Foster Youth Services
Foster Youth Services Program
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.
- Tutoring services for students who reside in group home and foster family settings In an effort to increase their academic achievement.
- Provide educational mentors (School Site Liaisons) for all foster youth residing in out-of-home placements such as group homes, FFA's, foster homes, relative care placements, probation placements and NERFM's, (non-related extended family members) who face multiple school challenges. For foster youth residing in out-of-home placements, educational mentors will provide advocacy and academic support including referrals for tutorial 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.
AB-490
- right to immediate enrollment with or without documentation
- right to remain in their school of origin
- full or partial credits required for completed coursework
- foster youth cannot be penalized for absences due to placement changes, court appearance, or court ordered services
- least restrictive school placement
- foster youth liaisons at each school site
For more information regarding educational services for foster youth click the links below
AB 490 Informational Fact Sheet
AB-490 District Liaisons for Glenn County
Program Coordinator:
Robin Smith 530-934-6575 ext. 3176 rsmith@glenncoe.org