Raven's article for Table Sense

On Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Raven Grice's article was published in a Table Sense publication. 

Housing: How it’s All Connected

Transitioning from foster care to adulthood is a significant period of change for young people ages 17-21. Transitioning out can be scary, frustrating, and bring up many different emotions and traumas for young adults. Youth aging out of foster care are expected to take on adult responsibilities while simultaneously navigating education, employment, finances, relationships, healthcare, and housing. Although these areas are sometimes taught as separate independent living skills, they are connected. Successful adulthood is not simply about being able to live independently without assistance. It is also about knowing how to use relationships, community resources, mentors, and support systems to create stability. This concept can be described as interdependent living.

Interdependent living demonstrates how housing can serve as the center that connects the key areas of a youth's life. The model places housing at the core of interdependence and surrounds it with relationships, planning, mentoring, education, workforce development, health, vital records, food security, budgeting, and assessments. These areas represent the skills and supports that help a young person obtain housing, maintain housing, and build a stable life after foster care.

For youth aging out of foster care, housing is more than having a physical place to sleep. Stable housing provides a foundation from which young people can pursue education, employment, relationships, health care, financial stability, and long-term goals. At the same time, these other areas directly affect whether a young person can successfully maintain housing. Therefore, independent living skills and interdependent living are connected through housing.

Independent Living Skills and the Transition to Adulthood

Independent living skills are the practical abilities young people need to manage the responsibilities of adulthood. These skills may include budgeting, cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, transportation, employment, communication, decision-making, and obtaining important documents. For housing, this means understanding a lease, reviewing it with a caseworker, knowing what questions to ask a landlord, scheduling tours, and identifying key lease portions. For youth in foster care, independent living preparation is particularly important because many young people may have fewer opportunities to practice these skills within a consistent family environment. However, knowing how to perform a skill does not always translate to being able to apply it effectively in real-life situations or navigate the challenges that come with it.

This is where interdependent living becomes important: successful adulthood is not about doing everything alone but knowing when and where to ask for help. For youth transitioning out of care, this also means recognizing that they have agency in deciding who they include in their lives and consider chosen family.

Housing as the Center of Interdependent Living

Housing is at the center of successful independent living for foster youth aging out of care, providing the stability needed to maintain employment, pursue education, manage health, and build positive relationships. A safe, consistent home also gives youth who have experienced out-of-home care the opportunity to develop essential life skills. For former foster youth, stable housing can be especially important in avoiding the stress and retraumatization that can come with housing instability. Ultimately, housing is both a foundation for independence and a key part of helping young adults build the skills and stability they need to thrive.

Relationships and Supportive Connections

Strong relationships are an essential part of stable housing, especially for youth aging out of foster care. Supportive connections can provide the guidance and encouragement young adults need as they navigate housing and other responsibilities of independence. Youth who have experienced out-of-home care need a supportive safety net more than peers their age. 

Assessments and Individualized Skill Development

Assessments such as life skills assessments help identify a young person’s strengths, needs, and areas where additional support may be needed. By avoiding assumptions and recognizing that every youth is unique, assessments can help professionals create individualized goals and focus support where it will have the greatest impact. 

Budgeting and Financial Stability

Budgeting is important for housing stability because young adults must manage more than just rent, including utilities, food, transportation, and more. Learning financial skills such as saving, tracking spending, prioritizing needs, and preparing for unexpected expenses can help reduce the risk of housing instability. Youth may also need support accessing benefits, housing programs, and other resources that can strengthen their financial stability.

Food Security

Housing stability also depends on having consistent access to food. Youth who have experienced out-of-home care suffer more trauma than their peers from not having their needs met, and thus need more support developing skills like meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and budgeting, while also learning how to access community resources when needed. Seeking assistance through food pantries and other programs is an important part of independence.

Vital Records and Documentation

Access to important documents, such as identification cards, birth certificates, and Social Security records, is essential for securing housing, employment, education, and other services. Youth aging out of foster care may not always have access to these documents and may need support obtaining, replacing, and maintaining them. 

