Youth Engagement in the Judicial

Process

Youth Engagement in the Judicial

ProcessFoster Care Alumni of America, Ohio chapterFoster Care Alumni of America, Ohio chapter

Youth Voice in Court

Youth Voice on Permanency

Youth Access to Vital Documents

Youth as Trainers

Youth Preparation for Adulthood

Youth Voice on Legislation

Youth Voice in Court

• Youth access to legal counsel• Youth access to CASA/GAL• Logistics of attending court hearings• Preparation for court hearings

Preparing Youth for the Future

Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008

Title II, Section 202

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.”

Youth Access to Vital Documentation

Prior to the youth’s emancipation from the agency’s custody, the PCSA or PCPA shall coordinate with the following agencies, to obtain necessary documents:

• an original birth certificate

• an original social security card

• a current state identification card

*OAC 5101:2-42-19: “Requirements for the provision of independent living services to youth in custody”

Youth Voice on Permanency

Senate Bill 163 requires that in:

• Any review hearing that pertains to a permanency plan, the court or a citizens board appointed by the court must consult with the child, in an age-appropriate manner, regarding the proposed permanency plan for the child.

Youth Training Professionals

• 2010 Judicial Teleconference on Youth Voice in Court• Permanency Symposiums for Court-Related Professionals• 2012 Training Video by the American Bar Association• 2012 Ohio Attorney General 2 Days in May Event

Youth Voice on State Legislation

Permanency and Vital Records• Oct. 22, 2009, Legislative visits regarding HB 197 and

adoptee access to birth records

Opposition to Neighborhood Notification Proposal• June 21, 2011, Ohio YAB testimony on HB 86

Budget Cuts to State Independent Living Allocation• March 17 - 18, 2009, Testified before Human Services

Committee of the Ohio House of Representatives• March 19, 2009, Testimony quoted in the Hannah Report• April 22, 2009, Testified before the Ohio House of

Representatives • April 28, 2009, Ready to Launch Advocacy Day:

Legislative visits to 24 Ohio Senators• May 30, 2009, Testimony before Ohio Senate regarding

partial restoration of Independent Living funds

Youth Voice on Federal Legislation

• 2007 Home for the Holidays: Congressional Visits and Thanksgiving Dinner, as part of Kids Are Waiting Campaign

• 2008 FCAA Alumni Leadership Institute

• May 18 - 21, 2009, Congressional Visits with Casey Family Programs

• May 31 - June 2, 2009, Congressional Visits with NACAC

Youth Voice on Federal Legislation

• Sept. 10, 2009, NFCC housing policy platform for foster youth in Capitol Hill

• Dec. 17, 2009, Chafee

10-year anniversary in DC

• July 10-13, 2012, White House Young America: Outcomes and Results presentation in DC

• Aug. 8-10, 2012, NYTD Technical Assistance Meeting in DC hosted by the Children's Bureau