Supporting Success: Overview of Campus-Based

Programs for Youth Aging out of Foster Care

Mentoring for Educational Success: A Partnership between Children’s Network of SWFL and Florida Gulf Coast University

Foster Care Youth & Navigating the Higher Education Pipeline

Training Overview

Foster Youth and Postsecondary Education

FFY lag behind counterparts not in care

More than 1/3 of FFY do not have a HS diploma by age 19

> 20% enrolled in college

>3% graduate from college

FFY report high aspirations for college!!

Presented by:

Dr. Heather Farineau, LCSWDirector, Child Welfare Institute

Florida Atlantic University School of Social Work &

Dr. Karen Randolph Agnes Flaherty Stoops Professor in Child Welfare

Florida State University College of Social Work

Overview of Research Studies

Needs Assessments

Experiences of Coordinators

Descriptive Studies

Few Program Evaluations

List of Evaluated Programs

California State Programs

Renaissance Scholars

Guardian Scholars

Pathways to College

Western Michigan University

Seita Scholars

Washington State

Governor’s Scholarship

Texas State University

FACES

Components of Successful Programs

Institutional Support University Point Person

Advisory Committee

Financial Services Tuition support

Educational expenses support

Academic Support

Academic Advisor

Tutoring

Summer bridge programs

Components of Successful Programs

Social/Emotional Services

Counseling services

Mentoring

Participant network of support

Physical Health Services

Referrals

Housing services

Year-round housing

What Do Youth Say??

Importance of Relationships Other Former Foster Youth

(FFY) Program staff

Academic Advisement is veryimportantChoosing courses and a

major

Financial assistance is critical Educational expensesHousing expenses

One’s Youth Perspective…

Navigating the requirements for programs can be difficult

Follow-up and mentoring should occur biweekly

Takes time to develop trusting relationship

Programs should be individualized

Challenges: Procrastination, Avoidance coping, Poor time management, Educational disruptions prior to college

References

Crammer, D., Thomas, K., Cugno, R., Pann, J., Hellman, M. , Carter, S., & Yehl, A. (n.d). Aging out: Transitional pathway from foster care to college and beyond. Miami, FL: Nova University.

Davis, R. J. (2006). College access, financial aid, and college success for undergraduates from foster care. Washington, DC: National Association of Student Financial Aid Administration.

Dworsky, A. &Perez, A. (2010). Helping former foster youth graduate from college through campus support programs . Children and Youth Services Review, 32, 255-263.

Hernandez, L. & Naccarato, T. (2010). Scholarships and supports available to foster care alumni: A study of 12 programs across the US. Children And Youth Services Review, 32, 758-766.

Lovitt, T. & Emerson, J. (2008). Foster youth who have succeeded in higher education: Common themes. National Center on Secondary Education and Transition, 7, 1-6.

Merdinger, J. M., Hines, A. M., Osterling, K. L., & Wayatt, P. (2005). Pathways to college for former foster youth: Understanding factors that contribute to educational success. Child Welfare , 84, 867-896.

Watt, T. T., Norton, C.L., & Jones, C. (2013). Designing a campus support program for foster care alumni: Preliminary evidence for a strengths framework. Children and Youth Services Review , 35, 1408-1417.

Presented by:Michelle Farquharson, QM Director,

Children’s Network of SWFL

Dr. Belinda Bruster, Ph.D., LCSW

Florida Gulf Coast University

History

Community and University Collaboration

Project Development

Programmatic Structure

Lessons Learned

Program Evaluation

Objectives

OUTCOMES

Fewer than 50% of Florida’s foster kids graduate from High School…

30% of Former Foster Kids are Likely to Be Substance Abusers…

Up to 85% of Youth in Foster Care Have Mental Health Issues…

40% of Former Foster Care Youth Become Parents Within 2 Years of Leaving Foster Care…

25% of Former Foster Care Kids Will be Homeless within ONE Year…

75% of Former Foster Care Kids Experience Unemployment…

1 in 4 Former Foster Care BOYS and 1 in 10 GIRLS End up in Prison

CNSWFL and FGCU Leadership addressed the opportunities for partnership.

