Foster Care Training

“Presenter will discuss how educational outcomes for foster youth read like a list of all the things we don’t want for our children; Lower grades, more behavior problems, higher rates of suspension from school, lower high school graduation rates, and very low postsecondary school completion rates. Presenter will encourage participants to think about behavioral issues these kids typically come into foster care with due to abuse and neglect at home and how it may potentially have an impact on them academically. Discussion of instability at home, lack of permanency in foster care, and inconsistent schooling are a perfect recipe for behavior problems. Yet the destructive formula is compounded when schools overuse suspensions, a disciplinary step that does not appear to improve educational outcomes. • Participants will review the differences between a 504 Plan verses IEP (Individual Educational Plan). Discuss the impacts of these educational plan and how they support the youth. • Participants will build their awareness of various resources available to kids through the educational system. “