Education and Workforce Development

Employment and education are connected to long-term housing stability. Reliable income helps young people obtain and maintain housing, while workforce development can build job skills, support career planning, and connect youth to employment opportunities. Education, vocational training, and certifications can increase earning potential and provide temporary housing options such as dorms. Housing, education, and employment form a cycle: stable housing supports success in school and work, while education and employment create greater opportunities to secure and maintain stable housing.

Health and Wellness

Health is another critical component of housing. Physical and mental health can directly affect a young person's ability to maintain employment, attend school, manage finances, and care for a household. Youth aging out of foster care may need to learn how to schedule appointments, communicate with health-care providers, understand medications or health instructions, and identify community health resources. Mental and emotional wellness is equally important because stress associated with housing, finances, employment, and relationships can affect overall functioning.

Interdependent living encourages young people to recognize when they need assistance and identify appropriate sources of support. This may include health professionals, counselors, mentors, trusted adults, or community organizations.

Mentoring and Skill Transfer

Mentors help youth apply independent living skills in everyday situations by offering guidance, problem-solving support, and encouragement. For young people aging out of foster care, consistent mentors can provide stability while helping them navigate housing, budgeting, and other adult responsibilities. 

The Connection Between Independent and Interdependent Living

Independent and interdependent living should not be viewed as opposites. Independent living means having the skills and confidence to manage one's life. Interdependent living recognizes that successful adults also rely on relationships, systems, resources, and communities.

For example, consider a young person who is preparing to move into their first apartment. Independent living skills might include knowing how to:

• Create and follow a budget
• Prepare meals
• Clean and maintain the apartment
• Pay bills
• Communicate with a landlord
• Use public transportation
• Maintain employment
• Schedule appointments
• Keep important documents organized

Interdependent living adds another layer. The young person also needs to know:

• Who they can call when they have a problem
• Where to find housing assistance
• How to access food resources
• How to locate employment services
• Where to obtain replacement documents
• How to identify community health resources
• How to maintain healthy relationships
• When to ask for help
• How to advocate for themselves

Together, these skills create a stronger foundation for adulthood.

Life skills assessments and emancipation or transition plans can also be used together to identify areas of strength and areas where additional practice is needed. The goal should not simply be to prepare youth to leave foster care. The goal should be to prepare them to remain stable after leaving foster care.

Conclusion

Interdependent living demonstrates that housing is not an isolated need for youth aging out of foster care, but part of a larger system of relationships, resources, education, employment, health, and support. While independent living skills help young people navigate adulthood, interdependent living recognizes that everyone relies on relationships, communities, mentors, and resources. Preparing youth for adulthood should not mean expecting them to do everything alone, but rather helping them build the skills, confidence, connections, and support networks needed to create and sustain a stable life. 

2026 DCY KIDS Summit

Link to more photos.

On Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, the DCY KIDS Summit took place. OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors Alexys and Dalen did a wonderful job representing youth throughout Ohio. They were able to meet the Governor, discuss important issues with Ohio legislators, and take photos with Maurice Clarett and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel.

Suits Sorting with the Franklin County YAB

On Saturday, August 29, 2026, members of the Franklin County Youth Advisory Board assisted in sorting Suits for Success, in preparation for the 2027 Leadership and Life Skills Summit.

OHIO YAB Representation on Legislative Study Committtee

On Monday, August 24, 2206, the first meeting of the Study Committee to Evaluate the Placement of Delinquent Children in Residential Facilities was held. The OHIO YAB is a member of this committee, and our joint representatives are Addison Torrence and Caidyn Bearfield.  The next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026. 

The charge of the committee is as follows:

The Committee shall do all of the following regarding children who are alleged to be or have been adjudicated delinquent and are in the custody of a public children services agency or private child placing agency:

1. Evaluate the placement of such children in residential facilities;
2. Evaluate the existing system, resources, and services used to support such children;
3. Identify gaps in the availability of appropriate residential facilities, resources, and services to serve such children; and
4. Make recommendations for changes to meet the needs of such children.

