1. Bridges

2. Federal Authorization
Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008
Offers states option
Title IV-E reimbursable foster care, adoption or guardianship assistance up to 19, 20 or 21

3. States with Fostering Connections Programs
Outcome Ohio States with Extended FC
Enrolled in school 47% 70%
Earned diploma/GED 53% 60%
Adult Connections 85% 92%
Homelessness 27% 13%
Incarcerated 31% 13%
Had a child 11% 9%

4. Bridges: The Opportunity
Not an extension of foster care
Extension of Title IV-E Benefits
Housing and Case Management
Voluntary
State Administered
Request for Proposals
Separate from Current Post-emancipation supports

5. Bridges: Housing and Case Management
PCSA custody
Eighteen or older at emancipation
Care and placement to ODJFS
Must meet at least one of the program criteria

6. Bridges: Program Criteria
Is completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential;
Is enrolled in an institution that provides post- secondary or vocational education;
Is participating in a program or activity designed to promote, or remove barriers to, employment;
Is employed for at least eighty hours per month;
Is incapable of doing any of the activities described in division (C)(1) to (4) of this section due to a medical condition, which incapacity is supported by regularly updated information in the person's case record or plan.

7. Bridges: Housing Options
Kinship
Family Foster Homes
Supervised Independent Living Settings
Supervised Apartments
Semi-Supervised Apartments
Scattered Site Housing
Host Homes
College Dorms
Direct Stipend
Congregate Care Settings

8. Bridges: Voluntary Participation Agreement (VPA)
A contract between the Young Adult and ODJFS
Includes each parties’ responsibilities, but does not include specifics regarding the young adult’s plan
A new VPA must be signed if the young adult leaves the program and then re-enters

9. Bridges: Title IV-E requirements
Monthly Visits
Two Separate Court Hearings
Best Interest (within 180 days)
Reasonable Efforts (repeat annually)
Individualized Plan

10. Bridges: Development Activities
Internal OFC Workgroup
Statewide Advisory Committee
Judicial Workgroup
Youth Focus Groups
Networking with other states
Training Development
Website and Logo Development

11. OFC Webpage

12. Bridges: Resources in Ohio Communities
What resources would you identify as quality (ample) within your communities?
What resources are scarce within your community?
What do you want us to know or are worried we will overlook?

13. Bridges: Contacts Bridges Mailbox Colleen Tucker Jana Pearce
Colleen Tucker
Jana Pearce