Ohio's transition strategies for older youth

Ohio has robust transition plans, policy and practice in place.  Local Public Children Services Agencies (PCSA) conduct life-skills assessments for each youth in substitute care who has attained the age of 16 or whom the state feels is ready to receive independent living services. The assessment is based on an objective tool completed by the youth. The state requires documentation of the youth's input, as well as the input of the caregiver and case manager. The assessment must be completed no later than 90 days after the youth turns 16 or 90 days after an older youth has entered custody. This plan outlines the responsibilities of the youth and the agency and is signed by both parties. Many of Ohio's 88 counties operate a Family Group Decision making or Team Decision making model for planning and response to child safety and well being issues, permanency, parent and caregiver support and case planning. Ohio also has a waiver project (ProtectOhio) in which eighteen counties participate. Family Team meetings are one of the waiver intervention strategies used to support placement decision and case planning. The model has a defined evaluation component and supports system reform, strategic family interventions and improved outcomes for children and families.  Read more.

The Fostering Connections Resource Center gratefully acknowledges the National Association of Public Child Welfare Administrators for providing these summaries of state approaches. Please visit NAPCWA for the complete implementation summary.