What Can be Done to Help Foster Children Succeed in California's Public Schools?
Nearly 50,000 children in California are in foster care, and many of them attend public schools. While these students come from diverse backgrounds, we know they are capable of graduating and succeeding in college with ongoing support. What is the Current State of Foster Children in California's Public School System, and What Challenges Do They Face?
Foster students face many challenges. Some may have to move schools, which can disrupt their educational trajectory. Students may not have stability in home life or enough adults to support them. And students may struggle with trauma and mental health issues. As a result, foster children are more likely to drop out of high school and less likely to go to college. Educators must do more to support these students and help them succeed in school and life.
"K–12 students in foster care are unquestionably at a disadvantage in their education and typically show poor academic achievement and education outcomes." (Barrat & Berliner, 2013)
How Can We Help These Students Succeed in School and Beyond?
There are many things that educators and others can do to support foster children in California's public schools.
Provide Stability
Foster children need a stable environment to succeed academically. This means ensuring they have a consistent place to live and attend school. It also means providing them with necessary transportation to and from school.
Create Supportive Relationships
Foster children need adults who can support them emotionally and academically. These adults can be teachers, counselors, social workers, or other school staff members. "The most important thing that educators can do for students in foster care is to develop supportive relationships with them" (Barrat & Berliner, 2013).
Encourage Involvement in Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities can help foster children feel connected to their school and peers. They can also help these students develop essential skills, such as teamwork and communication.
Provide Mental Health Services
Many foster children struggle with mental health issues. As a result, schools need to provide counseling and other mental health services. (Alber, 2019)
What Resources Are Available to Help Foster Children and Their Families Overcome These Challenges?
Many organizations and programs offer resources to foster children and their families. The following is a list of some of these organizations:
1. The California Department of Education provides resources and information for educators who work with foster children.
The Foster Care Counts campaign offers resources and support to foster children and their families.
The National Foster Parent Association provides resources and support to foster parents.
The National Resource Center for Foster Care and Permanency Planning offers resources and information on foster care.
The Children's Defense Fund provides resources and advocacy for children in the foster care system.
These are just a few of the many organizations that offer resources to foster children and their families. With the right support, these students can overcome their challenges and succeed in school and life.
There are some things we as teachers can do to support students. Here are some tips that you can do to support all students.
Educational Innovation 360
References
Alber, R. (2019). Supporting Students Living in Foster Care. Edutopia. Retrieved from: https://www.edutopia.org/article/supporting-students-living-foster-care.
Barrat, V. X., & Berliner, B. A. (2013). The invisible achievement gap: Education outcomes of students in foster care in California's public schools (part one). WestEd.