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 OHIO YAB and ACTION Ohio are currently preparing for Nationwide Children's Hospital's two-day Foster Care Summit.

We will be presenting:

• 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.