May 2025 Statehouse Advocacy Day: Centering Youth Voices to Drive Change
In May 2025, current and former foster youth gathered at the Ohio Statehouse to speak directly with legislators about the issues that matter most to them. Hosted by OHIO YAB and ACTION Ohio, the annual Statehouse Advocacy Day created space for young people to share their lived experiences and offer real-world insight into how Ohio can better support those in and aging out of the foster care system.
This year’s advocacy efforts focused on several key topics: the urgent need to protect youth who run away from placements to escape abuse, the importance of maintaining sibling connections, and clarity around foster-to-college scholarship programs. Meetings were tailored to the regions represented by each legislator, with a focus on Franklin County, Hamilton County, Montgomery County, and the Combined Counties.
The Ohana Project, along with foster care alumni, were honored to participate in the event and engage in direct conversations with policymakers. By standing alongside youth and amplifying their voices, we continue to advocate for meaningful changes that improve lives and outcomes across the foster care system.