 During the meeting, Director Kara Wente of DCY shared this overview: 

And this chart:

Along with these definitions:

• Group Home for children: A certified, staffed facility that provides round-the-clock care for a small group of children (up to 10) who aren't related to the caregivers. A more home-scale setting.
• Children’s Residential Center (CRC): The same kind of certified, staffed, round-the-clock facility, but larger, serving 11 or more children. A more institutional-scale setting.
• Detention Facility: Facility established under Section 2152.41 of the Revised Code for the care and temporary confinement of children under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court who are alleged to be delinquent or whose cases are pending.

And the current number of DCY certified facilities: (this does not include the DBH ones)

A recent survey was conducted in March 2025, and there were 1,031 respondents statewide. It focused on three areas: 

Facility Operations: How the facility runs day to day: staffing, condition, and effectiveness.  

Operational challenges centered on (a.) staff turnover, (b.) staffing levels/scheduling, (c.) communication between shifts 

 98% of supervisors said it was difficult to find high quality staff.  

 From a training standpoint, over 20% of survey participants listed "navigating disabilities" as their most difficult duty. 

The Children in Care: Whether children feel safe and the challenges they face in placement.

Staff and Oversight: Confidence, capacity, and the barriers to finding and keeping quality staff.

98% of supervisors said it was difficult to find high quality staff.  

Barriers to recruitment had to do with the emotional toll of the work, the level of pay, concerns about staff safety and the hours required.

When it comes to placing children in the least restrictive environment, federal law requires group or institutional placements to be time-limited, trauma-informed, and judicially reviewed, with the goal of returning the young person to their community as quickly as possible. 

When licensing agencies do health checks, they focus on these five areas:

Being a Qualified Residential Treatment Center comes with additional requirements:

It's important to note that some facilities are licensed through the Department of Children and Youth, and others through the Department of Behavioral Health. Between July 2024-2026, DCY took steps to improving policies, monitoring and staff training. 

2026 Ohio Supreme Court Videotaping

Link to photos. 

On Monday, August 17, 2026, OHIO YAB representatives filmed a video at the Ohio Supreme Court to train GALs as part of an upcoming virtual symposium. 

In the words of Shy, one of the the youth participants: 

• "Full-circle moment at the Supreme Court of Ohio in Columbus... We had the opportunity to participate in an in-person video recording where we shared our experiences and perspectives as current and former foster youth. Our voices will be used to help train Guardians ad Litem (GALs) as part of a statewide symposium.

• "It means so much knowing that our stories and experiences can help shape how future youth in foster care are represented, supported and heard. Our voices matter. Our experiences matter. And youth deserve to have a seat at the table when decisions are being made about them."

OHIO YAB Training Videos for 211 Operators

OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors are hard at work creating videos to train 211 staff members throughout the state about resources to support young people in and from foster care: 

• Alana's video lets Ohio 211 operators know the value of Ohio ETV,  and why they should let young people know about it when they call. 

• Raven's video shares the history of the Youth Ombudsman Office, and situations in which Ohio 211 operators should refer youth to this resource. 

Alana's Article for DCY Tuesday Times

Link to more photos.

My experience as an ETV Student Ambassador at UC Blue Ash as part of the CATALYST Summer Bridge Program was a great one. As someone who previously attended UC Blue Ash, it was especially meaningful to return to the campus in a different role and have the opportunity to speak with students about my experiences as well as understand and motivate them to first not feel pressured. I shared my personal experience on how I felt pressured and still try to maintain school work and life outside of that but also encouraged them to do what you choose to do and what you can handle.

The experience felt very down-to-earth and comfortable because I was speaking with my peers. Being able to have casual, genuine conversations made it easier for me to connect with the students and share my experiences in a way that felt authentic.

