Supporting Students in Foster Care

For many children, school represents a consistent environment where they can learn, grow, and build friendships, a privilege often taken for granted by families. However, for children in the foster care system, school can become an additional source of uncertainty and stress. Frequent moves between foster homes often result in changing schools, which can disrupt their education, delay or disrupt social connections, and create emotional challenges. Understanding the unique educational hurdles these students face is the first step toward providing meaningful support. This article will explore how foster parents, educators, and community members can work together to create a stable and encouraging learning environment for children in care. We will also look at the resources available, like Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and how organizations like Families United Network can help.

The State of Foster Care Today

The number of children in the U.S. foster care system is significant. There are nearly 400,000 children in foster care across the country. In Pennsylvania alone, over 13,000 children are currently in the system. Each of these children navigates a world of uncertainty, and their education often bears the brunt of this instability.

When a child enters foster care or moves to a new placement, their life is disrupted in countless ways. They are separated from their family, friends, and familiar surroundings. Changing schools adds another layer of disruption, forcing them to adapt to new teachers, new classmates, and a new curriculum, often with little to no preparation. An estimated 65% of foster kids change school seven or more times (K-12). This is a staggering statistic.

The Mental Toll of Switching Schools

Changing schools is more than just an academic challenge; it takes a significant emotional and mental toll. Students who frequently move schools are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Each move can disrupt friendships and support networks, leaving them feeling disconnected and alone.

Research shows a clear link between school mobility and negative outcomes. Students who change schools often have lower test scores, higher dropout rates, and are less likely to attend college. The stress of constantly having to adapt to new social hierarchies and academic expectations can be overwhelming.

To help prevent this, it’s crucial to prioritize educational stability. The “Every Student Succeeds Act” (ESSA) includes provisions to keep children in their “school of origin” even if their foster placement changes, provided it is in their best interest. This allows them to maintain a sense of normalcy and connection during a challenging time.

How Educators Can Create a Supportive Classroom

Teachers and school staff have a powerful opportunity to create a safe and welcoming space for students in foster care. With awareness and empathy, you can have a significant impact on their academic and emotional well-being.

Build Trust: Students who have experienced trauma may struggle to trust adults. Be patient, consistent, and reliable. Create a classroom environment where they feel safe to ask questions and make mistakes.
Be Trauma-Informed: Understand that behaviors like acting out or being withdrawn can be responses to trauma. Instead of punishing the behavior, try to understand the underlying need. Trauma-informed training can provide valuable strategies for managing these situations with compassion.
Collaborate with Foster Parents: Work as a team with the child’s foster parents. Regular updates and collaborative problem-solving can help the child receive consistent support both at home and at school.
Connect with Resources: Be aware of the resources available within your school, such as counselors, social workers, or after-school tutoring programs. Proactively connect students with these services to provide extra support.

How Foster Parents Can Help

Foster parents are at the forefront of supporting a child’s educational journey. As a foster parent, your responsibilities extend far beyond providing a safe home; you become a child’s primary educational advocate.

Here are some practical ways you can make a difference:

Become an Advocate: Actively participate in the child’s education. Please take the opportunity to get to know their teachers, school counselors, and administrators. Attend parent-teacher conferences and school events to show your support and stay informed about their progress. Be the change they need.
Quick Enrollment: When a child moves to your home, work to get them enrolled in school as quickly as possible to minimize disruptions to their learning. Gather all necessary documents, like birth certificates and immunization records, to streamline the process.
Maintain Communication: Establish a strong line of communication with the school. Share relevant information about the child’s history (while respecting their privacy) that might affect their learning or behavior. Consistent dialogue helps teachers better understand and meet the child’s needs.
Establish a Routine: A predictable home routine can provide a sense of security that is often missing in a child’s life. Set aside specific times for homework, reading, and studying. Creating a quiet, dedicated space for schoolwork helps them focus.

Understanding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Children in foster care often encounter challenges that can affect their learning experiences. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document created to provide these students with personalized support to meet their specific educational needs and succeed academically. The IEP lays out clear goals, services, and accommodations provided by the school. This can include:

Specialized instruction in particular subjects.
Access to therapy services, such as speech or occupational therapy.
Accommodations like additional time on tests or preferential seating.

If you believe a child in your care may have learning difficulties, you have the right to request an evaluation from the school district. You have the right to advocate and be the voice of your foster child. Actively participating in the IEP process helps ensure the child receives the customized support essential for their academic success.

How Families United Network Can Help

At Families United Network, we are dedicated to supporting foster families and the children in their care. We understand that a stable education is a critical foundation for a child’s future.

We provide our foster parents with comprehensive training and resources to help them become effective educational advocates. Our team collaborates closely with schools and community partners to give every child the opportunity to thrive. From helping you navigate the IEP process to connecting you with local support services, we are here to help you every step of the way.

By working together, we can build a supportive network that empowers every child in foster care to reach their full academic potential.