Ohio foster care youth and alumni believe that safety is the North Star when it comes to young people in and from foster care. Please review our issue brief on youth safety and an Op Ed written by Jonathan Thomas.

1. We have been successful in our advocacy for Ohio police to become mandated reporters, and are currently seeking to encourage the state of Ohio to create a statewide form and process for police as mandated reporters. We deeply respect the insights of law enforcement, and would like to partner with them regarding design.

2. We have been successful in our advocacy for the establishment of a Youth Ombudsman Office, and remain involved to support the continued development of this resource.

3. We helped update the Foster Youth Bill of Rights, and participated in a video to share their importance.

4. We are working to eliminate “running away” as a status offense in the state of Ohio.

5. We have ongoing concerns regarding young people calling child abuse hotlines and their concerns being screened out.

6. We also care about youth experiencing abuse in out-of-home placements and have met with DCY to discuss creating a Youth Specific Grievance Form.

7. We previously reached out to address young people spending the night in office buildings, and have had a voice in helping develop Wellness Campuses.