Ohio launches project to help former foster kids

Partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters aims to assist those who have 'aged out' of system

4/10/2013

COLUMBUS — Ohio is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters to launch a new initiative to help foster children who “age out” of the system.

Ohio Job and Family Services and the nonprofit announced the project today to help young adults from the foster-care system make a smoother transition to adulthood and independent living.

The agency said the project — called “Connecting the Dots from Foster Care to Employment and Independent Living” — will “break down silos.” It hopes to bring together foster care caseworkers, career center staff, Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors and Ohio employers to help teens prepare for work, vocational training or college.

The agency says as many as 1,300 young people in Ohio age out of foster care each year.