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Workforce & Training - Results (26 Publications)

Title: Foster Parents Speak: Crossing Bridges and Fostering Change [DVD].
Published: 2008
Available from: PhotoSynthesis Productions
http://www.photosynthesisproductions.com/store.cfm
418 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Abstract: This video presents a discussion with foster parents about their role in promoting family reunification for the children in their care. The participants describe their experiences with foster parenting and their role as temporary caregivers. Topics include strategies for developing relationships with birth parents, visitation, and transitions from foster care to reunification. The group specifically examines the challenges of overcoming parents' hostility toward them, as well as their own bias against the person who mistreated a child. The foster parents advise other caregivers to understand the motivation of the parents and to support them in their attempt to regain custody.

Title: Changing Policy and Practice in the Child Welfare System Through Collaborative Efforts to Identify and Respond Effectively to Family Violence.
Author(s): Banks, Duren.;Landsverk, John.;Wang, Kathleen.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Journal of Interpersonal Violence
v. 23, 7, July 2008, p. 903-932
Available from: Sage Publications
http://www.sagepub.com
2455 Teller Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
Abstract: The Greenbook provides a roadmap for child welfare agencies to collaborate and provide effective responses to families who are experiencing co-occurring child maltreatment and domestic violence. A multisite developmental evaluation was conducted of six demonstration sites that received federal funding to implement Greenbook recommendations for child welfare agencies. Surveys of child welfare caseworkers show significant changes in several areas of agency policy and practice, including regular domestic violence training, written guidelines for reporting domestic violence, and working closely and sharing resources with local domestic violence service providers. Case file reviews show significant increases in the level of active screening for domestic violence, although this increase peaks at the midpoint of the initiative. These findings, coupled with on-site interview data, point to the importance of coordinating system change activities in child welfare agencies with a number of other collaborative activities. (Author abstract)

Title: Retention of Front-Line Staff in Child Welfare: A Systematic Review of Research.
Author(s): DePanfilis, Diane.;Zlotnik, Joan Levy.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Children and Youth Services Review
v. 30, 9, September 2008, p. 995-1008
Available from: Elsevier
http://www.elsevier.com/
Customer Service Department
6277 Sea Harbor Drive
Orlando, FL 32887-4800
Abstract: With the growing recognition that a competent, committed workforce is critical to the effective delivery of public child welfare services, this study implemented a systematic review process to identify the personal and organizational factors that may enhance retention and limit turnover among child welfare workers. Starting with an extensive search of the literature across several decades and outreach to locate studies, the authors systematically analyzed research that used retention or turnover as the dependent variable. Of the 154 documents identified, 25 were research studies that focused on these variables. This paper focuses on reviewing the methods and findings of nine studies that used multivariate analyses to explore the relationships between organizational and/or personal factors as independent variables and retention or turnover as dependent variables. Although rigorous and systematic, this review was hampered by differing definitions, samples, measures, and analyses among these studies. However, the findings of this review reinforce the importance of workers' commitment to child welfare, self-efficacy, and low levels of emotional exhaustion as important personal factors for staying, and supervisory and co-worker support and salary and benefits as important organizational factors affecting retention. Suggestions for future research are provided. (Author abstract)

Title: 2008 State Fact Sheets [Website] / Child Welfare League of America.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Document available online at: http://www.cwla.org/advocacy/statefactsheets/statefactsheets08.htm
Abstract: The State Fact Sheets provide descriptive information on the condition of vulnerable children in all fifty states and the District of Columbia, using indicators of child protection, health, child care, education, and income support. (Author abstract)

