A Community Taking ACTION Interagency Agreement (Children in DCF Care) Interagency Agreement (Children in DCF Care)

Commitment to Youth Foster Care Youth 71% are age 6 to 18 Are more likely to be retained Score lower on standardized tests Lose 4-6 months educational progress due to changing homes and schools 71% are age 6 to 18 Are more likely to be retained Score lower on standardized tests Lose 4-6 months educational progress due to changing homes and schools

Many Systems Many Silos

Interagency Agreement School Board of Palm Beach County Department of Juvenile Justice, Circuit 15 Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, Inc. Agency for Persons with Disabilities Department of Children & Families, Circuit 15 Workforce Alliance Child & Family Connections, Inc. Signed July 2011

Stability and Seamless Transitions Students should remain in their home school, unless unsafe. Minimize trauma AVOID: ◦ Enrollment delay ◦ Records transfer delay ◦ Repeat or missing educational materials ◦ Loss of credits

Foster Care Youth  Identified as abused or neglected  Under supervision:  Department of Children and Families  Child and Family Connections Who are ‘Covered Youth’?

Homeless Youth “Awaiting Placement”  Covered under 42 USC 11302, Mc Kinney-Vento Act  Lack fixed, regular, adequate nighttime residence  Primary nighttime residence  Shelter  Temporary residence  Accommodations not designed for sleeping

Be An Advocate Learn about abused, neglected and homeless children. Promote school as a safe and secure place. Enroll youth in free lunch program. Encourage participation in school activities.

Be Proactive Meet case managers, shelter parents, and group home staff. Invite agencies to educational forums. Encourage foster parents to take an active part in youth’s education. Ensure front office staff know and follow protections for ‘covered youth’.

Foster Care Registration Form (“Salmon Form”)

Coming Together as a Team

Where Can I Turn for Help? Foster Care Liaison Laura Shoemaker PX Exceptional Student Education Specialist Joanne Thornton PX Kim Williams Student Intervention Services Assistant Director Homeless Liaison PX Homeless Coordinator Beth Lefler PX 22954