URGENT UPDATE: Ohio REACH is revolutionizing higher education pathways for former foster youth in Ohio, supporting nearly 400 students across 57 colleges and universities. This program is a beacon of hope for youth like Brooke Winstead, who successfully graduated from the University of Cincinnati after aging out of the foster system. Winstead credits Ohio REACH with providing critical support, stating, “Not having parents made me more of a hungry person to go after my goals.”
As of October 2023, the retention and success rates for these students are on the rise, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Ohio REACH and its director, Susan Ballard, who confirms that the network is making significant improvements for foster care-connected students. However, the landscape remains daunting, with more than 300,000 children entering the foster care system annually across the nation.
To directly assist former foster youth, Ohio REACH has launched an emergency fund fundraiser aimed at covering essential expenses such as housing and transportation that often burden these students unexpectedly. This initiative underscores the urgency of addressing the needs of foster care alumni.
In a related development, new research from the University of Cincinnati highlights the pressing issues within the foster care system. Assistant professor Catelyn Smeyne reveals a significant shortage of foster homes nationwide, exacerbated by caregivers’ feelings of isolation and a lack of community-driven, trauma-informed training. Smeyne emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul, stating, “Figuring out how to do that through policy, regulations, better research, better training and better supports…is urgent.”
This multi-faceted approach by Ohio REACH not only targets immediate student support but also confronts the systemic challenges faced by those connected to the foster care system. By refining existing support networks and addressing critical gaps, Ohio REACH is poised to enhance the prospects of foster youth transitioning into higher education and beyond.
As this initiative gains momentum, there is renewed hope that more former foster youth will access higher education, equipped with the rigorous support systems necessary for success. The urgency of transforming the foster care landscape cannot be overstated, and Ohio REACH stands at the forefront of this essential movement.
