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: