Youth Eligibility for Bridges
By knowing the requirements, providers can identify eligible youth early, prevent gaps in services, and ensure smooth transitions from foster care. Clear knowledge of eligibility also helps providers set accurate expectations, guide youth through the application process, and strengthen collaboration with county partners and the state.
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Youth may be eligible for Bridges if they left the Ohio foster care system at age 18, 19, or 20, but have not yet turned 21, and meet at least one of the following criteria:
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Completing high school or earning a GED
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Participating in a program or activity designed to promote employment or remove barriers to employment
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Enrolled in college or a vocational school
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Employed for at least 80 hours a month
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Incapable of doing any of the above due to a physical or mental health condition
Youth should be prepared to provide documentation, such as a class schedule, pay stub, or letter of participation from an employment program, to show that you meet at least one of the eligibility criteria listed above. Please refer to this documentation chart for more information.
Current Bridges Providers
Adriel
Agape for Youth
Beech Brook
Cadence Care Network
Focus on Youth
NECCO
NewPath Child & Family Solutions
Northeast Ohio Adoption Services
National Youth Advocate Program
​Pathway Caring for Children
Pressley Ridge
Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth
Shelter Care
Sojourner's Care Network
South Community
Southeast Healthcare Services
UMCH Family Services/CHOICES
Application Process
If youth is transitioning from foster care:
Caseworkers should contact Bridges three months before youth leaves foster care to coordinate services, and Bridges will assist youth in completing the application.
If youth has aged out of foster care:
If you know someone who aged out foster care and is under 21, please contact Bridges using the referral form link below. If they are over 21 and need support services, please visit Resources for Foster Youth and Alumni.
To apply:
If you are a PCSA Caseworker or an adult supporter, you may submit a referral using this referral form. A Bridges respresentative will contact you within two (2) business days. For more information or questions, contact your local Bridges Offices.
Provider Points of Contact
Regional Coordinators and WHO Specialists are available to support providers by ensuring smooth transitions, consistent services, and guidance on program requirements. Connect with your regional contact for assistance and collaboration.
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Regional Coordinator
Regional Coordinators serve as liaisons between providers and the Bridges program. They offer technical assistance, monitor program quality, and ensure that services are delivered consistently across regions. Providers can contact their Regional Coordinator for guidance on eligibility, program compliance, and best practices.
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Warm Handoff (WHO) Specialists
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WHO Specialists partner with county agencies and providers to support youth as they transition into Bridges. They help facilitate smooth referrals, minimize service gaps, and ensure young adults remain connected to needed resources during the handoff process.
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Northeast Regional Office: Ashland, Ashtabula, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Wayne
Northwest Regional Office: Allen, Auglaize, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Huron, Lucas, Mercer, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Sandusky, Seneca, Van Wert, Williams, Wood, Wyandot
Central Regional Office: Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Hardin, Hocking, Jackson, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, Ross, Union, Vinton
Southeast Regional Office: Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Tuscarawas, Washington
Southwest Regional Office: Adams, Brown, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Darke, Greene, Hamilton, Highland, Miami, Montgomery, Pike, Preble, Scioto, Shelby, Warren
Other Resources to Share with Youth
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