Information for Youth Emancipated from Child Welfare Custody

Bridges to Success

Following the transition out of Summit County Children Services' care, young adults in need of assistance, can contact the agency Hotline at 330-434-KIDS (5437) to request assistance. The Emancipated Youth Specialist, Cheyenne Boyd, can provide information, referrals, and resources as needed.

Bridges is a voluntary program available to young adults who left foster care in Ohio at ages 18, 19 or 20 and who are in school, working, participating in an employment program, or have a medical condition that prevents them from going to school or working. The program provides guidance and support as they transition to adulthood.  Bridges provides a wide range of supportive services tailored to participants’ unique needs. Through regular meetings with Bridges representatives, participants develop goals, learn skills, and access services related to everything from employment and education to health care and household maintenance. All services are designed to help former foster youth become successful, self-sufficient adults.

Bridges is administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services through a contract with The Child and Family Health Collaborative of Ohio, LLC. The collaborative works in partnership with member agencies throughout the state to provide housing and supportive services to eligible young adults in each of five regions: Northeast, Southeast, Central, Northwest and Southwest. All service-providing agencies have demonstrated expertise in helping young adults transition from the child welfare system to adulthood.  http://bridgestosuccess.jfs.ohio.gov/index.stm.