Educational Advocacy And The CASA Volunteer

Children in Foster Care are at higher risk for: Homelessness Poverty Public assistance Juvenile or adult court involvement

When these youth have unmet educational needs the risks are even higher.

more likely to repeat a grade than non-maltreated children. These children are 2.5 times more likely to repeat a grade than non-maltreated children.

3 STEP APPROACH

First Step Ensure that the social worker has made the school aware that a child is in foster care.

and any relevant school history. Second Step Obtain school records and any relevant school history.

Third Step Identify one person at the school with whom you can establish a communicative relationship.

Another crucial consideration is advocating for children to remain in the same school despite removal from their parental homes and subsequent placement changes.

Fostering Connection Act Passed in October of 2008

Education is a critical component of the safety, permanency, and well being of children in out of home care.

Fostering Connections recognizes the critical importance of educational stability and continuity.

It places requirements on child welfare agencies to ensure educational stability.

Child welfare agencies must include “a plan for ensuring the educational stability of the child while in foster care” as part of every child’s case plan.

DHW must include assurances that: The placement of the child in foster care takes into account the appropriateness of the current educational setting and the proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at time of placement

DHW has coordinated with appropriate local educational agencies to ensure that the child remains in the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement unless remaining in that school is not in the child’s best interest.

Additionally, the law requires that if remaining in this school is not in the best interest of the child, the case plan must include assurances by DHW and local educational agencies that they will Provide immediate and appropriate enrollment in new school; and Provide all of the educational records of the child to the new school.

Ask questions related to the child’s education National CASA’s Recommended Volunteer Role in Supporting Educational Outcomes Ask questions related to the child’s education

Be the “squeaky wheel” to which the school responds. National CASA’s Recommended Volunteer Role in Supporting Educational Outcomes Be the “squeaky wheel” to which the school responds.

National CASA’s Recommended Volunteer Role in Supporting Educational Outcomes Talk to the children about their needs and wishes regarding their education

National CASA’s Recommended Volunteer Role in Supporting Educational Outcomes Ask questions of all the adults involved in making decisions about the child’s life, including school staff.

National CASA’s Recommended Volunteer Role in Supporting Educational Outcomes Act as a communication “bridge” among various institutions and individuals who interact and care about the child’s welfare

National CASA’s Recommended Volunteer Role in Supporting Educational Outcomes Develop and recommend strategies to the child welfare system and the court to overcome barriers to an effective educational plan.

National CASA’s Recommended Volunteer Role in Supporting Educational Outcomes Ensure that the court has all the information needed about school situation so that the judge can make appropriate orders and case plans

Questions to ask…………………………………??????????????? Other Questions to ask…………………………………???????????????

If the child is age appropriate, has he been enrolled in the Head Start Program?

If the child has changed schools, did the credits transfer?

Who is involved in the child’s daily educational activities, such as helping with homework and monitoring school progress?