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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.
  • Tutor students residing in group home and foster family settings.
  • Provide educational mentors for foster youth residing in placements other than group homes, and who face multiple school challenges.
  • Provide specialized case management and emancipation services.
  • Offer staff development trainings on AB490, Special Education, and other education related topics.
  • Provide educational support by participating in Social Services’ “Team Decision Meetings.”

Program Goals

The Foster Youth Services Program is a collaborative effort provided by foster care providers, child welfare workers, probation officers, school districts, and community based agencies.

Goal #1: Improve student academic achievement.
Goal #2: Reduce the incidence of student discipline problems.
Goal #3: Reduce the rate of student truancy and dropouts.

Program Evaluation

School Records: Foster Youth Services database reflects number of records requested, date of receipt, and date of actual enrollment.

Tutoring: Outcome is measured by STAR Renaissance, CAHSEE results, high school completion, and school attendance.

Case Management: Success is shown through the youth's educational achievement by earning a diploma, passing the California High School Proficiency Exam, or GED, and a positive transition to housing, employment, and/or college/vocational placement.

Educational Mentors: Youth will remain in one school for the academic year. IEP will be updated. Students will pass classes.

TDM’s: Number of TDM’s attended and follow-up activities completed.

Collaborative Members:

  • Alameda County Office of Education
  • Social Services Agency, Alameda County
  • Juvenile Probation, Alameda County
  • Group Home Providers
  • First Place for Youth
  • California State East Bay
  • Par Excellence AMG Communication
  • Foster Parents

Resources