through.
• Those who were never in foster care, but still face young adulthood without support. 

• Letting community members know how they can wrap support around youth and young adults in the community who lack family privilege.

Many thanks to:

• Brooke and Melanie of Geauga County Job and Family Services for helping to identify and prepare the two youth speakers, and for sharing about Geauga County resources. They also assisted in facilitated questions and answers portion. 

• Andrea Pollock of Next Step, for sharing her work to support youth ages 18-24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including youth who have never been in foster care but perhaps should have been. 

2023 October OHIO YAB Statewide Quarterly Meeting

 

Link to additional photos.

 

Link to PDF of slides.

Sibling Connections Matter

On Friday, October 6, Abdul’s testimonial about why sibling connections matter was published and shared throughout the state in ODJFS’ First Friday publication.

Link to read his testimony.

Encouraging each of Ohio's 88 counties to support foster youth involvement in the OHIO YAB

On Wednesday, September 27, Raven presented on behalf of the OHIO YAB during the ODJFS bi-monthly touchpoint with county agencies. 

The meeting agenda was:

1. Welcome – Kari Akins                                              
2. News You Can Use - Vincent Ciola
3. Workforce- Melissa Palmer 
4. Kinship/Grandparents Month – Becky Murray and Lynn Sowards
5. Supported Rule and Practice Strategies–Ashley Keller and Sharla O’Keeffe
6. Ohio Independent Reporting Tool- Laurie Valentine 
7. Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board - Raven Grice  
8. Court Engagement- Jenn Reed and Tequilla Washington

Raven invited Ohio county public children’s service agencies to:

• Nominate youth to serve as OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors on the statewide board
• Create and maintain local or regional Youth Advisory Boards

Raven shared the benefits of YAB participation for organizations, professionals and the youth themselves:

 

OHIO YAB receives Social Justice award

On Friday, September 22, 2023, the Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board (OHIO YAB) was deeply honored to receive a Central Ohio Social Justice Award, alongside fellow recipients: Star House and Huckleberry House.

Link to more photos.

Incorporating Youth Perspectives into the Mandated Reporter Curriculum

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, a virtual meeting was held with the Ohio Children's Trust Fund, Briljent and Scale Strategic Solutions. Dorothy Striker and Laurie Valentine were on the call to be of support. 

Discussion included: 

1.) The OHIO YAB issue brief on youth safety

2.) Jonathan' Thomas' Op Ed 

3.) The recent presentation on county child abuse hotlines

4.) Efforts to safeguard youth who run away to escape abuse

5.) How Ohio was the last state in the nation to make police mandated reporters

Mattie's insights about ESSA

OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Mattie Harrod created a video regarding the Every Student Succeeds Act and opportunities to improve K-12 outcomes for Ohio foster youth, which was shared as part of a workshop during the PCSAO conference on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023.

Mattie's goal in creating this video was to map out the supports needed by K-12 foster youth at school.

The federal Every Student Succeeds Act, as passed in December 2015, makes a lot of promises on paper that ultimately need to be both funded and held accountable on a federal, state and local level. 

For now, in Ohio (the state of 88 counties), it is up to the voices of tenacious and courageous youth leaders like Mattie, as well as caring ally organizations such as the Ohio Department of Education, to advocate for ESSA support to be a consistent part of the foster youth experience.

Youth who self-report being abused should be taken seriously

The Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board is a statewide organization of young people (aged 14-24) who have experienced foster care. The OHIO YAB exists to be the knowledgeable statewide voice that influences policies and practices that impact youth who have or will experience out of home care.

On Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, the OHIO YAB held a virtual meeting with ODJFS Leadership to discuss concerns about child abuse hotlines screening out youth who self report being abused. OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors Rory, KC and Raven participated. 

2023 Self Care Summit for Foster Youth and Alumni

Link to more photos.

September is Self-Care Awareness Month, and the OHIO YAB and ACTION Ohio partnered with Hope Valley and the Ohio Supreme Court to facilitate a self care retreat for current and former foster youth (ages 14-24).

The 2023 Self Care Summit for Ohio Foster Care Youth and Alumni took place on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at the Hope Valley Retreat Center, 4560 Gratiot Rd SE, Newark, OH 43056. 

Activities included:

• Icebreaker balls, with prompts designed by foster youth for foster youth
• Creation Station: Rock painting and making bath bombs 
• Labyrinth Activity, facilitated by Hope Valley staff 
• Red Flags activity, with physical red and green flags 
• Self Calming activities and tools, such as creating an internal safe place  

We are deeply grateful to the Ohio Supreme Court for sponsorship, Hope Valley for hosting, adult supporters for transporting youth, and to two CSCC professors for facilitating self-care activities.

