Foster Youth Services

Our Foster Youth Services Program is designed to improve academic achievement, reduce discipline problems, and reduce truancy and dropout rates among foster youth.

Need for Services

• Foster youth have critical needs, which often go unmet.
• Over 75 percent of foster youth students’ work is below grade level.
• 50 percent are retained at least one year in school.
• Students typically move more than once a year and attend 9-10 different schools before they turn 18.
• A high percentage of students qualify for special education services; however, their high mobility rate interferes with their timely and appropriate placement.

Services Provided by the Grant

• Acquire health and educational records for youth residing in foster care placement.
• Tutor students residing in group home and foster family settings.  In an effort to increase their academic achievement, tutoring is available in Math and English.
• Provide educational mentors for foster youth residing in placements other than group homes, and who face multiple school challenges.  For foster youth residing in group homes, educational mentors will provide advocacy and academic support including referrals for tutorial services.  Students with learning disabilities will be given priority for mentoring services.  Youth in grades kindergarten through 12th are eligible.
• Offer staff development trainings on AB490, Special Education, and other education related topics.  Child Welfare Workers, Probation Officers, and districts can request trainings.
• Provide educational support by participating in Social Services (Department of Children and Family Services) “Team Decision Meetings” and assistance with school enrollment, transition, and district graduation requirements.