Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program

PCOE Public Facing Web Site

There are approximately 100,000 children in California living in foster care. Being removed from their families because they have experienced abuse or neglect, the State becomes their guardian and has a unique legal obligation to ensure their well-being. However, this doesn't mean they'll receive the education they deserve. In regards to receiving education, recent studies have found the following:

• Foster kids have significantly higher rates of absenteeism and disciplinary referrals compared to their peers

• 75% of these children perform below grade level
  

• 83% of them are held back by third grade     

• 50% of foster students obtain a high school diploma/GED 

• Fewer than 3% will attend a four-year college

Improving the educational outcomes of foster children requires an improvement in collaboration between state and local child welfare professionals and judicial and education agencies--in addition to improving current policies and practices. Some recommendations include:

1. Child welfare agencies: identification of educational strengths and needs; participation in education teams; case plans that include an expanded education section; improved communication of education plans and education progress to judges and other stakeholders.

2. Judicial agencies:  Increased focus on education during dependency proceedings and appointment of educational champions.

3. Education agencies: Identification of district foster youth education liaisons; identification of school-site foster youth education liaisons; identification of educational strengths and needs; facilitation of education team meetings.
   

Click through the tabs in this section to find more information about our program, including services offered, documents, resources, and who to contact for assistance.

Using a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) approach, the PCOE FYSCP provides outstanding educational case management solutions to all children living in foster care. Under this approach, data is used to prioritize supports and services for the youth in care. Working closely with school districts' foster youth liaisons, students who are identified as having a need for educational supports are provided assistance in the following areas:

• Academics 

• Social/emotional assistance

• Transitioning

• Vocational help

• Counseling supports and interventions
  

To provide the best support possible, our program engages with the following two advisory groups:

The Systems Management Advocacy Resource Team (SMART)

This team consists of the Director of Health and Human Services, Superior Court Judge, Chief of Probation, PCOE Superintendent of Schools, Director of Mental Health America, Director of Children's System of Care, and the Superintendent of Western Placer Unified School District.​

The second advisory group, which meets quarterly, consists of professionals from:

School districts' foster youth programs, probation offices, Children's System of Care, Independent Living Program, Sierra College, Mental Health America, CASA, Koinonia Group Homes, and KidzCount.

Both groups act as advisory and oversight for implementation and outcomes for the FYSCP.

Below you will find many important documents to assist you in learning more about our programs. 

Best Interest Determination Check-list

California Foster Care Education Task Force Fact Sheets, English

California Foster Care Education Task Force Fact Sheets, Spanish​

Enrollment and HS Rights Flyer

FHYSCP Directory 2022-23​

School Stability 2021

Trauma Needs for Foster Youth

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Take a look at these additional resources for further details about our program: 

California - County Liaisons

Foster Youth Education Toolkit - This toolkit has additional information and tools for best practices to support youth in the foster care system.  

AB 490 OVERVIEW AB490 - Addresses school stability and transportation and Foster Youth District Liaison responsibilities

AB1933 School of Origin

AB167 - AB167 Graduation Requirements Waiver

ACL 11-51  - School of Origin Transportation - Fiscal responsibility between LEA and Child Welfare Department

CaFosterCareEdLawFactSheets  - Foster Care Education - Fact Sheets

CDE Foster Youth Services - California Department of Education, Foster Youth Services Department

FosterEd Connect​

Caregiver Affidavit

ESSA - Non-Regulatory Guidance Ensuring School Stability for Students in Foster Care

​Transition Resources

Independent Living Skills Program (ILP)

FYS partners with the Children's System of Care for the identification of foster youth age 15½ or older who are in out-of-home placements. Referrals to ILP are made at age 16.​

Kaleidoscope of Employment for Youth Success 

KEYS is a collaborative project between FYS, the Department of Rehabilitation, and PRIDE Industries. This program is designed to ensure successful employment outcomes for foster youth, ages 16-19, who have significant barriers to employment.​​

College Transition Support Team

Partners with Sierra Community College, PCOE-FYS, Children's System of Care, and other community professionals to address the needs, concerns, and issues that affect the success and retention of former foster students attending Sierra Community College.​

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