Friday, January 13, 2023

Youth Leaders Discuss Safety Concerns for Cuyahoga County Youth

Councilwoman Yvonne Conwell

On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, Cieria Roman, Raven Grice and Lisa Dickson participated in a virtual meeting with Councilwoman Yvonne Conwell and Policy Advisor LeVine Ross to discuss safety concerns related to Cuyahoga County youth, especially those that have been spending the nights in the Jane Edna Hunter building on a regular basis since 2018.

This was preceded by a prior meeting with Councilman Dale Miller, during which he recommended that we speak with Councilwoman Conwell.

Ohio youth leaders shared their concerns and recommendations, and how important that it is to have foster care youth and alumni at the table. Because it is our lived experience that brings a sense of urgency. Today's youth and young adults often come up with creative solutions that others might not think of...

As Cieria said, “We come ready, we come with our hearts, we come with solutions. These are our brothers and sisters and this is our legacy.”

We also shared:

Councilwoman Yvonne Conwell followed up by sending a message of thanks, and some ideas for next steps forward. 


Sunday, January 01, 2023

Ohio Foster Care Youth and Alumni Advocacy in 2023

In 2022... 

  • Ohio's very first Youth Ombudsman's Office was created. 
  • Ohio foster youth helped design a training pathway to aid foster parents in supporting youth with Life Skills and the essential elements of interdependence. 

2023 will be a year of continued advocacy for...

  • Concrete supports for former foster youth after the age of 21.
  • Better safeguards for youth who run away from abusive situations, and continued conversations with the Cuyahoga County Council.