We received RSVPs from Allen, Athens, Belmont, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lawrence, Licking, Lorain, Perry, and Van Wert counties. 

Praise for Erik's presentation

Please let Erik know how much we appreciated hearing from him. There was so much shared that we can really take away from the presentation. He was an amazing speaker and shared some really powerful things. The idea of having to learn to value yourself because you are so undervalued, and getting so tired of people saying the wrong thing that you’re surprised when they actually say it correctly. It really made me think about how I can be a better ally and advocate.

ODJFS: Let's Break to Educate

On Tuesday, August 29th, OHIO YAB Ambassador Erik participated as a virtual panelist for an ODJFS "Let's Break to Educate" session. The focus was on how to support LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults in and from foster care.

Questions included:

• How does discrimination and bias impact LGBTQ youth and adults who are in child welfare, including foster and adoptive parents?
• Considering your own experience, how can a support system help with resiliency when facing discrimination or bullying?
• What does allyship look like?
• Trans youth face additional microaggressions and discrimination, such as misgendering, deadnaming, all the way up to denial of appropriate medical care. With the current issues facing the trans community, how might we address these issues or support trans individuals?  

During his time in foster care, Erik spent a lot of time explaining to his foster parents:

 

• The gender and sexuality aren’t the same thing.

• That gender is a spectrum/continuum.

• That sexuality is a spectrum/continuum.

• Helping them understand terms.

• Letting them know which terms not to use.

He emphasizes the importance of foster parents being willing to learn in this area:

• "None of my foster parents understood right away, but I remember and still stay in touch with the ones who were willing to learn.”

• "It feels so different when the person you are talking to or living with is trying to understand.”

• "Foster parents, it might not be a big deal to you, but it’s a big deal to us. It reflects you caring about our life, who we are and what we have to deal with on a daily basis.”

• “Please… Be willing to listen. Be willing to learn. See the young person as a resource.”

The OHIO YAB has begun working on a resource pathfinder for LGBTQIA+ foster youth. 

OHIO YAB Evaluation of the (very first) Youth Ombudsman Report

The OHIO YAB Evaluation of the Youth Ombudsman Annual Report was submitted this morning, and is based on a series of youth focus groups, as well as outreach suggestions shared by youth during yesterday's statewide OHIO YAB meeting.

Section 5101.892 of the Ohio Revised Code requires within 60 days of the release of the Youth Ombudsman Report, the OHIO YAB is required (and empowered) by law to provide an evaluation to both Governor DeWine and Youth Ombudsman Jenny Stotts.

Ohio foster care youth and alumni are deeply grateful that that the Youth Ombudsman Office was established. Their evaluation begins by thanking the Office, thanking the Governor, and thanking the agencies whose work has intersected with the Youth Ombudsman Office.

As illustrated by the annual report, this new Office is accomplishing amazing work. In the success stories listed on pages 36-38, a young adult was able to avoid homelessness, a teen was able to attain a driver’s permit, a youth whose rights had been violated was able to address those concerns, and so much more. 

Many thanks to Youth Ombudsman Jenny Stotts and Assistant Youth Ombudsman Jeff Phillips for their tireless dedication. Thanks also to Kim Eckhart of the Children's Defense Fund-Ohio for her support when we were advocating for the establishment of this office. 

Jenny Stotts, Kim Eckhart and Jeff Phillips

2023 July OHIO YAB Statewide Quarterly Meeting

Link to more photos.

2023 Ohio Juvenile Court Clerks Conference

Link to more photos.

Jahmie Woods and Lyric Ruffin presented the opening session for the 2023 Ohio Juvenile Court Clerks Conference, on Thursday, June 29, 2023. The titles of the session was “Faces to Cases,” and both youth speakers were well-prepared and well-spoken. 

Feedback from participants was that:

• Being able to listen to the stories of youth that I see coming into our court daily is very eye-opening and inspiring. 
• Appreciated hearing youth’s perspectives. 
• Extremely powerful and motivating. 
• Great presentation of sharing their stories. 
• Great to put a face to our work. 
• Great way to start the conference!
• Having Youth Speakers really puts into perspective the day to day of their lives.
• I cannot express enough the appreciation for sharing of stories. 
• To have speakers who have actually been through the foster care system was both moving and informative. 
• The Youth Speakers were very good. Helped to establish an emotional connection and I was impressed with their professionalism. 
• Perfect. I would not change a thing. Keep up the great work. 

2023 OHIO YAB Graduation Photos

Jaleshia Brown

Jaleshia Brown and Antonio Lavelle are former foster youth who serve as support staff for the Hamilton County Youth Advisory Board. Jaleshia recently spoke at a graduation event for Hamilton County foster youth, and Antonio was there to be of support. During the event, 20 additional youth were recruited to be a part of the Hamilton County Youth Advisory Board. Jaleshia previously received her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati in 2021. 

OHIO YAB Ambassador Jewel Harris attained her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing earlier this year. She had previously received an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. Both degrees are from the University of Northwestern Ohio. Jewel plans to attend Wright State University this fall. 

Kyajah Rodriguez recently received her Bachelors of Political Science, Pre-Law. During her time at Ohio University, Ky participated as a Promise Scholar, a Margaret Boyd Scholar and a member of her residence hall council. She will be returning to Ohio University in the fall to pursue a Masters degree. 

Link to more photos. 

Jewel Harris and Kyajah Rodriguez

Jewel's Perspective: Lead With Love

OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Jewel Harris is in the process of becoming a foster parent. She recently shared her insights as part of the Perspectives series of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services.

2023 Governor's Press Conference ~ videos featuring Jewel and Diamond

At age 19, OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Jewel created a video about why community members should foster teens. At age 24, she is in the the process becoming a licensed foster parent. She and her former foster parent Diamond, co-presented during a statewide Foster Care Month Panel. Jewel also created this video to support the Governor’s press conference the next day.

Diamond shared that Jewel came into her life at age 17, stayed with her for six months, and that the two of them have remained in contact for 7 years. 

Quote from Diamond, "I became a foster parent because of my mother, and now she (Jewel) is becoming a foster parent because of me."

2023 Foster Care Month Panel

Link to more photos.

OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Jewel Harris and her former foster parent Diamond Carter Enayazi, co-presented during a statewide Foster Care Month Panel with Youth Ombudsman Jenny Stotts and ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder. Jewel and Diamond's passion to #FosterTeens was shared on the Ohio Channel as part of the Perspectives series. 

Jewel Harris is a former foster youth and has recently been approved as a trainer through the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program. She is an OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador and has presented at ODJFS All Staff Events and mentored younger youth leaders in her role. At age 19, Jewel created a video about why community members should foster teens. At age 24, she is in the process becoming a licensed foster parent. 

Diamond Carter Enayzi is a writer, award-winning entrepreneur and a foster mother of 12 years. She has fostered over 48 teens and currently has a household of 10. Diamond prides herself on giving motherhood 100% when it comes to teaching life skills and financial literacy to the teens in her care. In the future, she plans to open a group home for teens to support them in preparing for successful futures. 

Message of thanks from OHIO YAB leadership

To Lisa and ACTION Ohio,

I am writing to express our sincerest thanks for all that you do as an advocate, mentor, and friend to the youth in Ohio. Your dedication and hard work on behalf of our cause is truly invaluable and greatly appreciated. Your tireless efforts to provide support and guidance to the young people in our communities is inspiring, and your commitment to ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met is truly commendable. We are so grateful for the time, energy, and resources that you have invested in our organization and the youth of Ohio. Without your support, we would not be able to achieve the positive outcomes we strive for. Your contributions have made a significant difference in the lives of so many, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support. 

Once again, thank you for everything that you do. Please know that your efforts are valued and appreciated more than we can express.

With love,

Jewel Harris, OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador

Hamilton County Youth Advisory Board

The Hamilton County Youth Advisory Board has officially been relaunched. The first meeting was held on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

 In the words of Jaleshia Brown, "After 11 months of trying to revitalize the Hamilton County Youth Advisory Board... We finally had our first meeting, and it was a huge success. Being able to provide a safe space for foster youth and alumni to voice their experiences to influence and change policies and legislations is absolutely empowering."

She added: "We are not victims of our circumstances. We are survivors; we are fighters; we are strong. We are the authors of our own stories."

Representatives of the OHIO YAB were in touch earlier in the week, to help prepare and to be of support. We are so proud of Jay Bee for not giving up on this... and many thanks to Antonio Lavelle for being there to support. 

 

Jewel Harris interviewed by Haley Nelson of ABC6 and Fox28

 

OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Jewel Harris was recently interviewed by reporter Haley Nelson. The interview aired on ABC6 and Fox28 news on Friday May 5, 2023. 

Jewel shared her insights as a former foster youth who is soon to become a foster parent, and an approved child welfare through the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program:

Jewel Harris is 24 years old now. But at ages three and 13, Harris told ABC6/FOX28 she went into foster care.

