Many children in Franklin County are born into complex circumstances and work hard to navigate life absent of consistent and thoughtful guidance from a community of caring and engaged adults. The result is "Opportunity Youth", 18-24-year-olds who are unstably housed, not on track to graduate high school or further educational programs, and not earning a sustainable wage.

Building on previous research from two previous reports, the Children's Defense Fund has provided a fresh look at Franklin County Opportunity Youth. To reinforce the findings of this report, a diverse cross-section of community partners have come together to ensure that all youth enter adulthood prepared to pursue opportunities to live well.

To discuss Opportunity Youth and what's being done to support them, we welcome Tracy Nájera, Ph.D. (Executive Director of Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio), Ann Bischoff (CEO of Star House), and host Tonisha Johnson (Reporter at Spectrum News 1).

Recorded on September 18, 2019 at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio.