What can foster parents do to help Challenges faced by aging out youth Lisa Dickson Communications Chair Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter

Point of Transition: Child and Adult Systems Disconnection Child Mental Health Adult Mental Health Child Welfare Special Education Juvenile Justice Criminal Justice Substance Abuse Vocational Rehabilitation Housing

FCAA Postcard Project Culture of foster care: Having to prove yourself

12 years old Enter foster care 14 years old All-girls group home 16 years old Co-ed group home, Miscarriage

17 years old: college sophomore, evicted, homeless, high-risk behaviors 19 years old college, broke, no medical insurance

Wife and (step)mother

“Beating the odds” When is the shift from statistic to survivor? Research tends to focus on teenagers and young people in their 20s...

Young Adulthood Statistics, while important: Don’t tell the whole story Promote low expectations Are perpetuated by systemic barriers

Attend five high schools on average With each transfer, lose 4-6 months of academic progress 65% change schools in the middle of the year Higher rates of absenteeism, grade retention, special education, dropping out before graduation Education

Teen Development Six Tasks of Older Adolescence: Self-esteem and self-awareness Increased independence Responsible and able to make complex decisions Relationship skills Interpersonal communication

75% of foster youth express a desire to attend college Only 15% are enrolled in college prep courses in high school Only 20% of foster youth with a GED/high school diploma enroll in post-secondary education vs. 60% of the general population Approximately half of all high school dropouts return to school or obtain a GED by the time they are 25. Education

Developing a vision for foster youth to succeed academically

Extra-curricular activities

OHIO Youth Advisory Board suggestions: Youth felt that college education should start early on Time management + study skills (How many hours studying should you budget per class? What's the best way to study for my learning style?) Time management Scholarships: How to apply Access – program for IEP scholars Keeping in touch with your student advisor

College Bridge Programs: GEAR UP, TRIO: First-generation college students Upward Bound: Students must have completed the 8th grade, be between the ages of 13 and 19, and have a need for academic support in order to pursue a program of postsecondary education. All students must be either from low-income families or be potential first-generation college students.

Financial Assistance with College: ETV funds: Orphan Foundation of America (laptop, money/semester, v-mentoring) Applying for additional scholarships

Filling out the FAFSA as an independent student: Student who is an orphan, in foster care, or a ward of the court, at any time when the student was 13 years of age or older Student who is an emancipated minor or is in legal guardianship as determined by the court in their state of legal residence Applicant is verified as an unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of homelessness and self-supporting

ETV Funds: The ETV program is a federally-funded, state-administered program that provides grants up to $5,000 per year to assist former foster youth pursing higher education. This includes college and vocational training institutions. Funds can be used for: Tuition, books, textbooks, and living expenses. To learn more, visit:

ETV Eligibility: A current, or former foster youth who: Was in foster care on their 18th birthday and aged out at that time; OR Was adopted from foster care with the adoption finalized AFTER his/her 16th birthday; OR Will have his/her foster care case closed between the ages of 18 and 21. At least 18, but younger than 21, to apply for the first time. Already accepted or enrolled in a degree, certificate or other accredited program at a college, university, technical, vocational school. To remain eligible for ETV funding, students must show progress toward a degree or certificate. Students remain eligible for ETV up to age 23 if they received ETV funding prior to their 21st birthday.

Mission Statement: Ohio Reach improves post-secondary outcomes for foster care youth and alumni through advocacy, leadership, networking and empowerment.

The purpose of Ohio Reach is to increase the number of foster care youth who enroll in and graduate from college. Part of how we do this is by establishing Foster Care Liaisons at Ohio universities and community colleges.

Developing a vision for foster youth to develop job- readiness

50% more likely to be out-of-work and out-of-school 40% receive public assistance 62% unemployed for at least a year One-third – one-fifth don’t connect with workplace between ages At age 24, less likely to earn a “livable income” than the general population Employment

Over 30% of 19-year olds in Midwest study reported being unable to afford to buy clothing Dress for Success is only for women!!! Employment

Early Employment Experience: Workforce training, vocational training, employment opportunities Getting connected with the workplace Skills and interests, relating to jobs Hands-on work experience Engaged in the local community

Life As A Juggling Act

Developing a vision for foster youth to develop general life skills

Rules Within A Home

OHIO Youth Advisory Board suggestions: Self-reliance: Doing things independently Self-sufficiency: How to cook, clean, etc. Kitchen safety (i.e. fire extinguisher) Hands-on activities: “Don’t just tell me, show me and let me try.” How to prioritize Time management, money management Understanding legal matters (i.e. your basic rights)

Developing a vision for foster youth to develop personal health skills

OHIO Youth Advisory Board suggestions: Hygiene Sex, drug and alcohol abuse Health and fitness Start taking medications on your own (Mind Matters publication) Knowing resources for counseling and other methods to self-calm Suicidal awareness; where to call Understanding yourself spiritually

Developing a vision for foster youth to develop interpersonal skills

OHIO Youth Advisory Board suggestions: Self-respect; respecting yourself and others Etiquette; a time and a place for everything How to dress appropriately How to behave appropriately in a restaurant Being aware of communication; oral and written Public speaking; conversation etiquette Relationship skills; identify people who support you; don’t burn bridges

Teen Brain Development

Developing a vision for foster youth to develop technological skills

Raising a Media Savvy Teen: Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or s, rumors sent by or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

Developing a comprehensive plan for youth to succeed

Empowering Youth to Plan for the Future

Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 Mandates that 90 days prior to emancipation from foster care, “a caseworker on the staff of the State agency, and, as appropriate, other representatives of the child provide the child with assistance and support in developing a transition plan that is personalized at the direction of the child, includes specific options on housing, health insurance, education, local opportunities for mentors and continuing support services, and work force supports and employment services, and is as detailed as the child may elect.”

Ohio Administrative Code Ninety days prior to the youth’s emancipation from the agency’s custody, the PCSA or PCPA shall work with the youth to develop a final transition plan. The plan shall be youth-driven and as detailed as the youth chooses.

Essential Elements: