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Hamilton County youth advisory board pushes for youth voice in policy, cites housing and continuity gaps
Summary
County youth advisory board leaders — current and former foster youth — told commissioners the board wants to be centered in decisions affecting foster youth, highlighted wins on vouchers and local initiatives, and outlined state legislative priorities including housing, sibling placement and education supports.
Members of the Hamilton County Youth Advisory Board told county commissioners on July 15 that youth with foster‑care experience should be central to policy decisions affecting them and urged county officials to strengthen outreach, oversight and partnerships.
"Nothing about us without us," said a youth advisory coordinator, urging that youth with lived experience be included authentically in the design and oversight of services. Jalesha Brown, coordinator of the Hamilton County Youth Advisory Board, said the board was created in 2022 to elevate youth voice and improve foster‑care outcomes.
Board members and coordinators described local advocacy wins and ongoing policy campaigns. They said foster youth and alumni secured a larger share of Foster Youth Independence (FYI) vouchers — a housing voucher program modeled on Section 8 — and that Hamilton County moved from using three FYI vouchers to 25, with a maximum program allocation of 50 vouchers. The board also described a recently awarded $290,000 EIP grant (see separate agenda item) and other local assistance work.
Youth leaders identified gaps they see in the system: inconsistent foster care liaison support in school districts, eligibility cutoffs that cause youth to lose services at critical moments, and a lack of accountability for program quality. "We don't qualify for help even when we need it the most," said Yane Hobbs, a youth leader and statewide advocate, describing challenges with housing and mental‑health access.
The advisory board listed several ongoing state legislative priorities: the Foster College Scholarship Act to cover final education costs, a runaway protection bill to reduce criminalization of youth fleeing unsafe homes, sibling‑connections legislation to prioritize keeping siblings together, and the Foster Youth and Driving Act to help youth obtain driver's licenses and training.
Commissioners thanked the board and said they would work to identify ways to include youth in boards and task forces, to explore partnerships with county services and with the newly formed county Office of Youth. Director Michael Patton of Job and Family Services was noted as present to hear recommendations and later follow up with county staff.
Board leaders requested continued county collaboration and said they would provide informational materials and participate in meetings. Commissioners expressed support for a countywide approach to coordinate youth services and suggested working with the Office of Youth on a consolidated portal or app for youth resources.
No formal county action was taken at the presentation; commissioners asked staff to follow up on partnership and inclusion opportunities.