"You'll wake up one day, and you'll go to school, and then you'll get out of school, and all your stuff will be packed up full of trash bags...and someone's picking you up like, 'oh, yeah, you're moving'," Harris said.

She moved across Northwest Ohio, becoming, she says, very self-sufficient in the process. "Like 13 going on 30. The caseworkers didn't really have much of an interest into my daily life," she said.

Harris now does advocacy work. She says she is also involved in the training of caseworkers and families, and more.

"I understand that caseworkers are vital," Harris said. "I understand that they're not getting paid, you know as much as the work that they put in...there are not enough caseworkers for all these kiddos. I understand all of these things. However, my only recommendation would be to increase it; the increase the substance within the trainings."

She's sharing her experiences with foster care and caseworkers, as ABC6/FOX28 continues to look into the system, and the role caseworkers play in the lives of kids.

Harris is taking the next step on her own journey: from foster child to potential foster parent.

"How can I help? How can I help fill that gap? And honestly, I've been through a lot, and I've learned a lot and I feel like everything that I've ever went through is so that other people can learn," she said.

Raven Grice, FosterClub Outstanding Young Leader

OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Raven Grice was recently honored by FosterClub for being an Outstanding Young Leader.

“I feel like I have a purpose to fulfill. I am in the final stretch of college, and I am hoping to make changes in the foster system so that those after me can live their lives without some of the struggles that my fellow peers or I went through.”

Raven has great ambition to help make a difference in other people’s lives. She is a member of the Ohio Youth Advisory Board, the Young Adult Advisory Council, and the Mentee Advisory Council through College Now. She is also the president of three clubs at her university.

Once she graduates, Raven plans to open an art studio space where anyone can receive trauma resources and learn about art as a healing tool. She hopes to partner with other local organizations to provide counseling through her studio, as well. Raven’s determination to make a difference and brighten other people’s lives is what keeps her going.

FosterClub’s Outstanding Young Leaders recognition award and scholarship program recognizes incredible young people whose brilliance and resilience makes a big impact in their communities. These young people embody leadership and service, and make a difference by advocating for their peers in foster care.

Each Outstanding Young Leader Award winner receives a $500 scholarship for education or personal development. Winners are invited to become members of FosterClub's Lived Experience (LEx) Leader network. Our 200+ members have ongoing paid service opportunities to partner with FosterClub to support their peers in foster care and to help improve the system.

Outstanding Young Leaders are celebrated on FosterClub's website and social media channels throughout the month of May, in recognition of National Foster Care Month.

2023 April OHIO YAB Meeting

Link to more photos.

Op Ed by Jonathan Thomas

As a former foster youth and a person of color, I am concerned that efforts to renew a federal law that exists to protect youth from abuse have repeatedly been delayed. Concerns have been expressed by biological parents and their allies that foster care systems demonize poverty and promote white supremacy and classism. The voices that are missing in national discussions regarding the renewal of this bill are those of young people who have experienced familial abuse personally.

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) provides federal funding to states to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect. It requires states to facilitate mandated reporting and procedures to respond to ensure children’s safety. This federal bill expired in 2015 and is still awaiting renewal.

Foster care is imperfect and many aspects of it can be improved. However, without foster care, my siblings and I would have continued to experience abuse without intervention. As a child, I often wished that someone would stop by my house and witness the abuse that my siblings and I were experiencing. I hear stories about other kids whose summers were filled with sunny day adventures. My summers were filled with abuse and fear.

Being placed in foster care created a seismic shift from the environment of my childhood. It gave me a new understanding that a home could be physically and emotionally safe. It provided me with a different mindset about relationships and what it means to be a man.

Claims have been made by family rights advocates that Children’s Services has a hidden agenda to surveil and regulate families of color, for the purpose of taking more youth into care. What I’ve witnessed is the opposite: Within the overworked foster care system, young people of color must often report their abuse many times before their voices are heard.

The abuse that took place within my family was deeply ingrained and life-threatening. We were deliberately insulated from authorities by my father, and told, “What happens in the home stays in the home.” It was my sister who found the courage to tell a teacher what was happening. Even after doing so, she had to take the next step and run away, to further demonstrate the danger of our living situation.

It’s important to note that disproportionality among races within the foster care system exists -- but it does not exist within a vacuum. Our nation’s housing, education, health care and policing systems are overshadowed by a history of racial inequities and racist practices. Addressing those structural issues will help improve outcomes for families of color. Linking families with services and resources can assist in many circumstances. But, in situations of abuse, the safety of youth can never be sacrificed. 

As a survivor of abuse, I want to emphasize that children and teens of all races and ethnicities deserve to be protected. It is vitally important that youth safety remains first and foremost. Experiencing abuse as a child doesn’t just impact your present – without intervention, it can undermine your future. At the very time as a child when you are developing autonomy, the abusive surroundings are robbing it from you.

When it comes to national conversations regarding the renewal of the CAPTA legislation, there is one more voice that hasn’t and cannot be heard: The voices of children and teens who have lost their lives due to abuse.

A 2021 study by Case Western Reserve University’s Schubert Center for Child Studies revealed that Cuyahoga County’s “rate of confirmed abuse or neglect-related child deaths is significantly higher than the national average.”

In my role as a Youth Ambassador for the OHIO YAB (Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board), I will continue to advocate for safeguards to protect today’s young people. My goal is to leave a legacy of better and ongoing protections for those who experience abuse as a child.

~ Jonathan Thomas credits the foster-care system with turning around his life and that of his siblings after they suffered abuse as children and were removed into foster care. He currently serves as a youth ambassador for the Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board, a statewide organization of youth ages 14 to 21 who’ve experienced foster care.

Sibling Connections Matter

 From the February 2023 ODJFS First Friday publication:

2023 OHIO YAB meeting with the Governor's Office and Ohio Department of Education

 

On Monday, January 30, 2023, the OHIO YAB held a meeting with Kara Wente and Lillian Clossman of ODJFS and Wendy Grove and Jessica Horowitz-Moore of the Ohio Department of Education.

The presentation was shared by OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors Mattie, Raven and Cynthia. Alexys also dedicated her time ahead of time to help prepare the presentation. 

The discussion focused on Educational Supports for Ohio Foster Youth, in Grades K-12.  Although the Every Student Succeeds Act requires school districts to have Foster Care Liaisons to support students K-12 in/from foster care, these positions exist on paper, but not consistently in practice. This leads to missed opportunities to promote to Ohio’s foster youth and to seek to positively impact their educational outcomes.

Youth shared a vision:

• For district Foster Care Liaisons throughout the state to be designated not only by name, but also by training, support and their daily actions to support our vulnerable population

• For district Foster Care Liaisons throughout the state to receive mandatory training in order to be well-informed about the rights and resources of foster youth

• For district Foster Care Liaisons throughout the state to consistently demonstrate initiative to proactively reach out to foster youth in grades K-12

They suggested that the following training(s) be put in place:

January 2023 OHIO YAB Meeting

Link to more photos.

 

Future Youth Presentation to Cuyahoga County leadership

Link to review the slides. 

 

Youth Leaders Discuss Safety Concerns for Cuyahoga County Youth

Councilwoman Yvonne Conwell

On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, Cieria Roman, Raven Grice and Lisa Dickson participated in a virtual meeting with Councilwoman Yvonne Conwell and Policy Advisor LeVine Ross to discuss safety concerns related to Cuyahoga County youth, especially those that have been spending the nights in the Jane Edna Hunter building on a regular basis since 2018.

This was preceded by a prior meeting with Councilman Dale Miller, during which he recommended that we speak with Councilwoman Conwell.

Ohio youth leaders shared their concerns and recommendations, and how important that it is to have foster care youth and alumni at the table. Because it is our lived experience that brings a sense of urgency. Today's youth and young adults often come up with creative solutions that others might not think of...

As Cieria said, “We come ready, we come with our hearts, we come with solutions. These are our brothers and sisters and this is our legacy.”

We also shared:

• Raven's written testimonial about the need for Independent Living Departments

• The work that the OHIO YAB has done on Life Skills Training 

• The videos created by Jewel Harris and Marissa Alcorn and her chosen family to recruit foster parents for teens, and Kelsie’s three part video about What It’s Like to Be a Teen Mom in Foster Care and What Teen Moms in Foster Care Need From Their Foster Parents and that Teen Moms in Foster Care Have Rights and Resources

Councilwoman Yvonne Conwell followed up by sending a message of thanks, and some ideas for next steps forward. 

Ohio Foster Youth Advocacy in 2023

In 2022... 

• Ohio's very first Youth Ombudsman's Office was created. 

• Ohio foster youth helped design a training pathway to aid foster parents in supporting youth with Life Skills and the essential elements of interdependence. 

• Ohio youth leaders created a three-part video series to support teen moms in foster care, and shared insights about the ICCA form, CANS assessment and Tiered Foster Care. 
  
  

2023 will be a year of continued advocacy for...

• Concrete supports for former foster youth after the age of 21.

• Better safeguards for youth who run away from abusive situations, and continued conversations with the Cuyahoga County Council.

• Hosting a Self Care Summit for current and former foster youth.