New State Law Extends Age Of Foster Care Eligibility

Foster-care eligibility in Ohio has been extended to age 21 under a new law intended to provide more support for those youths as they move into adulthood. The law goes into effect in mid September and should be implemented within 18 months.  The Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies and other advocates worked for three years on the legislation giving foster children the option to continue receiving guidance and assistance into early adulthood. The law is an effort to reduce the high number of Ohio foster youth who fall into poverty and homelessness each year after their 18th birthdays.