Promoting Education Stability For
Foster Youth Through Legislation in
Washington State
Presented by: State Representative Ruth Kagi
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
These Wounds Won’t Heal
by Joyce
These wounds won’t heal
Scars keep reopening
No one seems to hear what I have to say
I still can’t handle the pain
I don’t trust those around me
Trapped behind locked doors
Paralyzed with fears but
YOU HOLD THE KEY.
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
2001 Study: The Catalyst for Legislation
•59 percent of foster youth complete high school by
the end of grade 12.
•Twice as many foster youth repeat a grade, change
schools mid-year, or enroll in special education
programs.
•Foster youth score 15 to 20 percentage points below
non-foster youth on statewide tests.
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
National Percentile Rank
Foster students score below non-foster students on
IOWA achievement tests
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
SB 6709: Education Stability Workgroup
• Determine status of school placement.
• Recommended a legislative mandate.
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
House Bill 1058:
“It is the policy of the state of Washington
that, whenever practical and in the interest
of the child, children placed into foster care
shall remain enrolled in the schools they
were attending at the time they entered
foster care.”
-RCW Chapter 74.13
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
HB 1058: Coordination by the Oversight Committee
•Strategies:
•Transfer of education records;
•Address education stability at shelter care.
•Recruit foster parents in areas with high need.
•Training and service planning;
•Transportation needs.
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
HB 1058: Communication with Social Workers,
Caregivers and Schools
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
HB 1058: Communication and coordination with the Courts
•Courts and social
workers address
education stability at
shelter care hearings.
•Judges ask social
workers how the court
can help maintain
stability and school
success.
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
HB 1058: Treehouse Education Advocacy Program
Direct Advocacy: keeping foster youth enrolled and on track for
their grade level; ensuring disciplinary action is appropriate and
special education needs are met.
Consultation: coaching youth, caregivers and social workers on
addressing obstacles or conflicts at school.
Information and referral: providing information on resource or
programs that may help youth with educational goals.
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Key components for achieving education stability
• Strong, committed advocacy organizations.
• A legislative champion.
• Clear statement of policy in statute.
• Cross-system collaboration and information sharing.
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
On-time Graduation Rates for Washington State Foster Youth
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
House Bill 1079 shifts focus to higher education
• Oversight Committee expanded to include Higher
Education Coordinating Board (HECB), foster youth
and foster parents.
• Foster youth given special consideration for State
Need Grants.
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Passport to College Promise Scholarship
“The purpose of the program is:
(1) To encourage current and former foster care youth
to prepare for, attend, and successfully complete
higher education; and
(2) To provide current and former foster care youth
with the educational planning, information,
institutional support, and direct financial resources
necessary for them to succeed in higher education.”
– RCW Title 28B
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Passport to College Promise Scholarship
• Institutions receive a $500 incentive payment for
student retention.
• 50 institutions participate.
Direct services provided by incentive payment:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Emergency funding
Medical assistance
Tutoring
Mentoring
Meals
Housing
o Financial incentives for meeting
academic goals
o School supplies
o Counseling
o Transportation assistance
o And more
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Passport to College Promise Scholarship
•Cross-agency data exchange increases identification of
eligible students.
•More than 1,300 students determined eligible using this
process.
Foster Youth
FAFSA
Completed
Eligibility Sent
to Schools
Info to DSHS
Eligibility
Verified
Students Receive
Passport
Scholarship
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Passport to College Promise Scholarship
College Success Foundation contracted to provide:
•Regional Passport to College Summits – train
professionals on improving education outcomes.
•Direct services for youth on campus.
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Additional higher education programs
HB 2002: Foster Care to 21
• Up to 50 foster youth per year remain in care
until age 21 while enrolled in college or
vocational training.
• Other services available: Transitional Living Skills
program, ETV, Passport, and the Governor’s
Scholarship.
Promoting Education Stability For Foster Youth Through Legislation
Thank you.