Building Your Future
with Bridges
Bridges is here to help you take the next step after foster care. Whether you need support with housing, education, work, or life skills, our team is ready to walk alongside you. Learn if you qualify, connect with your regional coordinator, and explore resources designed just for you.
Start Your Journey
The process of applying for Bridges is simple — and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re preparing to leave foster care soon or have already aged out, Bridges staff and your caseworker are here to guide you through every step. Within just a few days of applying, someone from Bridges will reach out to help you get started.
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Eligibility for Bridges
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You may be eligible for Bridges if you 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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Enrolled in college or a vocational school
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Participating in a program or activity designed to promote employment or remove barriers to employment
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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
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.
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Application Process
If you are transitioning from foster care:
Talk with your children services caseworker about your interest in Bridges. Your caseworker will contact Bridges three months before you leave foster care to coordinate services, and Bridges will assist you in completing the application.
If you aged out of foster care:
If you aged out of foster care and are under 21 or know someone who is, please contact Bridges using the referral form link below. If you are over 21 and need support services, please visit Resources for Foster Youth and Alumni.
To apply:
If you are a young adult, 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.
Your Support Team
Bridges isn’t something you have to figure out on your own. Regional Coordinators and Warm Handoff (WHO) Specialists are here to guide you, answer questions, and connect you to resources.
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Regional Coordinator
Regional Coordinators are your main point of contact for Bridges. They help you understand the program, connect you with local resources, and answer any questions about getting started or staying involved. Think of them as your go-to guide for all things Bridges in your area
Warm Handoff (WHO) Specialists
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WHO Specialists work with county agencies and providers to make sure your transition into Bridges is smooth. These specialists work closely with PCSAs across nine counties—Cuyahoga, Summit, Medina, Franklin, Pickaway, Licking, Montgomery, Miami, and Greene—to provide support that empowers your path to independence.
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Learn More about WHO Specialists Here
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Have a concern?
Review the grievance process to understand the steps for resolving your issue.
Contact the Youth and Family Ombudsmen Office with other questions.
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 for You
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