D1     Transforming Futures: Promising Practices and Bold Policy Recommendations for Improving Educational Outcomes of Youth in Foster Care

Jessica  Petrass, John Burton Advocates for Youth

Paige Clark, National Center for Youth Law

 

Closing the equity gap in educational outcomes for youth in foster care requires a state investment in funding so that all youth have access to the necessary supports to reach their educational goals. In this workshop, we will provide an overview of California’s efforts thus far to address high school graduation and postsecondary educational attainment and shed light on where state investments fall short. We will feature findings from AB 130 implementation, one-time COVID-relief funding administered to County Offices of Education (COE) to address the educational needs of students in foster care. In addition, we will provide an examination of promising practices and models uncovered from an analysis of 25 programs across child welfare, community-based organizations, school districts, postsecondary institutions and COEs. Lastly, you will learn about recommendations for bold policy change that could transform the system and have an opportunity for input on strategies moving forward.

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D2      Gamify Your Journey: Exploring Next4You’s Wellness & Educational Resources for Foster Youth

Jakara Rogers and Seow Ling Ong,

ETR (Education, Training, Research Associates)

 

Come learn about Next4You – an interactive health and wellness website that we've co-designed and developed with young adults with lived experience in foster care.  You will be able to engage in interactive activities modeled after our microlessons, and will show you how students will be able to use tools to help navigate their educational journey. You should walk away with a deeper understanding of how social emotional learning and foster youth education rights intersect, as well as explore the many resources available for foster youth that are covered within the website. In addition, you will be able to earn prizes throughout the workshop for their participation!

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D3     Fostering Dreams: Steps to Empowerment

Melanie  Buttarazzi and Keva Walker

Fostering Dreams Project

 

Join Fostering Dreams Project for an engaging workshop "Steps to Empowerment" that reveals how arts-based social-emotional learning programs can transform the lives of foster youth. We will explore innovative strategies for using dance and music to enhance student engagement, build resilience, and create a sense of belonging. Through interactive activities, participants will discover effective ways to build trust and connect between students and adults, fostering a supportive environment that encourages academic success. You will receive materials, and engagement strategies, equipping  adults to implement these powerful techniques in your own settings. And for students, you will leave with new tools to help you succeed on your educational journey.

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D4     An Elementary District's Journey in Developing Best Practices for Foster Youth

Tanya  Benitez, Ian Johnson, and Christine Rightnar

Victor Elementary SD

 

Ten years ago when our LCAP began, it provided an opportunity for us to think creatively about how we could support our Foster Youth.  Come hear how we developed a Foster Youth Advisory Committee comprised of local agencies, schools, county foster youth staff, district staff members, and parents. We will share how our committee develops and seeks resources and innovative ways to support our foster youth.  We will share with you several unique and success processes for keeping our youth stable and their school of origin. Leave with great information as to how you can incorporate this system in your area.

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D5     Using Trauma-Informed Practices to Build Positive Relationships

Andrew Crowe and Dennise Allotey

Scholarship Prep

 

While all children may encounter adverse childhood experiences, foster youth disproportionately face complex or developmental trauma.  The increased incidence of trauma among foster youth result in developmental repercussions that must be identified, acknowledged, and addressed. It is only through being aware of the effects of trauma on students that we can effectively connect with and support our youth. Please join as Scholarship Prep staff share how to build positive relationships between staff, foster youth, caregivers, and community partners using a trauma-informed approach.  Scholarship Prep is a network of public charter schools committed to creating community change by operating university-inspired, trauma-informed schools for all students, especially those experiencing homelessness or those in the foster care system.

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D6     How to Lead Empowerment Groups at the High School Level

Maria Munoz, Washington Unified School District

Rosie Caraveo, Woodland Joint Unified School District

 

Come learn how to effectively establish and manage Foster and McKinney Vento groups by identifying key components necessary for creating a supportive environment for students experiencing housing insecurities and those in foster care. We will talk about how to develop a support group designed to assist students experiencing housing insecurities and those in foster care. The goal is to provide a nurturing environment where students can access essential resources tailored to their unique needs and gain valuable knowledge on advocating for their rights.We will be focusing on Resource Access, Educational workshops, Emotional and Social Support and Advocacy and Awareness.

