1. Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation in
Washington State
Presented by: State Representative Ruth Kagi

2. These Wounds Won’t Heal by Joyce
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
These Wounds Won’t Heal
by Joyce
These wounds won’t heal Scars keep reopening
No one seems to hear what I have to say I still can’t handle the pain
I don’t trust those around me
Trapped behind locked doors Paralyzed with fears but YOU HOLD THE KEY.

3. 2001 Study: The Catalyst for Legislation
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
2001 Study: The Catalyst for Legislation
59 percent of foster youth complete high school by the end of grade 12.
Twice as many foster youth repeat a grade, change schools mid-year, or enroll in special education programs.
Foster youth score 15 to 20 percentage points below non-foster youth on statewide tests.

4. Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Foster students score below non-foster students on IOWA achievement tests
National Percentile Rank

5. SB 6709: Education Stability Workgroup
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
SB 6709: Education Stability Workgroup
Determine status of school placement.
Recommended a legislative mandate.

6. Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
House Bill 1058:
“It is the policy of the state of Washington that, whenever practical and in the interest of the child, children placed into foster care shall remain enrolled in the schools they were attending at the time they entered foster care.”
-RCW Chapter 74.13

7. HB 1058: Coordination by the Oversight Committee
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
HB 1058: Coordination by the Oversight Committee
Strategies:
Transfer of education records;
Address education stability at shelter care.
Recruit foster parents in areas with high need.
Training and service planning;
Transportation needs.
Advocacy
Organizations

8. HB 1058: Communication with Social Workers, Caregivers and Schools
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
HB 1058: Communication with Social Workers,
Caregivers and Schools

9. HB 1058: Communication and coordination with the Courts
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
HB 1058: Communication and coordination with the Courts
Courts and social workers address education stability at shelter care hearings.
Judges ask social workers how the court can help maintain stability and school success.

10. HB 1058: Treehouse Education Advocacy Program
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
HB 1058: Treehouse Education Advocacy Program
Direct Advocacy: keeping foster youth enrolled and on track for their grade level; ensuring disciplinary action is appropriate and special education needs are met. Consultation: coaching youth, caregivers and social workers on addressing obstacles or conflicts at school. Information and referral: providing information on resource or programs that may help youth with educational goals.

11. Key components for achieving education stability
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Key components for achieving education stability
Strong, committed advocacy organizations.
A legislative champion.
Clear statement of policy in statute.
Cross-system collaboration and information sharing.

12. Better education outcomes and stability for foster youth
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Better education outcomes and stability for foster youth
Social Workers
Caregivers

13. On-time Graduation Rates for Washington State Foster Youth
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
On-time Graduation Rates for Washington State Foster Youth

14. House Bill 1079 shifts focus to higher education
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
House Bill 1079 shifts focus to higher education
Oversight Committee expanded to include Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB), foster youth and foster parents.
Foster youth given special consideration for State Need Grants.
Advocacy
Organizations
FOSTER YOUTH
& FOSTER PARENTS

15. Passport to College Promise Scholarship
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Passport to College Promise Scholarship
“The purpose of the program is:
To encourage current and former foster care youth to prepare for, attend, and successfully complete higher education; and
To provide current and former foster care youth with the educational planning, information, institutional support, and direct financial resources necessary for them to succeed in higher education.” – RCW Title 28B

16. Direct services provided by incentive payment:
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Passport to College Promise Scholarship
Institutions receive a $500 incentive payment for student retention.
50 institutions participate.
Direct services provided by incentive payment:
Emergency funding
Financial incentives for meeting academic goals
Medical assistance
Tutoring
School supplies
Mentoring
Counseling
Meals
Transportation assistance
Housing
And more

17. Passport to College Promise Scholarship
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Passport to College Promise Scholarship
Cross-agency data exchange increases identification of eligible students.
More than 1,300 students determined eligible using this process.
FAFSA Completed
Info to DSHS
Eligibility Verified
Eligibility Sent to Schools
Students Receive Passport Scholarship
Foster Youth

18. Passport to College Promise Scholarship
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Passport to College Promise Scholarship
College Success Foundation contracted to provide:
Regional Passport to College Summits – train professionals on improving education outcomes.
Direct services for youth on campus.

19. Additional higher education programs
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Additional higher education programs
HB 2002: Foster Care to 21
Up to 50 foster youth per year remain in care until age 21 while enrolled in college or vocational training.
Other services available: Transitional Living Skills program, ETV, Passport, and the Governor’s Scholarship.

20. Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation

21. Thank you.