Creating a Model for Foster Youth in Higher Education The John Seita Scholars Program October 11, 2011 Mark Delorey and Deng Moses

Who are foster youth? Students who are refugees or from war-torn countries Students raised without family privilege –e.g., foster care, living with friends Students raised in chaotic households –e.g., domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse, mental illness Students raised in dangerous neighborhoods

Seita Scholars

Seita Scholars

Seita Scholars

Seita Scholars

Foster Care Statistics Most children are placed in foster care because of abuse or neglect. On any given day there are over 500,000 children in the U.S. living in foster care. –Most children return home or are adopted –About 25,000 youth “age out” each year Michigan has over 19,000 children in foster care annually –Over 500 Michigan youth “age out” each year.

Journey through Foster Care  Removed from your family home by police or child protection authority  Caseworker has “parental” authority  Foster home is temporary  24% live in relative foster homes  Average foster care stay is 33 months  Separation from siblings/other family  Multiple homes, schools, & communities  “Age out” with no permanent home

Obstacles to Higher Education Financial Support Year-round Housing Lack of Mentors and Adult Guidance Academic Preparation and Support Socialization Legal, Medical, Counseling Needs System Navigation (DHS, Medicaid, Courts)

Welcome Packs

Seita Scholars IN THEIR OWN WORDS……

IN THEIR OWN WORDS… “To be a Seita Scholar means to have all the support I need to be successful, and to raise the statistics of former foster care kids that finish college”

Working Together

IN THEIR OWN WORDS… “Being a Seita Scholar gives me a chance to live my life, and to find out who I am”

Pizza Time

More Pizza Time

IN THEIR OWN WORDS… “Being a Seita Scholar means becoming successful, a leader, a role model and to want more in life for myself”

Community Activities

IN THEIR OWN WORDS… “Being a Seita Scholar to me means the opportunity to reach my full potential”

Welcoming Environment

Not all work!

How we got started?  A good question –How many students at WMU are from foster care?  A Summit meeting –April 2007 DHS and MCC host meeting in Albion, MI  A good idea –A scholarship for foster youth, outreach to foster youth, and comprehensive student support  An opportunity with new leadership –President John Dunn supports the initiative –Campus and Community Support

Dr. John Seita WMU 3 Degree Alum

Student Advisory Group

The Challenge 100% 70% 50% 10-15% 2-4% # of Foster Youth Aging Out 65%

Program Elements Full Undergraduate Scholarship Personal Support Academic Support Mentoring Community Involvement

Focus on Academic Success  Time management  Scheduling  Accountability  Accepting feedback  Coping with stress  Study habits  Learning skills  “Manage” childhood Memories, present circumstances

Peer Leaders

Social Activities

Teamwork

Mentoring

Achieving Goals

Siblings

Program Services  Assessment of College Readiness (College Student Inventory)  Customized Orientation and Welcome Week  Paid-for Campus housing over semester breaks  Emergency funds  Assistance Securing Work Study Job on campus  Academic Supports (e.g., assessments, tutors)  Midterm Grade Reports  Specialized Classes exclusive to Seita Scholars First year seminar, Learning Styles Campus Coach Support

Campus Coach Model  Campus Coaches: masters-level, clinically trained, working knowledge of foster care system  24-hour on-call  “Go-to” person on campus  Provide services based on student-centered philosophy  Support with 7 life domain areas, navigating systems and connecting to campus departments

Coaches

Problem Areas Student Problems addressed with Campus Coach # Students% Active Biological Family Issues Depression or Anxiety interfering with School Academically Unprepared Concern for Siblings Adopted or in Foster Care Physical Health Problems Death or Violence of a Loved One Substance Abuse DPS or Kalamazoo Police Involvement Domestic or Physical Violence Involving Student1210 Mental Health Diagnosis119.2 Pregnancy or Parenting86.7 Suicide Ideation or Attempt75.8 Documented Learning Disability43.3

Typical Student Aid Package $5,550 Pell Grant $1,000 SEOG $9,000 Seita Scholarship $5,000 Education Training Voucher $2,000 Work-Study $22,550 (NO LOANS!)

School’s Revenue (round numbers) * Odds of enrollment without program = 0 (Revenue to school = $0) * Seita Scholars must live on campus (Revenue to school = $9,000) * Cost to operate program (Offset by revenue from room and board)

FUTURE DIRECTIONS Colleges have a role in serving students from foster care. – WMU is developing a national program model. Lessons learned at WMU can inform policy and practice targeting foster youth populations. –Fields: child welfare, health care, education Human Service, Health and Educational institutions can partner to better serve foster youth who age out of foster care.

Challenge to YOU!  What can you do to assist foster youth on your campus?  What can you do to assist foster youth in your state?  Would you like to begin a similar program?!?!

Western Michigan University cares about foster youth! Go Broncos!!!