Junior League SPAC (State Public Affairs Committee)

Doris Edelmann​ and Lisa Dickson met with Junior League SPAC (State Public Affairs Committee) today.

We gave them each folders, and shared the following information:

1.) Alumni of Care Together Improving Outcomes Now (ACTION Ohio)

· Our volunteer organization is dedicated to improving outcomes for current and former foster youth.

· Our initiatives include Three Days On the Hill, Suits for Success, and annual early Thanksgiving dinners for Foster Care Youth and Alumni.

· We also facilitate and support the statewide OHIO Youth Advisory Board.

2.) Foster Care to Homelessness Pipeline:

· Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act, created by Representative Michael Turner (R-Dayton), in response to our annual trips to DC for foster youth.

· Local advocacy to create a Scholar House III for foster care alumni pursuing higher education.

3.) Current and future Ohio legislation impacting foster care youth/alumni:

· HB: 448 Sibling Rights Legislation

· HB 137: Police as Mandated Reporters

· Future legislation to create a statewide Foster Care Ombudsman

4.) Bridges Implementation

· Bridges is a voluntary program available to young adults who leave foster care in Ohio at ages 18, 19 or 20 and who are in school, working, participating in an employment program, or have a medical condition that prevents them from going to school or working.

· The program supplements existing county post-emancipation services.

· Most Bridges services fall into one of the following categories: housing, education, employment and/or well-being.

5.) Questions and Answers