Child Welfare, Education, and The Courts: A Collaboration to Strengthen Educational Successes of Children and Youth in Foster Care Conference November 3, 2011 Susan Lieberman, Keeping Maine’s Children Connected Strategies for Ensuring Immediate Enrollment for Youth in Care Shared Vision: Connecting Schools, Youth, Families, Agencies and Communities to Support Youth in Care

“I didn’t drop out, I just stopped going and no one asked me why.” Cassie, 15

“For youth like me, interruptions in our education often result in academic skills that are below our classmates. It's easy for us to become frustrated and so discouraged that we end up dropping out of high school. A good education is especially critical for me. I see my education as the tool that can allow me to become the adult I want to be.” - Mariah, a 15 year old youth in foster care who moved 4 times in two years

Silos exist Gap between what we say and what we do –“We already do that” Syndrome No contact or link with school or agency to assist with transitions HIPPA, FERPA, Providers and Kids say we can’t communicate Barriers: Major Themes

Maine Model: Making Connections Enhance Existing Resources, Working Relationships and Connections Locally and Statewide Provide Access to Statewide Liaison Network Sustain and Support Connections: Trainings and Regional Meetings Offer Alternative Options: Maine DOE Diploma Utilize Data to Guide Planning

Establishes KMCC Liaisons, utilizing existing agency and school personnel, in each: Regional state agency office School district Juvenile correctional facility Residential facility In-patient psychiatric hospital Court Administrative Office Creates Links Across Systems Utilizes Electronic Access to Liaison’s Contact Information – Keeping Maine’s Children Connected Statewide Liaison Network

Facilitates communication among school and state agency staff in order to support youth Increases effective utilization of school and agency resources Contact liaison to facilitate: – Timely enrollment – Connection and communication with school staff – Records transfer – Assistance with transportation – Access to timely and appropriate services and supports Keeping Maine’s Children Connected Statewide Liaison Network

Role of the KMCC Liaison Connect Link to existing natural communication channels Communicate Identify the best person/team within district, agency or facility to assist with the student ’ s support plan. Assist with the process if there is a breakdown in communication. Collaborat e : Work together to facilitate successful transitions and support for the youth

Sustain and Support Connections: Keep on Talking Initial Integrated Trainings in Fall Regional Liaison Network Meetings Statewide 2 to 3 times a year Integrated Trainings at Schools, Agencies and Facilities Orientation Trainings for Case Workers on Strategies to Maintain Educational Stability

Alternative Options: Maine Dept of Education Diploma PL 451: An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Task Force to Engage Maine’s Youth Regarding Successful School Completion Enacted in 2007

Key Components 5 Day Transmittal of Educational Records School Work Recognition Plan –Plan developed no later than 10 days after interim placement Academic Programming Waiver –In lieu of transmitting work, a waiver may be agreed upon by which the work done in the interim placement will be recognized and documented Department of Education Diploma –Students who have experienced educational disruptions of more than 10 days and have been recommended by the State Review Team to receive a Maine DOE Diploma will be issued a diploma by the Commissioner upon satisfactory completion of the content standards of the Maine Learning Results in addition to any other diploma requirements applicable to secondary students as set forth in their school work recognition plan

Additional Resources from Maine Youth Developed Checklist for Youth and School Staff to Assist with Transitions to New School Checklist for DHHS Caseworkers to assist with transitions* Athletics and Field Trip Release Form* –Blanket Release form signed annually by the DHHS caseworker which authorizes the foster parent to sign individual permission forms to ensure the child is allowed to participate in school outings and activities * Copies can be accessed by contacting Linda Brissette, Maine DHHS at

For More Information: Susan Lieberman, Director, Keeping Maine’s Children Connected Virginia Marriner, Maine DHHS, Director of Child Welfare Policy and Practice Linda Brissette, Maine DHHS, Children Services Program Specialist