January OHIO YAB Quarterly Meeting 2013

Morning Brainstorming Topics for Youth Participants:

1. What Teachers and Guidance Counselors Need to Know: What do middle/high school staff need to know about the experiences /resources related to foster youth? 
2. National Foster Youth Advocacy Network: Does the OHIO YAB want to join their network? Are there training topics that we’d like for them to provide for us?   (undecided by participants; OYAB Officers will make the final decision)
3. Developing A Statewide IL Curriculum: What were your most helpful hands-on experiences to prepare you for adulthood? What things did no one ever tell you, but you wish they had?
4. Youth-Developed Workshop on Relationships: Insights/role-plays for today’s foster youth. 
5. Chafee Funds: Youth suggest Best Practices in utilizing this funding allocation. 
6. Housing: Youth discuss Barriers and Best Practices.

2013 OHIO YAB Officers Retreat

Many thanks to the Dave Thomas Foundation for generously hosting the 2013 OHIO Youth Advisory Board Officers Retreat.

Allen County Youth Advisory Board

Allen County Youth Advisory Board
assisting a food pantry distribute food
for Make A Difference Day October 27th 2012

Two New Transitional Youth Coordinators

From ODJFS First Friday publication:

Welcome to OFC’s new Transitional Youth Coordinators

One of the Ohio Youth Advisory Board’s “Top Five Asks of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)” was for state staff to advocate for uniformity when it comes to youth who emancipate from care in Ohio. To help meet this request, the Bureau of Child and Adult Protection has appointed two new transitional youth coordinators: Susan Halter and Laurie Valentine (pictured below).

Susan has been with ODJFS for the past five years as a technical assistance specialist. Prior to that, she worked at Montgomery County Children Services for 14 years as a caseworker. Susan has 20 years of experience working with youth in various capacities through community service and mentoring.

Laurie has been with ODJFS for the past four years as a business analyst with the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS) project, providing technical assistance to counties and private agencies. Before that, she worked on independent living and case planning projects at Pickaway County Job and Family Services for five years. Laurie has worked with youth in child welfare settings, public schools and the private sector for the past 21 years.

As a team, Susan and Laurie will work with public children services agencies (PCSAs) and private child placing agencies to identify the array of independent living services provided to youth in each county. They will work to create uniformity in these services and to improve the housing, employment and educational outcomes for youth who emancipate from agency custody.

To ensure regular communication with local agencies and our other partners, Susan and Laurie will host quarterly meetings for county independent living coordinators beginning in January 2013. At these meetings, they will share best practice ideas and provide technical assistance to county caseworkers and their supervisors. First Friday also will include regular news and updates regarding transitional living. To learn more, email Laurie.Valentine@jfs.ohio.gov or Susan.Halter@jfs.ohio.gov.

An Introductory Transitional Living Videoconference is planned for 2-3 p.m. on Thursday, November 29, 2012. The conference will provide a brief overview of transitional living expectations and barriers. It also will explain the role of the new transitional youth coordinators.

CCAI Delegation Dinner with OYAB

During their 20/20 Vision Program Delegation to Ohio, CCAI hosted a dinner, during which the delegation had the opportunity to hear from and interact with youth representatives of the Ohio Youth Advisory Board.

2013 OHIO Youth Advisory Board Officers

2013 OHIO Youth Advisory Board Officers

President John Davis of Greene County
Media Spokesperson Arthur Vincent Miller III of Montgomery County
Secretary Aleigha Pearson-Davis of Lucas County
Parliamentarian Tabitha Copas of Guernsey County
Treasurer Shatasha Nelson of Stark County

*Not pictured:  Vice President Alex McFarland, who will be serving out the second year of his two-year term.

Updates from the Allen County Youth Advisory Board

Bonnie Monford and Victoria Westrick

The Allen County Youth Advisory Board is dedicated to giving back to their community, devoted to building successful lives for themselves, and determined to shatter stigmas and stereotypes when it comes to foster care.

• On September 22, 2012, Allen County YAB members and adult supporters participated in a Breast Cancer 5K Walk, in order to raise funding and promote awareness of this important issue. 

• On October 12, 2012, the Vice President of the Allen County Youth Advisory Board was adopted, at age 17. Our young people deserve forever families, forever support, and forever love.   

• On October 27, 2012, the Allen County YAB will be assisting Perry United Methodist Church in their food giveaway.