Partnership Collaboration

CNSWFL:Met with Case

Management Organizations

Independent Living Service Providers

FGCU: Met with students to

discuss the project, answer questions and concerns

Research states teens aging out have a 32% poverty rate in

order for the cycle to end they must complete one the following

1) Graduate HS

2) Complete a vocational program

3) Complete postsecondary educational program

OUTCOMES

2010 Nearly 18,700 youths in out-of-home care in in Florida. 47% were in licensed care.

Circuit 20

Focus on Data

July 1, 2010 July 1, 2015 Variance

Total Population served 1455 1903 30.79%

Total out of home care 877 (60%) 1240 41.39%

Total number in licensed care

461 (32%) 621 34.7%

Total number of youths ages 13-17

191 (13%) 135 29.31%

The mission is to provide enrichment opportunities to

at risk youths in foster care beginning at 7th grade.

Goals: COLLEGE is not a myth! Real life immersion

Exposure to education, college life, careers

Academic Achievement

Leadership

Citizenship

Service Excellence

Mission Statement

Phase I CNSWFL :

Allocate staff

Develop calendar

Identify funding sources

Coordinate logistics

Duration of this phase

Project Development

Phase I FGCU:

Develop survey instruments

Develop calendar

Research grants

Duration of this phase

Child Welfare course Undergrad / Graduate students

Outline Program requirements

Service Learning

Orientation

Phase I: FGCU: Mentor Selection

Program Brochures / Literature

Engage stakeholders

Identification of youth

Follow up telephone calls / in person contact

Phase I: CNSWFL: Mentee Selection

Phase II: FGCU Match BSW student and

foster care youth

Rapport building

Administer Survey

Project Development

Phase II: CNSWFL Program overview for selected

youths and caregivers

Obtained releases

Engaged youth’s supports (GAL, Mentor)

Weekly debrief with youth

It is the goal of this Phase to assure the youth and mentor are provided the adequate resources and support to promote full participation in the program

Phase III: FGCU Administer Mentor

and Mentee survey Data Collection and

Analysis.

Project Development

Phase III: CNSWFL Group and Individual

Debrief Program Evaluation Monitor outcomes for

youths

9 weeks (standing day)

Mentors and mentees met once per week typically from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm on the FGCU campus

Dinner (Visa debit card)

Engagement

Review agenda of activities

Programmatic Structure

Campus tour Student housing

Campus beach

Observe a collegiate athletic activity

Attend a Theatre / Art production

Observe a class (discipline varies according to availability)

Academic Advisor

Educational opportunities

Local state college

Exposure to career opportunities

WGCU (radio and television)

Eco Farm

Off campus event

ROPES course

Activities

Graduation Event

Highlight Talents

Photo / Video recording

Complete survey

Certificates

Dignitary and supports

Final Week

Program Highlights

Mentee Graduates 2010 – Spring 2015

Middle School 1

High School 38

GED 3

Vocational Program 1

College 11

Total 54

Educational Status of participants

Post Secondary Status

Mentee Graduates 2010 – Spring 2015

Completed High School 14

Attending College 11

Some College 2

Vocational Program 1

Success can be achieved!

But HOW?

Lessons Learned

Collaboration

Open line of communication

Funding

Engagement

Rapport building

Active listening

Interviewing

Flexibility

Unconditional positive regard

Setting boundaries

Peer supervision

Professional supervision

Clarification

Setting realistic goals

Education

Critical thinking

Networking

Validating

Self reflection

Funding

Interdepartmental administrative support

Time allocation

Trauma impacted youth (mild to moderate behavioral concerns)

Challenges

How is this program promoted within the

community?

What is the main funding source?

How do you effectively engage youth who have experienced trauma?

What’s the sustainability plan?

Q&A

References (partial list)

Ahrens, K., et al. (2008). Youth in Foster Care with Adult Mentors During Adolescence Have Improved Adult Outcomes. Pediatrics, 121 246-252.

Allen, M. and Nixon, R. (2000). ”The Foster Care Independence Act and the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program: New Catalysts for Reform for Young People Aging Out of Foster Care.” Journal of Poverty and Policy: July-August.

Anderson, G., (2003). Aging Out of the Foster Care System: Challenges and Opportunities for the State of Michigan. Michigan Applied Public Policy Research Program.

Barth, R. (1990). On their own: The experiences of youth after foster care. Child and Adolescent Social Work 7(5) 419-440.

References

Chronicle of Higher Education (2005). Foster Children Need Help to Overcome

Obstacles to Higher Education. Retrieved from http://chronicle.com/daily/2005/12/2005121504n.htm

Child Welfare League of America (2003) Number of Children in Out of Home Care, by age group. Retrieved from

http://ndas.cwla.org/data_stats/states/Data_Trends/Florida%20State%20Data%20Trends pdf

Child Welfare League America (2010). Florida’s Children 2010. Retrieved from http://www.cwla.org/advocacy/statefactsheets/2010/florida.pdf

Council on Social Work Edcuation Inc (2008). Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

de Anda, D (2001). A Qualitative Evaluation of a Mentor Program for at risk youth: the participant’s perspective. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journalvol.18 #2

References

Dworsky, A., Perez, A. (2009). Helping Former Foster Youth Graduate

From College

Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.

e! Science News (2010) Mentoring, skills development associated with improved mental health in foster care children. Retrieved from http://esciencenews.com/articles/2010/08/02 mentoring.skills.development.

Fernades, A. (2006). Notice of Proposed Rule Making to Implement the Chafee Foster Care Independence Act Database. Congressional Research Service. Retrieved from http://www.nilausa.org/membersonly/Chafee%20CD%20final.pdf

Florida Safe Families Network, Children Active Receiving Services, 6/30/2010

References

Prepared by:Lisa Jackson, MSW,

Unconquered Scholars Program Coordinator,

Florida State University

David Kenton, J.D.,

Assistant Dean of Minority Education,

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Unconquered Scholars

Installation of Hope

Enrichment Opportunities

Plan & Prepare

Transition

Campus Support

Student Success

The Higher Education Pipeline

Critical component

Simple conversations

Offers a sense of possibility

Builds confidence

Can produce motivation to achieve academically

Installation of Hope

Campus exposure

Tours

Summer camps

Workshops

Exposure to college life

Career familiarity

Contact

Internships

Professional mentoring

Enrichment Opportunities

Plan & Prepare

Academics

College readiness programs

ACT/SAT preparation

College Admission

Requirements

Deadlines

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Congratulations, you are admitted! …Now what?

Student

CBCCampus

Coordinator

TransitionThrough Collaboration

Transcripts

Institutional paperwork

Housing arrangements

Move to campus

Fees

Meal planning

Financial preparation

Continued contact with CBC

Transition Elements

Dedicated Program

Professional(s)

Student Driven Program

Strengths-based Approach

One-on-One Meetings

Student Engagement Programming

Summer Bridge Program

Financial Aid Assistance

Academic Advising

Housing Assistance

Counseling Services

Student Disability Services

Meal Plan Assistance

Tutoring

Health Services

Advocacy

Campus Ally Development

Service Opportunities

Leadership Development

Trauma Informed Practice

Campus Support

For more information about the Unconquered Scholars Program contact lisa.a.jackson@fsu.edu.

In their own words…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89aiEnH8xyQ&feature=youtu.be

First Cohort Graduates in May 2016

Early Data

Unconquered Scholars Program

Retention at FSU 95.5%

Retention at University Level 97.5%

Cumulative GPA of Scholars at FSU 2.97

Reach youth early in education

Instill hope

Nurture academic motivation and preparation

Access to college and career experiences

Multi-level support

Student Success

Q&A

StudentAid.gov, https://studentaid.ed.gov/ sa/sites/default/files /federal-grant-

programs.pdf

The Potential of Career and College Readiness and Exploration in Afterschool Programs, Brand, B., and Valent, A. American Youth Policy Forum. http://www.expandinglearning.org/expandingminds/article/potential-career-and-college-readiness-and-exploration-afterschool-programs

Dell Scholars Program, College Readiness Program Guidelines, http://www.dellscholars.org/scholarship/college-readiness-programs/

References