Returning to UC Blue Ash also gave me a strong sense of reminiscence especially with seeing prior support people from Ohio Reach and campus staff, as well as simply walking around the campus. They helped me understand and be excited to come back to school, and to see it in a different point of view due to my Student Ambassador Role. This was a role. I thought I would never be able to experience. When I first attended UC Blue Ash, the campus was still under construction, so seeing the completed school was very meaningful to me. It reminded me of how far I have come and motivated me to continue working toward completing my own education.

As a Student Ambassador, I felt empowered knowing that I was only a couple of years apart from where many of the students I was speaking to are now. It was refreshing to realize that I was once in their seat. I was able to share my journey, encourage them, and hopefully give them motivation to continue pursuing their education. It was rewarding to know that my experience could help students see what is possible for them in the future.

One of my favorite parts of the experience was hearing the Chemistry professor speak and seeing how he made chemistry feel fun and approachable. Before that, when I thought about chemistry, I imagined random letters, numbers, and complicated equations. His teaching style made me look at the subject differently and even made me consider taking Chemistry with him if I have to take the course.

Overall, being a Student Ambassador at UC Blue Ash was a fun, motivating, and empowering experience. Returning to a school I once attended, connecting with students, sharing my experiences, as well as seeing staff that once supported me in my beginning till now, and understating    that they are still there and will continue to support me upon my return as well, as thousands of kids that they have supported are currently supporting and will support in the future. Also, seeing how much the campus had changed since I was there made the experience especially meaningful to me. It reminded me of where I started, how far I have come, what I’m coming back to, and why I want to continue working toward my own goals.

~ Alana Johnson, ETV Student Ambassador, OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador and proud member of the Hamilton County Youth Advisory Board

2026 July OHIO YAB Meeting

Link to more photos.

Link to slides. 

2026 Leadership and Life Skills Summit

Link to photos.

On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the OHIO YAB and ACTION Ohio facilitated a Leadership and Life Skills Summit for Current and Former Foster Youth, to inform and empower Ohio teens and young adults with a foster care history (ages 14-24).  This event was made possible thanks to the support of the Ohio Children’s Alliance, the Department of Children and Youth, and The Ohana Project.

103 youth and young adults from the following counties participated: Allen, Butler, Champaign, Cuyahoga, Erie, Franklin, Geauga, Hamilton, Highland, Hocking, Jefferson, Licking, Lorain, Miami, Montgomery, Pickaway, Sandusky, Stark, Washington and Wood. 

2026 Ohio Foster Care Summit - Together for Ohio Youth in Out of Home Care

Link to photos.

The Nationwide Children's Hospital's two-day Foster Care Summit took place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 and Thursday, May 28, 2026.

The OHIO YAB and ACTION Ohio presented:

• A Youth Panel on the first day 
• A Breakout Session on the second day, including:
• a State Advocacy Timeline
• a Federal Advocacy Timeline

The Ohio Foster Care Summit is a collaborative two-day event bringing together healthcare professionals, child welfare teams, foster and kinship families, group homes and residential facilities and youth with lived experience. 

This engaging conference highlights statewide initiatives, practical strategies, and trauma-informed approaches to improve care and support for youth in foster care. Through expert presentations, interactive sessions, and shared stories, attendees will gain actionable tools to strengthen collaboration, enhance stability, and improve outcomes for youth across Ohio.

Target Audience: Healthcare professionals, child welfare staff and caseworkers, foster and kinship families, group homes and residential facilities, aged-out or alumni youth, court appointed special advocates, guardian ad litem, and any individuals or programs invested in the success and well-being of children in foster care.

Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, learners will be able to:

• Identify and address key challenges facing Ohio’s youth in foster care.
• Strengthen cross-system collaboration and communication across the healthcare team.
• Empower foster youth and families through communication of shared experiences and education.
• Identify sustainable foster care resource networks across Ohio

May Virtual Meeting with DCY

On Monday, May 18, 2026, OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors met with Director Kara Wente of the Department of Children and Youth and Director Tia Marcel Moretti of the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health to share safety recommendations for residential facilities. 

