Ohio Youth Transition Plan
Helping Youth Transition to Adulthood
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/youth_transition.pdf
GED
Job Corps is a great way to complete a high school education, and even provides housing! Ohio has three Jobs Corps Centers .
Healthcare
Foster care youth who "age out" of the system can receive Medicaid until age 21. Navigating the adult Medicaid system can be challenging. Don't assume that the staff at the Medicaid office will be aware of this program -- bring a copy of the flyer.
Higher Ed
Ohio Reach is a statewide initiative to increase the number of foster care youth who enroll in and graduate from college. A good place to start in choosing a college is to look over the list of Ohio Reach Campus Liaisons.
Education and Training Voucher Program for foster youth:
http://studentaid.ed.gov/sites/default/files/foster-youth-vouchers.pdf
Legal Assistance
Capital University Law School is currently piloting a Foster Youth Advocacy Center. Another free online source is the Foster Youth Rights Handbook created by the Ohio YAB.
Literacy
Have you contacted your local library and/or Literacy Council? The Ohio Literacy Network offers a free online membership.
Social Security
Emancipating foster care youth with disabilities can submit SSI applications up to 90 days before federal foster care payments are supposed to end. Remind the staff member that this is an exception to the general rule regarding this process
OCWTP Training for Foster Caregivers on Helping Youth Emancipate:
(Enter the appropriate E-Track course number below in the "What Would You Like to Learn Today" box in E-Track, select the "Code" radio button beneath that box, and hit "search" to see full descriptions of these courses and view available offerings/enroll in E-Track):
202-35-NOS - Youth Development: The Vital Link
210-26-NOS - Life Long Connections: Permanency for Older Youth
202-36-NOS - Engaging Youth in Transition Planning
926-FF9-S- Fostering Self-Reliance in Children and Youth: Roots and Wings
Colorosa, Barbara. The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander (2003). This book is a great resource for parents and caregivers to understand what bullying is, the dynamics, the adult role
Davis, Stan. Schools Where Everyone Belongs (2007)
Secretary Arne Duncan's speech "Myths About Bullying" at US Summit on Bullying www.ed.gov/news/speeches/myths-about-bullying-secretary-arne-duncans-remarks-bullying-prevention-summit (Aug 10, 2010)
Websites:
Anti-bullying programs to explore: