In-school encounters are liable for the poor academic results acquired by foster/homeless youth, which means foster youth’s dealings with teachers, administrators, and other adults on campus will have significant impacts on academic and social outcomes. Foster and homeless youth trail academically compared to other students. Entry into foster care results in the likelihood of being retained in grade level and poor performance on standardized assessments. It has been reported that 30% of youth shared placement changes that resulted in missing at least one month of school. _x000D_ _x000D_ During this presentation, we will discuss staff members' vital roles in the academic and social/emotional success of foster/homeless students. Participants will discuss staff members' changing mindsets and what strategies are best used to enhance the positive academic and social/emotional outcomes of foster/homeless youths at their school sites. _x000D_
This workshop will help LEA's identify implementation strategies for establishing a wellness center, including identification and support of students experiencing homelessness, establishing community partnerships to leverage resources, and highlighting a district-wide system of support. Furthermore, we will highlight pathways to sustainability that include the Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Grant through the California Department of Education and through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) Statewide Multi-Payer School-Linked Fee Schedule program that is part of California's Master Plan for Kids' Mental Health.
