Resources include training curricula and materials for child welfare caseworkers on educational issues for children and youth in the child welfare system, addressing topics such as cross-system collaboration, special education laws, educational advocacy, and more. Resources include State and local examples.
Foster Parent Educational Advocacy Training (PDF - 293 KB)
National Foster Parent Association (2004)
Encourages, prepares, supports, and empowers foster parents to become educational advocates for foster youth in their care.
Improving Educational Outcomes for Children in Foster Care: What States Can Do (WMV - 192 MB)
National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (2007)
Discusses the problem of poor educational outcomes for children in foster care and what States, and governors in particular, can do to improve these outcomes.
Toolkits
National Evaluation and Technical Assistance Center for the Education of Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk
Offers several hands-on resources on topics such as measuring student academic performance and youth transition.
Working Together to Improve the Educational Outcomes for Youth in Care
Child Welfare League of America (2007)
View Abstract
Enhances knowledge and skills to fulfill the tasks of an education advocate and improve educational outcomes for youth in care.
State and local examples
Advocating for the Educational Needs of Children in Out-of-Home Care: Training Curriculum for Child Welfare Caseworkers and Supervisors (PDF - 499 KB)
Ward & Herrick (2010)
Provides Colorado child welfare caseworkers and supervisors with the tools to enable them to advocate for the educational needs of children in the child welfare system. Also see the manual. (PDF - 10,066 KB)
Improving Educational Services for Foster Youth Living in Group Homes: An Analysis of Interagency Collaboration (PDF - 1,560 KB)
California Social Work Education Center (2005)
Provides child welfare workers with practical tasks and the knowledge to be able to effectively assist the children on their caseload enroll in school. Also see the accompanying PowerPoint presentation (PDF - 267 KB).
Make a Difference in a Child's Life: A Manual for Helping Children and Youth Get What They Need in School: Advocating for Children and Youth Who Are Out of Home or in Foster Care (PDF - 4,750 KB)
TeamChild (2006)
Covers basic education rights, special education law, discipline, and resources for young people transitioning to adulthood, including a guide to Washington State and Federal education law.
Child Welfare Information Gateway encourages organizations to submit resources from their workforce or training efforts for inclusion in our library. Send information to library@childwelfare.gov.