Supporting Student Success: The 4-1-1 on Foster Care Youth

Why Foster Care?

Aspiration Vs.

Attainment

“I want to be a graphic designer”

“I want to a chef”

“I want to work with kids”

“I want to go to College”

MCCD Foster Youth Student Success Initiative

Grant Funded by Arizona Commission of Post Secondary Education

Began June 2013

Increase the college going and completion rate among students

aging out of the foster care system.

Children in the SystemChildren are removed from the home

Where the child is placed depends on numerous factors and is influenced by numerous circumstances. Some may end up:

• Foster homes• Group homes• Kinship placements• Adoption/legal guardianship • Secure care facility• Other state sanctioned placements

At age 18, youth are given the option to sign a voluntary

agreement to remain in the “system” until age 21 and

be part of an independent living program

Once at this stage,children often move throughout andwithin each differenttype of placement

Children in foster care experience an average of 5placement changes

Arizona in Foster Care Placement Type and Age

Demographics of Arizona Foster Care Youth

Foster Care Youth Number of Youth in Transitional Independent Living Program

Maricopa (1,014 – 65% of total) Pima (294 – 19% of total) Pinal (93 – 6% of total) There are a total of 350 students

participating in the TILP/YAP program

Potential of 664 college age students who may or may not be enrolled in PSE.

Demographics of Maricopa Foster Care Youth

723 youth have aged out of foster care, roughly 2000 (18-21) eligible to return

1-3% have attained a college degree compared to about 27% of the general adult population

Of those students who were identified as FY and attend college, 45% attend a MCCD or skill center (roughly 108)

Direct Service Providers Focus Group Data“Every foster youth is

different, but a majority of foster care youth and alumni are attempting to become independent by themselves, with no adult guidance and support.”

“Foster youth are making the largest adjustment into independence, while simultaneously losing several of their supports that could make a difference with navigating the system and succeeding in college”

• Need for supportive adults to assist and provide guidance

• Foster youth lack typical growing up experiences that may expose them to the concept of college

• Endure challenges with transitioning from congregate care settings to independent living

• Lack understanding of the college going process

• Lack of knowledge regarding the foster care culture prevents colleges from effectively serving FY.

Success Indicators Challenges

Comprehensive programs and services with easy access (ACE, on-line tutoring, help center, Outreach Centers)

Meaningful adult connections fostering a sense of belonging

Consistence access to services and resources

My.Maricopa.Edu complex and not easy to navigate

Enrollment processes, such as FAFSA, challenging due to need to present documentation

Desire to have individualized support (multiple locations)

Transportation- key concern especially due to frequent mobility

Access to computers and internet

MCCD Student Focus Group Data

“Educating faculty and staff on some of the circumstances foster youth experience is important”

“What makes FY unique is the sum of the parts, not the pieces of the whole”

MCCD Foster Youth Success Initiative

GOAL I

Explore and understand the unique challenges youth in out of home care encounter and bridge the information gap that exists between MCCD and agencies working directly with Foster Care Youth

• Created Foster Youth Advisory Board

• Reviewed national, state and local data on Foster Care Youth

• Hosted focus groups to gather qualitative data from case managers and foster care youth

• Develop MCCD web resource for foster youth

• Hosted session at MCCD Student Success Conference

MCCD Foster Youth Success Initiative

GOAL II

Align MCCD programs and Services to meet the needs of foster care youth by establishing the following:• Best practices for

college access and completion

• Champions (position, department) responsible for ensuring college readiness when working with foster care youth

• Centralized, web-based resource platform integrating MCCD programs and services with leading industry resources and support

IN PROGRESS

• Mapping out existing enrollment process to expose challenges/success

• Mapping out YAP/TILP process for opportunities to better orientate FCY

• Identify key stakeholders and/or departments (Champions) at each MCCD College

• Host summer conference for FCY case managers, agency providers and MCCD stakeholders (July 10, 2014 at SMCC)

Next Steps

Identify “coaches/liaisons” at each MCCCD to provide support, resources and referrals for foster care youth

Begin planning our “Navigating Higher Education” summer conference

Develop curriculum for planning and preparing for College (TILP/YAP, Group Homes)

Finalize the web-based platform with resources for students formerly in the foster care system

Develop district-wide best practices for access and completion