Educational Outcomes for Children in Foster Care

Educational Outcomes for Children in Foster Care

Many of the youth who enter foster care are victims of abuse or neglect. Foster care placement changes and frequent school moves cause disruptions in daily life that can impact the well-being and educational trajectories of these children.

 

These traumatic experiences often manifest in behavioral issues, which, in turn, can lead to academic setbacks like grade retention, chronic absenteeism, and school suspension (National Institutes of Health).

 

Interventions like educational support and adult advocacy have been shown to improve outcomes for youth in the child welfare system. The Education Success Foundation creates a path for academic success for over 2,400 students in Monroe County each year, through enriching and supportive programs.

EnCompass: Resources for Learning

The success of the Norman Howard School (99% graduation rate for children with learning disabilities) was the genesis for creating the Education Success Foundation, which provides support for students, families, schools, and professionals. EnCompass: Resources for Learning is a community-based organization that is the premier provider of year-round educational services for students and families in Monroe County.

 

“Our EnCompass program works directly with child welfare and foster care youth,” said Paul Tucker, Senior Administrator of Youth & Family Services for EnCompass. “We serve children 10-18 years old who are not in school, who have either been suspended or who are returning home from a residential program. We also provide before-school and after-school support for students who need supervision during those times due to various reasons.”

 

Students are referred by a county caseworker. Most children have an open case in the child welfare system or may have just entered foster care, sometimes through an emergency removal.

 

“These students have a great deal of trauma,” said Tucker. “Our staff works hard to build relationships with them and support them.”

 

Contractually, there are 20 students in the active roster during the school year. Students can be in the program all year, for as long as they require support. Services are matched to each student’s unique learning style in order to prevent academic failure and enhance lifelong learning.

Lighthouse

Lighthouse is an EnCompass program designed specifically for children in foster care. Children are provided with a before-school program, a day program, an after-school program, and enrichment programs throughout the summer.

 

“In the Lighthouse program, we work closely with CPS and foster care,” said Sharnita Lovette, Lighthouse Coordinator. “Once we receive a referral from the Monroe County Department of Health & Human Services, the team meets with the child within 24-48 hours and gets them started in programming.”

 

Certified educators and professional staff reach each student with individualized, evidence-based services that promote academic achievement and student success. Weekly skill-building workshops address relevant needs like independent living and social-emotional learning.

 

“We build trusting relationships with these kids to allow them the same opportunities that other students have who are not in the foster care system,” said Lovette. “We show up for them every day, in a way that makes them feel they can approach us, that they’re being heard, being respected.”

 

The Lighthouse program has five employees and is funded through Monroe County. Staff instill a sense of purpose and self-confidence in foster care youth by providing consistency, outlining expectations (rules and policies that must be followed), and teaching advocacy—all of which contribute to post-secondary success.

 

“At this stage, students are highly impressionable and often facing negativity while making the difficult shift from childhood into adolescence and young adulthood,” Lovette said. “It’s easy to get caught up in gangs, trends on social media, vaping, bad language, etc. It’s important to show them love and compassion and teach them how to be upright citizens in the community.”

 

During the school year, youth are expected to participate in four academic blocks during the day. They are welcome to return to the common space for a meal and after-school activities, such as gaming, art, a movie, or just relaxation. In the summer, there are five weeks of academics, with Fridays reserved for field trips.

 

“We also have a Lighthouse store that teaches money management,” said Lovette. “Students can do a good deed, artwork, clean up, etc., to earn ‘learning tickets’ to the store. On Fridays, they can purchase items like snacks, keychains, basketballs, body products,  even AirPods! It teaches them to be more responsible with their money.”

Educational Gains and Beyond

“It’s very rewarding to see a young person grow and evolve, get their driver’s permit, graduate, go to college,” said Tucker. “We make a big deal of all of those successes for our kids. It’s important that someone is excited for them.”

 

Through adult advocacy, the Lighthouse program provides a sense of belonging for foster care youth, beyond the educational gains it provides.

 

“There is a misconception that these kids are naughty (due to behavioral issues, school suspension, etc.),” said Lovette. “EnCompass/Lighthouse provides a framework for them to feel safe and inspired, so they can reach their social, emotional, and academic potential.”

 

“These kids teach us,” said Tucker. “Because of them, I’m a better parent.”

RESOURCES:

 

EnCompass: Resources for Learning
https://www.educationsuccessfoundation.org/encompass

 

Lighthouse
https://www.educationsuccessfoundation.org/encompass/lighthouse