Program for older foster kids
By Tim Colliver - tcolliver@aimmediamidwest.com
Smith
A program designed for young people who “age out” of the foster care system has helped more than 2,000 successfully transition to independent adulthood.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) said that the Bridges Program allows young people in foster care between their 18th and 21st birthdays to request housing and other supportive services, as long as they are in school, gainfully employed, participating in an employment program, or have a medical condition that prevents them from going to school or working.
Highland County JFS Director Katie Smith told The Times-Gazette that at present there are approximately 175 local children in foster care.