Three Day on the Hill

Administration for Children and Families:
We met with Ryan Hanlon, Associate Commissioner of the Children's Bureau, to talk about Broken Adoptions, Life Skills and Safeguarding Youth From Abuse, including when it comes to national implementation of the Home for Every Child Act. We deeply appreciate his willingness to connect with one of our group members via FaceTime, since entry into ACF requires a Real ID. 

HUD: 
Our meeting was initially with four staff members, but we ended up connecting with twelve. This exemplifies HUD's commitment to our population. They value and remember the role of Ohio foster care youth and alumni in designing FYI vouchers. We spoke with HUD Leadership, including Assistant Secretary Ben Hobbs,to share ideas to support FYI voucher access and including the voices of those with lived experience as trainers regarding this provision. 

During the meeting, Alexys shared an idea which is being elevated to the First Lady. More on that to come...

Legislative Visits:
During our time in DC, we met with the offices of :

• Congressman Max Miller
• Congressman David Joyce
• Congressman Mike Turner
• Congressman Mike Carey
• Congressman Greg Landsman
• Senator Jon Husted

Our legislative visits focused on recommendations related to ETV and Chafee. The only exception was when we met with FSHO champion Congressman Mike Turner and shared our BROE proposal. We deeply appreciated the personal connection that Senator Jon Husted made, by inviting each participating young person to share their goals and accomplishments. 

We were unable to meet with Senator Bernie Moreno or Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, but stopped by both of their offices to deliver materials. 

Here are links to additional photos from our:

• 2026 meeting with ACF
• 2026 meeting with HUD
• Legislative Visits
• DC: Day One
  
• DC: Day Two 
• Journeys and Preparation

During our visits, it always makes our hearts happyto connect with foster care alumni who now work in DC. Such was the case during this trip, when our paths crossed with Tashia Roberson-Wing, Senior Legislative Assistant of Congressman Greg Landsman's office. 

DC taglines: 

• Lived It. Leading It. Ohio foster youth aren't just voices to be heard, they are partners whose lived experience can inform stronger systems and resources, better policy provisions, and better outcomes for the young generation who come after them. 

• Putting a Face On the Population They Serve: We made an impact; they now know who we are and we put a face to the population they serve. We are more than just numbers - we are a united voice who get together to make change. 

Thinking about the Overton Window of Political Possibility

When it comes to politics, the Overton Window of Political Possibility reflects that what seems impossible now might be possible later, with the upcoming changes in state leadership.

Foster care is a bipartisan issue, but not every politician understands it or understands the importance of investing to improve outcomes for former foster youth.  

Ohio elections will impact the the range of ideas the public and politicians are willing to accept as mainstream policy. The true test of willingness will occur after the election.

Right now, the political focus when it comes to Ohio foster care is about how much placements cost:

• The highly publicized Vinton child abuse case has brought attention to foster care.
• But some groups are focusing solely on the fiscal cost of caring for vulnerable youth. 
• There is an entire bill being dedicated just to that (HB 184).

2026 NILA Conference

The 38th Annual National Independent Living Conference took place from August 18-21, 2026 in Reston, VA. On Tuesday, August 18th, an FYI Symposium was held from 9 am - 5 pm. Doris Edelmann and Jamole Callahan of ACTION Ohio presented. 

Ruth Anne White of the National Center for Housing and Child Welfare received the first annual FYI Pioneer Award.

Jamole gave Deric Cobb a shout-out from the state.

The Franklin County Youth Advisory Board did a wonderful job of networking with other states. 

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. 

Webinar on Ohio's Foster Care System: Challenges and Opportunities To Serve Youth

On Friday, May 29, 2026, the Ohio Legislative Children’s Caucus will facilitate a webinar on Ohio's Foster Care System: Challenges and Opportunities To Serve Our Youth from 11 am - noon.

According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, 14,455 students were in foster care during the 2024-2025 school year. Ohio foster youth are served through a tapestry of state, county, and local organizations. How is the system helping to equip foster youth for lifelong success?

After the welcome and opening remarks, the following presenters will share their perspective about Ohio's foster care system:

• Lisa Dickson, Communications Chair, ACTION Ohio
• Julia Marino, Junior League of Columbus, working with their Signature Project, Bridging the G.A.P. which supports youth aging out of the foster care system.
• Jasper Person, CEO & Lead Consultant, Tailored Fit, LLC, a youth development and empowerment expert working with foster youth in Dayton.

 Here is a link to Lisa's presentation. 

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

Suits for Success - Suits Sorting Days

Link to more photos.