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.