Link to slides. 

A follow-up meeting was held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 with members of Director Tia Marcel Moretti's staff, including:

• Deputy Director of External Affairs Vanessa McMahon
• Systems Manager of Prevention and Child/Youth Services Nisaa Robinson
• Senior Policy Analyst Julia Jackels
• DBH Program Administrator Macin Taylor
• Behavioral Health Prevention Strategist Valerie Leach
• Jennifer Morgenstern, Regional Director of Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Link to slides.

Ohio signs on to the federal "A Home for Every Child" initiative

Link to more photos. 

On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Governor DeWine signed on to Ohio's participation in the federal A Home for Every Child initiative. Ohio is the 16th state to sign on to this effort, and the first county-administered state to do so...  OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors are eager to have a role in future implementation. During the event, DCY Director Kara Wente affirmed that her office will work with current and former foster youth to safeguard youth voice and youth safety. 

April 2026 OHIO YAB Statewide Quarterly Meeting

Link to more photos.

Link to slides. 

Congratulations to Lonnie

Congratulations to Lonnie Thompson for receiving the Franklin County Rising Up and Moving On award.  

Pell Grant Shortfall

The OHIO YAB signed onto a March 2026 letter to express concerns and propose solutions.

Jordan in the News

Dayton teen gets White House tour after being recognized for foster youth advocacy work
Russell Florence Jr., Dayton Daily News, March 9, 2026. 

Northmont High School graduate Jordan Deaton of Dayton was recognized Feb. 3 at the White House for his advocacy as a former foster youth.

Deaton joined leaders from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth who were invited to the White House by the Office of the First Lady and the Administration for Families and Children in recognition of First Lady Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative, which is part of her Be Best program.

“It was amazing, awesome and an honor,” said Deaton, 19. “I was a little nervous but I had a lot of courage. My passion drove my fear away. I want the world to know my experience because it’s important to show my peers and those younger than me that the youth can make an impact. My advocacy drives me to do everything I do. I’m not shy about anything.”

Deaton’s foster care history involves his adoptive parents, Sara Beth Deaton and Rodney Deaton, being indicted last summer on a dozen charges in connection to alleged physical punishments they used on their six children in Montgomery County. The incidents started as early as 2012, when the children were between the ages of 1 and 7 years old, and continued for more than a decade, according to court records.

“They adopted me,” Deaton said. “I was in foster care before and then they adopted me and then I went back in, which is unique and (something) a lot of people don’t experience. I have a lot of experience — a lot of good and a lot of pain — but it’s not holding me back. There has been negativity that’s happened to me — the story of my parents — but look what I’ve overcome."

Heather Kirkland, Deaton’s friend and former foster parent, is proud of what he has accomplished in spite of his circumstances. In addition to graduating with honors from Northmont in 2025, he received the Samuel Halperin Youth Public Service Award from the Children’s Defense Fund of Ohio, was recognized as a 2025 PCSAO Leader of Tomorrow and rose to Chief Petty Officer in the Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, earning Distinguished Cadet honors.

“We are very proud of what Jordan has chosen to do with the path that he’s been given,” said Kirkland, who housed Deaton for nearly three years beginning in August 2023. “We’ve had a lot of kids in our home and not all of them choose this path. They leave and the world kind of eats them up. But Jordan has chosen a different path. He’s chosen to take what has been meant for harm to make it good and to help others, (particularly) other kids in similar situations. I think it’s admirable he chose that path (instead) of just dwelling in the past.”

In addition to serving as a member of the Ohio Youth Advisory Board, Deaton participates in Bridges, a program for young adults in Ohio who were in foster care and are now 18 to 21 years old. It is an outlet that helps participants leave foster care and start their adult life.

At the White House, Deaton was joined by DCY Assistant Director Jeff Van Deusen and his Bridges advocate Lisa Carlin. According to DCY, their visit including meetings with: Sarah Gesiriech, the First Lady’s policy director; Alex Adams, assistant secretary of ACF; and Cody Inman, deputy assistant secretary for management.

They were joined by other advocates “to discuss initiatives that will enhance foster youth’s access to services and help them transition effectively after foster care. Assistant Director Van Deusen also highlighted several programs implemented in Ohio that support the Fostering the Future initiative,” according to a press release.

The visit also included a private tour of the White House.

“Some of my favorite things were seeing all the different paintings of the presidents,” Deaton said. “Seeing the different rooms and what they were used for and why they were built was (also) cool.”

In a press statement Van Deusen praised Deaton for sharing his testimony and being a powerful advocate.

“It was an incredible honor to represent Ohio and the DeWine Administration at the White House and see firsthand the impact programs like Fostering the Future have on youth in foster care,” Van Deusen said. “Jordan’s story is a shining example of resilience and what’s possible when young people are supported, encouraged and (have) the tools to succeed.”

Deaton attends Sinclair Community College and would like to pursue a career in public service. He particularly hopes to be an inspiration for youth within the foster care system.

“We have a voice and we know how to articulate it,” he said. “We are victims but we won’t stay victims. We won’t stay down. We will change the world.” 

Virtual Meeting with Director Wente

On Friday February 27, 2026, a virtual meeting was held between OHIO YAB representatives and Director Wente and her staff. OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors Neveah and Raven shared insights during the call. 

Here is a link to the slide deck.

The OHIO YAB deeply values partnering with the Department of Children and Youth, and appreciates the responsiveness of DCY leadership to youth concerns.

Alivia's Testimony on the Fostering School Success Act

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Alivia Johnson was able to submit testimony regarding House Bill 25, which has been renamed the "Fostering School Success Act."

Jordan Deaton Goes to Washington D.C.

Assistant Director Jeffery Van Deusen of the Department of Children and Youth received an invitation from the Office of the First Lady inviting him, along with a young adult with lived experience to travel to Washington, D.C. 

On Tuesday, Feb. 3,  2026, OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Jordan Deaton was able to participate in a Fostering the Future Roundtable with the First Lady's Policy Advisor Sarah Gesiriech, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management Cody Inman, and Assistant Secretary Alex Adams of the Administration for Children and Families.

This was an opportunity for Jordan to assist in the implementation of the Executive Order on Fostering the Future for American Children and Families. He was accompanied by Lisa Carlin of SAFY. The day concluded with a private tour of the White House.

Link to additional photos.

Virtual Meeting with Representative Sharon Ray

On Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Addison and foster care alumni supporter Lisa participated in a virtual meeting with Representative Sharon Ray to discuss her work on bills that intersect with the safety of Ohio children and teens.

We were inspired by our time with Representative Ray and her care and concern for our population. She is an adoptee herself. She said, "You guys are doing wonderful work for a population that isn't always heard."

We also deeply appreciate that Representative Ray didn't let a Level 3 Snow Emergency keep her from connecting with us virtually via Zoom. Her warm nature and caring heart were a wonderful start to our morning. 

OHIO YAB Recorded Training for YAB Adult Supporters

OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors have been working to design and create a recorded training series for to train new YAB Adult Supporters:

• Part 1 focuses on What is A Youth Advisory Board?  
• Part 2 focuses on the Roles and Responsibilities of YAB Adult Supporters

This has been a team effort, with multiple young people working behind-the-scenes on the diagrams and content. OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Mattie is the content presenter.

January 2026 OHIO YAB Statewide Quarterly Meeting

The January OHIO YAB meeting took place on Thursday, January 15, 2026. 

Inclement weather impeded the travel of several counties, but Franklin, Champaign and Stark County youth leaders were able to participate. 

Link to more photos.

Link to slides.

Link to BINGO Answers.