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.

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 Outcomes

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.

Educational Mentors: Youth will remain in one school for the academic year. IEP will be updated. Outcome is measured by STAR Renaissance, CAHSEE results, high school completion, and school attendance.

Foster Care Provider Trainings: Providers report application of knowledge and skills gained from trainings.

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

Collaborative Members:

• Alameda County Office of Education
• Social Services Agency (DCFS) Alameda County
• Juvenile Probation
• Oakland Unified School District
• Foster Parents
• First Place For Youth
• Group Home Providers
• Bridges Intervention Services
• National Center for Youth Law
• California State University East Bay
• Par Excellence AMG Communication