The study was a joint endeavor by two great organizations attempting to collect data to instigate change. the Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC) and the Center for Social Services Research (CSSR) were able to confirm what many advocates and professionals in the field already guessed. Thus, the work is now evident that lies ahead. We must reach youth at a younger age and bolster their academic pursuits and capacities with fresh programs and services. This is not a time to back down in light of the data but a time to forge a new way that attempts to reach foster youth at a much younger age.

The complete study can be found here - http://www.iebcnow.org/IEBCPublicFiles/iebc.public/38/380cf44e-9b61-4dcb-a269-714f2339ef99.pdf

A summary article can be viewed here - http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/5/prweb10746882.htm

The study is another indicator that work in aftercare is vital but work on the educational goals of youth in-care is critical. To stop the trail of unsuccessful educational outcomes we must work now with youth in care. The only way we can change the hunger for education and reverse the multiple moves, schools, poor performance and other related issues is to press  the core competencies for foster youth prior to high school. The current system of standardized testing does nothing more for foster youth than to describe their poor position among peers. It is time for focused efforts to engage youth on educational outcomes. Pressure must be placed upon the already taxed educational system to somehow stop the negative trend for foster youth.

About Covenant

Covenant Community Services, Inc. is a California nonprofit serving foster children with hope and love. The services of Covenant reach foster children  and former foster youth from birth through adulthood. learn more about Covenant at www.covenantcs.net

Related articles

• Foster care children most vulnerable to school failure, drop out
• OC supes learn 1/3 of foster youth walk away from group homes
• New Report Puts Spotlight on Unique Educational Needs of California’s Foster Youth

• The Foster Care System: What parents Wish We Knew - News coverage of the foster care system is often in response to stories about the children — their struggles and sometimes their triumphs. Much of the public perception of foster parents is based on stereotypes and misconceptions. (NPR)
• Foster kids press lawmakers for ‘Bill of Rights’ - KATU Portland – A KATU On Your Side Investigation exposed problems with the foster care system in January when the state removed two children from their foster home of several years.
• ‘American dream’ or fraud? The rise of Dan Simon and Community Care Resources - Wisconsin State Journal – From a humble childhood in northern Wisconsin, Dan Simon parlayed hard work and long hours into the largest for-profit foster care agency in Wisconsin.
• Women Who Suffered Childhood Abuse More Likely to Have Child with Autism - Psych Central – Women who were victims of childhood abuse are at greater risk of having a child with autism spectrum disorder, according to new research. In fact, those women who suffered the most physical and emotional abuse were 60 percent more likely to have a child with autism than women who were not abused.
• Child Abuse Prevention Focus of Sacramento Summit - Sacramento Today – Sacramento, CA.-Child advocates from all fifty U.S. states and numerous other countries will gather in Sacramento March 29th, 30th and 31st
• Child abuse investigation lands Visalia man behind bars - KFSN-TV Fresno – The little boy is still in the hospital and listed in critical condition. Investigators say he has a serious head injury.

Posted by Covenant - Covenant Community Services, Inc. (Covenant) is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) social service organization serving foster children, former foster youth and their families in Kern County and through replication efforts, the United States and the world.  Covenant provides hope to foster children, former foster youth and families through a diverse and creative team of dedicated individuals. At Covenant, our purpose is transformation of lives and thus our community.  Covenant meets the needs of “hurting and hopeless” children/youth and families through partnerships with local churches, community-based organizations, individuals and businesses. Covenant exists to transform our community with the love and hope one child at a time!

Related articles

• Foster Care Rates
• Extend foster care to age 21
• Adoptive homes sought for older foster children
• House Makes Case for Improving Foster Care and Adoption

As the attached article at the Chronicle of Social Change Article reveals, the proposed plan leaves to much to independent leadership of localities for the funding and execution of special services to foster children. Although this seems like a great idea we cannot take chances with children that have well-documented special educational needs.

Since the State of California is the “parent” of foster children then it should retain the responsibility, accountability and funding of services for it’s kids! By passing the decision-making and accountability down to the local level, the State is abdicating responsibility and turning it’s head to the educational needs of foster children. I find it remarkable that a “system” that removed children from a family due to abuse and neglect is now positioning itself to neglect the special educational needs of vulnerable children and youth.

The right thing to do as the “parent” of the thousands of school-aged foster children is to continue to fund and hold accountable special programs, like Foster Youth Services, and continue the incredible national model our State has developed.

Chronicle of Social Change Article