Title: A Comprehensive Model for Child Welfare Training Evaluation.
Author(s): Antle, Becky F.;Barbee, Anita P.;van Zyl, Michiel A.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Children and Youth Services Review
v. 30, 9, September 2008, p. 1063-1080
Available from: Elsevier
http://www.elsevier.com/
Customer Service Department
6277 Sea Harbor Drive
Orlando, FL 32887-4800
Abstract: The purpose of this research was to develop and test a comprehensive theoretical model for child welfare training evaluation. Drawing upon the theoretical work in training evaluation as well as empirical research in child welfare, this study proposed a model of training evaluation that included individual and organizational predictors of outcomes; training satisfaction, learning and transfer; as well as federally mandated organizational outcomes of safety, permanency, and well-being. The model was tested through an experimental-control group pre- and multiple-post test design with 72 supervisors and 331 case workers in public child welfare. Supervisors and workers in the experimental group participated in a five-day training on skills for effective casework practice and federally mandated outcomes for child welfare. Subjects completed a number of standardized scales to measure the constructs in the model pre-training, immediately post-training, and two months post-training. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results indicate that individual learning readiness, supervisor support of learning, and knowledge gain are predictive of training transfer. Recommendations are provided to enhance the effectiveness of child welfare training delivery systems. (Author abstract)

Title: Evaluating Child Welfare Training in Public Agencies: Status and Prospects.
Author(s): Collins, Mary Elizabeth.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Evaluation and Program Planning
v. 21, 3, p. 241-246
Available from: Elsevier
http://www.elsevier.com/
Customer Service Department
6277 Sea Harbor Drive
Orlando, FL 32887-4800
Abstract: Although staff training in public welfare agencies os thought to be a critical component of effective practice, little is known about the delivery and effectiveness of training interventions. Few evaluations are published in the literature and it is uncertain how much evaluation activity is being conducted and utilized. This study collected data from 48 public child welfare agencies in the United States regarding the conduct of training evaluation and the utilization of training data. The data are discussed within the context of planning the next steps for the public agencies' efforts in training evaluation. (Author abstract)

Title: More Promising Strategies: Recruitment and Retention [Teleconference].
Author(s): Dickinson, Nancy.;Strand, Virginia.;Faller, Kathleen Coulborn.
Published: 2008
Available from: National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement.
http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/helpkids/
Muskie School-USM
P.O. Box 15010
400 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04112-5010
Document available online at: http://tatis.muskie.usm.maine.edu/pubs/pubdetailWtemp.asp?PUB_ID=T052008
Abstract: In this session, teams from three states describe the promising strategies they have used to improve recruitment and retention of child welfare staff. All of these sites have implemented innovative initiatives that have had a positive impact on the child welfare workforce. They have addressed the array of issues that are critical to retaining staff -- targeted and realistic recruitment and screening, strengthening supervision, leadership training, mentoring and organizational development. This session included time for discussion, during which the other grantees and other agencies shared their experience and additional approaches that have been effective. (Author abstract)

Title: Child Welfare Workers' Practice in Cases Involving Domestic Violence.
Author(s): Bourassa, Chantal.;Lavergne, Chantal.;Damant, Dominique.;Lessard, Genevieve.;Turcotte, Pierre.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Child Abuse Review
v. 17, 3, May-June 2008, p. 174-190
Available from: Wiley Interscience.
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com
111 River Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Abstract: This paper reports the findings of an exploratory and qualitative study of child welfare workers' practice in cases involving domestic violence. The research aimed to focus on child welfare workers' interventions with families experiencing domestic violence, elements influencing the child welfare workers' decisions, and the factors facilitating and creating obstacles for intervention. An analysis of the qualitative data showed that child welfare workers have different ways of intervening in cases involving domestic violence. Also, the interventions were especially centred on women victims of violence and they were held responsible for protecting their children. Finally, the dilemmas and difficulties which child welfare workers face in these cases are discussed. (Author abstract)

Title: Issues and Promising Strategies: Recruitment and Retention [Teleconference].
Author(s): Bernotavicz, Freda.;Potter, Cathryn.;Berg, Mary.
Published: 2008
Available from: National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement.
http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/helpkids/
Muskie School-USM
P.O. Box 15010
400 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04112-5010
Document available online at: http://tatis.muskie.usm.maine.edu/pubs/pubdetailWtemp.asp?PUB_ID=T042908
Abstract: In 2003, recognizing the impact of workforce issues on outcomes for children and families, the Children's Bureau funded eight five-year projects to develop models of effective child welfare staff recruitment and retention. This series features information from those projects. In this first session, presenters provide data on national trends in the child welfare workforce and the multiple costs of workforce issues for agencies, children and families. They also provide an overview of promising strategies developed by the grantees to improve recruitment, selection and retention. A child welfare administrator who has taken a comprehensive approach to addressing workforce issues discusses the steps taken and the difference this has made in a Colorado county. (Author abstract)

