By 1812Blockhouse
Each year in the United States, more than 250,000 children are placed into the foster care system. Yet tragically, more than 23,000 youth exit the system annually without ever finding a permanent family, leaving them to face adulthood on their own.
In Ohio alone, 14,720 youth are currently in foster care — and within the next five years, 4,826 of them will age out without a forever home. These young adults are significantly more vulnerable to hardships like homelessness, unemployment, academic struggles, substance abuse, and food insecurity.
A Local Call to Action: “Aging Out of the Foster Care System. What Now?”
To address this urgent issue, the Richland County Youth and Family Council, in collaboration with Richland County Children Services, is hosting a critical community forum titled “Aging Out of the Foster Care System. What Now?”
The event will take place on Friday, May 9, at Eisenhower Hall at The Ohio State University at Mansfield. Doors open at 10:45 AM, with a free luncheon beginning at 11:00 AM. The forum itself will begin at 11:30 AM.
Learning from Leaders and Lived Experiences
The forum will feature a distinguished panel of local leaders and experts committed to supporting youth as they transition out of foster care. Attendees will hear insights and personal stories from:
- Michelle Miller, Executive Director, Richland County Youth and Family Council
- Herbert Ross, Program Director, Life Coach, and Intervention Specialist, Family Life Counseling
- Mary Stephan, Independent Living Caseworker, Richland County Children Services
- Kathy Goodwin, Family Housing Intervention Specialist, Third Street Family Health Services/Safe Program Mansfield City Schools
- RCCS youths who have aged out of foster care and will share their real-world experiences
The discussion will be moderated by Aurelio Diaz, 5th Ward Mansfield City Councilman.
A Vision for Change: Building a Supportive Community Together
This forum is more than just a conversation — it is a call to action. By fostering meaningful dialogue and promoting collaboration, organizers hope to inspire Richland County residents, organizations, and leaders to be part of the solution.
By coming together, the community can help create a nurturing environment that gives these young people the foundation they need to not only survive but to thrive.
Be sure to turn on the sound!