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D7     Introduction to the Neurosequential Model in Education© (NME) and the FYSCP NME Pilot

Mindy  Corless MSW, LACOE, TAP

Meagan Meloy MPA, Butte, FYSCP TAP

Katie Lohmiller, DrPH, The Neurosequential Model in Education, Co-coordinator

 

In this workshop, we will provide an introduction to the Neurosequential Model in Education© (NME) presented by Dr. Katie Lohmiller and Halley Gruber M.A.Ed, founders of Educational Access Group and Program Coordinators of The Neurosequential Model in Education (NME). Through the brain-based, NME lens, the presenters will focus on the brain, systems and practices in education, and the ways we can - and do - plan to support ourselves and our students in light of the stress and trauma showing up in our classrooms and spaces.  The FYSCP Neurosequential Model in Education (NME) Pilot began in January of 2023 and enabled FYSCPs across California to form teams of up to 25 members, including school site personnel. These concepts of NME are foundational to understanding the needs of students in foster care and creating a supportive school environment.

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D8      Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Students in Foster Care

Raina Lee, Orange County Department of Education FYSCP         

Michael Park, Saddleback Valley Unified School District

Michelle Everitt, Tustin Unified School District

 

The California Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) offers a powerful, comprehensive framework designed to deliver effective, evidence-based support services that meet the needs of the whole child. By strategically identifying and implementing universal, supplemental, and intensified support tailored to students in foster care, county offices of education, in collaboration with local school districts, can make significant strides in closing equity gaps and improving educational outcomes for students in foster care. This session will showcase how the Orange County Department of Education, Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program, Saddleback Valley Unified School District, and Tustin Unified School District, are successfully applying the MTSS framework to students in foster care, helping them thrive academically. Participants will gain actionable insights on how to integrate the MTSS framework for students in foster care at both the county and district levels and will discover best practices to replicate in their own regions. Additionally, participants will be equipped with practical tools and resources for effective planning and implementation to enhance academic and social emotional support for students in foster care.

 

D9      Understanding the Best Interest Determination (BID) Process: Ensuring Educational Stability for Students in Foster Care

Alejandra Chamberlain, Contra Costa County Office of Education

Rosie Reid (she/her), PhD, Mt. Diablo Unified School District

 

Join us for a workshop on the Best Interest Determination (BID) process designed to ensure educational stability for students in foster care. Come learn the key components of the BID process, including how to effectively gather and assess information, facilitate collaborative decision-making, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will gain skills to apply the BID process in your own settings. This session is ideal for educators, social workers, and child welfare professionals committed to supporting the educational success of students in foster care.

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D10     Resilience Is My Middle Name

Karen Guy, Elena Acevedo, and Jose Acevedo

San Bernardino City Unified School District

 

Students, please join us for a H.E.A.R.T.S. (Helping Everyone Attain Resiliency, Togetherness, and Success) event where you’ll participate in engaging activities and real-life scenarios that will help you learn how to build resilience, foster connections, and create a sense of belonging within your school community. You'll leave this session with practical resources, to help you thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with other students, learn in a fun and supportive environment, and set yourself up for success. We’re excited to see you there!

 

D11     Unlocking Potential through Neuroart: A Creative Approach to Empower Foster Youth

Sara Arispe, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

Ilinanoa Suliafu, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

Catherine Walker, Student Success Partnership, University of Redlands

 

Are you passionate about empowering foster youth to achieve their full potential and dream big with post-secondary options? Join us for a hands-on session where we explore the transformative power of Neuroart within the context of foster youth education and empowerment. The Student Success Partnership, a collaboration between the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the University of Redlands, will present innovative strategies to support foster youth living in Short Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs). This session will highlight the impactful practices of the Student Success Partnership, including the Summer Success Academy, and introduce participants to the concept of Neuroart, a practice that uses art to promote mental and emotional wellbeing. Neuroart involves practices that advance health and wellbeing by translating knowledge into actionable strategies. Using simple art supplies and accessible drawing techniques, attendees will create their own masterpieces, experiencing firsthand the mental health benefits of creativity and self-expression.

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D12     Students - Know Your Education Rights and Become Your Own Advocate

Joselin  Hernandez and Jill Rowland

Alliance for Children's Rights

 

If you are a student, come to this workshop to learn about your education rights guaranteed to you by law. As you know, being in foster care or on probation means you face many unique challenges in the education system. In this training we will discuss what the education rights of youth in foster care or on probation are, including: (1) who makes your education decisions; (2) your right to remain in your school of origin or immediately enroll in your local comprehensive school; (3) your right to partial credits when you change schools mid-semester; (4) your high school graduation options; and (5) your rights when subject to school discipline. Leave the workshop knowing your education rights and understanding how to advocate for yourself in your educational journey.