Title: Impact of Natural Disasters: Implications for Human and Social Services.
Author(s): Williams, Sheara A.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Journal of Social Service Research
v. 34, 3, 2008, p. 1-98
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This special issue is dedicated to advancing the social work knowledge base on human needs, effective and relevant intervention strategies, and research in the context of natural disasters. Following an introduction, articles discuss: an evidence based model of disaster interventions for mental health professionals and key practice implications; a longitudinal case study on the effectiveness of case management with displaced Hurricane Katrina survivors in a host community; the major roles taken on by faith-based organizations in providing services to victims of Hurricane Katrina based on a survey of 157 churches; the challenges of and strategies employed by 67 displaced individuals to meet food needs following Hurricane Katrina; the findings of a study that examined the disaster-related volunteerism of BSW and MSW students at four different universities located in communities affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; the processes which were developed and implemented for a social-work centered, disaster relief initiative in response to the needs of individuals displaced by Hurricane Katrina; and findings from a study of survivor coping strategies among victims of the 2004 tsunami in Tamil Nadu, South India. Numerous references.

Title: How do Child and Family Social Workers Talk to Parents About Child Welfare Concerns?
Author(s): Forrester, Donald.;McCambridge, Jim.;Waissbein, Clara.;Rollnick, Stephen.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Child Abuse Review
v. 17, 1, January-February 2008, p. 23-35
Available from: Wiley Interscience.
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com
111 River Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Abstract: Working with parents in relation to child welfare concerns is challenging. Social workers are expected to combine working in partnership with ensuring that the focus remains on the child's needs and protection. To date, most research in this area has relied on retrospective accounts from parents or workers. The current study explored the responses of 40 social workers to nine vignettes, six of which were textual prompts based on the Helpful Responses Questionnaire (Miller et al., 1991), and three further verbal prompts designed to reflect typical resistance comments found in working with parental alcohol misuse. Responses were taped and rated. Overall, social workers tended to use a very confrontational and at times aggressive communication style. This was so consistently observed that it is likely to be a systemic issue. In conclusion, it is argued that at the levels of research, theory and official guidance, insufficient attention has been give to the micro-skills involved in safeguarding children and that this is an urgent priority for further work. (Author abstract)

Title: Children's Bureau Child and Family Services Reviews State Team Training Project Fact Sheet.
Published: 2007
Available from: National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
http://www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov
4940 Irvine Boulevard
Suite 202
Irvine, CA 92620
Printable version (PDF): http://www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov/files/STT%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
Abstract: This fact sheet summarizes the State Team Training Project activities managed by JBS International, Inc. (JBS) for the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The project supports the Children's Bureau in training State Review Teams on procedures related to the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs). Activities include: designing and implementing training for State Review Teams preparing for an onsite review; developing an Internet-based E-Training Platform; training State agency staff on the CFSR Process; and providing training/technical assistance to engage State legislators in support of the CFSRs.

Title: The Werry Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health [Website].
Published: 2007
Available from: Werry Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
http://www.werrycentre.org.nz/
Level 2 Keystone Building,
73 Symonds Street

Auckland
Document available online at: http://www.werrycentre.org.nz
Abstract: The Werry Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health is a national centre and was launched by the Hon Annette King, Minister of Health, at the Waipapa Marae at Auckland University in March 2003. It is based in the Department of Psychological Medicine at the University of Auckland. It is multidisciplinary and multicultural. The aims of the Werry Centre are to improve the mental health of New Zealand young people by: ? providing training of a high quality to mental health professionals; ? promoting research in child and adolescent mental health; ? advocating for mental health needs of children and adolescents in New Zealand; and ? supporting the child and adolescent mental health workforce nationally. (Author abstract, modified)

Title: Moving Young Children From Institutions to Family Based Care: Training and Information Pack on Deinstitutionalizing Children (TIPDOC) [Website].
Published: 2007
Available from: Centre for Forensic and Family Psychology
http://psg275.bham.ac.uk/forensic_centre/index.htm
School of Psychology
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham B15 2TT United Kingdom
Document available online at: http://tipdoc.info/
Abstract: This website highlights the EU Daphne project, a project focusing on deinstitutionalizing children under the age of three in European countries. The project aims to disseminate findings from two previous EU Daphne projects: the 2003 survey of 33 European countries that mapped the extent of institutional care for children under the age of three, and an analysis of good practices in deinstitutionalizing children under the age of five in eight European countries (2004). The website presents information on aims and objectives of the EU Daphne project and on a training program that targets professionals in the field of child welfare and key decision-makers. The following 10-step model of good practice in transforming children's services from residential to family based care is described: raising awareness, managing the process, regional level analysis, institution level analysis, design of services, transfer of resources, preparing and moving children, preparing and moving staff, logistics, and monitoring and evaluation. The website also includes training materials that were used in workshops in 11 different European countries, and a list of publications.

Title: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: What To Do The Second Time Around: A Self-Learning Resource From MSU Extension.
Author(s): Bailey, Sandra J.
Published: 2007
Available from: MSU Extension
http://msuextension.org/
Montana State University, P.O. Box 172230
Bozeman, MT 59717-2230
Printable version (PDF): http://msuextension.org/publications/HomeHealthandFamily/MT200706HR.pdf
Abstract: This guide answers many of the common questions grandparents and other relative caregivers have when they are faced with parenting a second time around. (Author abstract)

Title: Foster Parents' Involvement in Authoritative Parenting and Interest in Future Parenting Training.
Author(s): King, Keith A.;Kraemer, Linda K.;Bernard, Amy L.;Vidourek, Rebecca A.
Published: 2007
Journal Name: Journal of Child and Family Studies
v. 16, 5, October 2007, p. 606-614
Available from: Springer
http://www.springer.com/
233 Spring Street
New York, NY 10013
Abstract: We surveyed 191 Southwest Ohio foster parents regarding their involvement in authoritative parenting and interest for additional parenting education. Our results showed that most respondents reported using an authoritative parenting style and were interested in receiving future training. Involvement in authoritative parenting differed significantly based on level of education and number of years as a foster parent. Foster parents with a college degree or higher were significantly more involved in authoritative parenting than foster parents with a high school diploma or less. Those who had been a foster parent for greater than five years were significantly more likely than those who been a foster parent for five years or less to use authoritative parenting and desire future training in authoritative parenting. (Author abstract)

Title: Recruitment and Retention of Staff in the Child Welfare System [Teleconference].
Published: 2007
Available from: National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections
http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/socwork/nrcfcpp
Hunter College School of Social Work
129 East 79th Street
New York, NY 10065
Document available online at: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/socwork/nrcfcpp/teleconferences/index.html#randrstaff
Abstract: The NRCFCPPP and the Child Welfare League of America sponsored a teleconference for state foster care and adoption managers. Audio of the call as well as handouts are available here.

Title: Supervised Visitation Programs: Information for Mothers Who Have Experienced Abuse.
Author(s): Davies, Jill.
Published: 2007
Available from: Family Violence Prevention Fund
http://endabuse.org
383 Rhode Island St. Suite #304
San Francisco, CA 94103-5133
Printable version (PDF): http://endabuse.org/programs/children/files/supervised_visitation_handbook_final.pdf
Abstract: This Guide is for mothers who have experienced abuse and whose children are in supervised visitation programs. It provides basic information about how supervised visitation programs work and how mothers can prepare themselves and their children for the experience. This Guide provides some ideas about how to get help and advocacy, including a list of national resources. It includes basic, general answers to common questions. (Author abstract modified)

Title: First Steps for Strengthening Adoptive Families: Tools and Techniques for Meeting the Needs of Your Adopted Child [DVD].
Published: 2007
Available from: Family Attachment and Counseling Center of Minnesota.
http://www.familyattachment.com/index.html
18322-C Minnetonka Blvd.

