MUH extending hand to foster youth “aging out” of system

May 18, 2009

Miami Hamilton is taking a lead role in a statewide effort to keep Ohio’s foster youth from falling between the cracks of higher education once they age out of the state’s foster care system.

The first "Ohio Reach Day" was convened May 12 at Columbus State Community College, sparking a collaborative effort to prepare and support transitional youth for post-secondary success.

Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut and Ohio Rep. Ted Celeste kicked off the day. Participating organizations so far include the Board of Regents, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Casey Family Service and Programs, Foster Care Alumni of America – Ohio Chapter, and Miami University Hamilton.

Joe Murray, director of Academic Advising and Retention at MUH, and adviser Chris Klefeker have been named to a state panel charged with addressing the issue. The panel is comprised of higher education and child welfare professionals.

“I think we have a responsibility to these at-risk teens and young adults to provide pathways to higher education so they can build a more prosperous future for themselves. Too many of them are emancipating out of care without a family to depend on,” Murray said.

According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, an estimated 1,300 foster youth across the state will age out of the system this year. Less than 10 percent of them will enroll in college, and less than four percent of those will graduate.

Initial discussions during "Ohio Reach Day" were focused on developing partnerships between higher education institutions and child welfare organizations; identifying and sharing best practices to support the success of Ohio’s foster youth, and addressing the unique financial, academic, and emotional needs of foster youth.

Murray said the panel is working to identify financial assistance and academic support programs for foster youth, as well as identifying and accessing appropriate national, state and local community resources for housing, health care, and employment.