Deephaven, MI 55391
Abstract: This 5-hour, 20-minute, 2-DVD set presents a training program to help adoptive parents and professionals understand the importance of attachment in the context of the adoptive relationship, learn ways to strengthen adoptive parent-child relationships, and learn tools and techniques to manage anxiety, improve behavior, reduce fears, and increase self-esteem. It also highlights the use of narratives to help adopted children. The first section explains the importance of attachment, attunement, and regulation, includes questions to help parents and professionals understand a child's perspective, and provides tools parents can use, including play techniques, school interaction essentials, and ideas to organize the home and family activities to help children manage anxiety. The following section describes the development of Family Attachment Narrative Therapy, a methodology that uses narratives (stories) told by parents to promote healing and improve attachment. The final section describes how four types of narratives-- claiming, developmental, successful child, and trauma-- can help children recover from past wounds, teach new behaviors, and strengthen bonds within a family. The DVD features video clips of families sharing their experiences with their adopted children, and includes more than two hours of video clips from actual therapy sessions of families using Family Attachment Narrative Therapy and telling stories to their child. There are a total of eight video examples, including two for each narrative type. (Author abstract modified)

Title: The Pursuit of Permanence: A Study of the English Child Care System.
Author(s): Sinclair, Ian.;Baker, Claire.;Lee, Jenny.;Gibbs, Ian.
Published: 2007
Available from: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
http://www.jkp.com
400 Market St.
Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: Based on a study of the English care system, this book examines the experiences of children in public care, their movement into and out of the care system, the nature and quality of their placement and their outcomes. The study took place in 13 councils in England: 4 county councils, 2 unitary councils, and 4 London and 3 metropolitan boroughs. The research focused on all children who had been looked after between May 2003 and June 2004, and included data on 7,399 children. Following an introductory chapter that explains the methodology of the study, Chapters 2, 3, and 4 explore the characteristics of the children and families, and the impact on their chances of permanence. Chapter 5 discusses the speed with which children are divided into those who go home and those who do not and about the destinations of those who leave the system. Chapter 6 considers the differences between children who follow different paths, and Chapter 7 discusses the practice around these decisions. Chapters 8, 9, and 10 focus on the care system itself. Case studies are presented to illustrate how key decisions are made on children in care, and chapters discuss how one placement leads to another, the different ways children who are not going home adapted to the care system, and reasons why some of these children seem happier and more settled than others. The next five chapters are about outcomes and the possible reasons for them. Chapters 11, 12, and 13 are about the possible effects of different kinds and quality of placement on outcomes, and Chapter 15 explores how councils might be able to ensure effective practice. A final chapter concludes with suggestions about how the care system should work, what it should offer, and how it should be managed and inspected. 34 figures, 79 tables, and 66 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Managing Children's Homes: Developing Effective Leadership in Small Organisations.
Author(s): Hicks, Leslie.;Gibbs, Ian.;Weatherly, Helen.;Byford, Sarah.
Published: 2007
Available from: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
http://www.jkp.com
400 Market St.
Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This text provides an interdisciplinary explanation of how to establish and maintain good practice and ensure positive outcomes for young people living in children's homes in England. An introductory chapter discusses the number of children living in community homes, challenges faced by residential care facilities, and the methodology used for a quantitative study of 45 homes. The book then explains the considerable variation in quality achieved by children's homes and how this related to leadership and management style, working environment, and staff structures. The skills and qualities that make effective managers of homes are explored, and factors such as the provision and allocation of resources and maintaining and influencing a staff team are investigated. Finally, the book considers how to develop a successful children's home environment and longer-term achievement for young people living in residential care. Numerous references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Creating, Maintaining and Influencing a Staff Team. (Chapter 3 in Managing Children's Homes: Developing Effective Leadership in Small Organisations.)
Author(s): Hicks, Leslie.;Gibbs, Ian.;Weatherly, Helen.;Byford, Sarah.
Published: 2007
Available from: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
http://www.jkp.com
400 Market St.
Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: Based on a quantitative study of 45 children's homes in England, this chapter discusses findings from interviews with managers on creating, maintain, and influencing a staff team. Findings indicate the nature of the post of manager has a clear impact on the potential for purposeful work, that accomplishing a functioning team entails drawing together individuals into a co-operating group to share managers' clarity and goals and ways of achieving these, and that sharing roles and responsibilities relies on a solid understanding of the strengths of each member of staff and time spent both formally and informally in maintaining the staff team.

Title: Shaping Work With Young People. (Chapter 5 in Managing Children's Homes: Developing Effective Leadership in Small Organisations.)
Author(s): Hicks, Leslie.;Gibbs, Ian.;Weatherly, Helen.;Byford, Sarah.
Published: 2007
Available from: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
http://www.jkp.com
400 Market St.
Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: Based on a quantitative study of 45 children's homes in England, this chapter discusses findings from interviews with managers on factors that shape their work with young people. Findings indicate that managers must provide strong reference points for young people and direction for strategic working with them. They also act as role models for work with young people, act as advocates for them and for the home itself, and as general external representatives for the home. Managers also must be capable of shaping their teams and team members without treating them as objects, command loyalty, and bring about motivation and commitment.

Title: Recruiting and Training Indian Foster Families (Chapter 6 of Indian Child Welfare Resource Guide).
Published: 2006
Available from: Nevada Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS)
http://dcfs.state.nv.us/
4126 Technology Way, 3rd Floor
Carson City, NV 89706
Printable version (PDF): http://www.dcfs.state.nv.us/ICWAResourceGuideInPDF.pdf
Abstract: This chapter discusses the need for more Native American foster families. It explores reasons for the deficit of Indian families, and suggests strategies for recruiting Native Americans to undergo training to become foster parents. The development of a foster parent curriculum that is culturally relevant to Indian children and families and has been field-tested by the Native American Children and Family Services Training Institute (NACFSTI) is highlighted.

Title: The Concise Handbook of Management: A Practitioner's Approach.
Author(s): Scott, Jonathan.
Published: 2005
Available from: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
http://www.taylorandfrancis.com
325 Chestnut Street
Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Abstract: This text provides an overview of management theories and explains strategies for managing effectively. Part 1 focuses on building the management foundation. Chapters discuss the history of management from the Industrial Revolution to the present, steps to becoming a good manager, and the importance of customers. Chapters in Part 2 explore basic thoughts on and theories of management and address: management competencies and styles, strategies for getting the most from employees, organizational structures and cultures, ways of managing change and conflict, managing teams and work groups, managing by objectives, achieving and measuring quality, organizational ethics, leadership abilities and actions, management theory versus practice, and managing in different cultures. Part 3 addresses basic skills of management, including managerial decision making and problem solving, managing time, dealing with people in the workplace, oral and written communication in the workplace, mastering the skills of a presentation, and planning successful meetings. An outline for project or program planning is provided. The final part is on the basics of business and includes chapters that discuss knowing your product, competitive advantage strategy, the importance of marketing, tools for developing external and internal customers, pricing, business marketing and promotion, ideas for improving a business, and tips for success. Numerous references.

Title: Addressing the Educational Needs of Children in Foster Care: A Guide for Judges, Advocates and Child Welfare Professionals.
Author(s): Kaye, Judith S.
Published: 2005
Available from: New York State Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children
140 Grand St., Suite 404
White Plains, NY 10601
Abstract: This guide contains 10 basic questions that everyone involved in foster care cases can ask to spotlight the educational needs of a child and integrate those needs with permanency planning and review. It begins by providing an educational portrait of children in foster care and highlighting their lack of educational achievement, school instability, dropout rate, delays in school enrollment, misplaced records, learning disabilities, and inconsistent advocacy and support from parents or other adults. The questions are then posed that need to be addressed to ensure appropriate educational services and support. The questions address attendance, achievement, placement, school records, learning disabilities, general education support services, special education evaluation and services, the child's educational decision-maker, early childhood education, and transition planning for older youth. Guiding principles for the education of children in foster care are discussed, and federal initiatives designed to meet the educational needs of children in foster care are described. A list of studies on educational outcomes of children in foster care is also provided.

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