fysi orientation cindy garcia statewide fysi liaison
TRANSCRIPT
FYSI Orientation
Cindy Garcia
Statewide FYSI Liaison
History of FYSI
• The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office recognized a significant deficit regarding youth from foster care attending higher education.
• 2006 they sponsored the Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI), a statewide outreach and retention effort to improve the ability of these youth to access post secondary education and benefit from the support services that are available, but often unknown to them.
• The FYSI was built through CCCCO leadership and a strong foundation of individuals representing a host of agencies and postsecondary educational institutions
• We have formed a true collaborative effort that has evolved to become a statewide FYSI taskforce that is having collective impact on the challenges affecting foster youth attending community college.
• Foster Youth Success Initiative Liaisons (FYSI) Advocate for and assist students in accessing student and academic support. Level the educational playing field
• FYSI Liaisons at all 112 California Community Colleges.
• 36 colleges have multiple FYSI contacts
• 14,000-16,000 foster youth served
• Located in Financial Aid, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), Standalone programs
FYSI Today
FYSI Goals
• Assist foster youth with access to academic support, student services and resources that will lead to better academic performance, retention and completion of units
• To coach foster youth to pursue an education despite all the challenges they face
• The end goal is completion of units, certificate, degree, or transfer to a 4 year university
Why we support foster youth in Community College
• Most foster youth must negotiate the transition out of foster care and into independent living and college on their own, often with no parental/ adult support
• Due to this lack of support, foster youth are often disadvantaged as they approach this transition
• Lack of educational attainment is detrimental to the long-term economic wellbeing of foster youth
Who is a former foster youth?
Children who were removed by the courts from their family of origin due to abuse and/or neglect, and placed into the care of extended family members, foster parents or non-relative caregivers until their 21st birthday.
Helpful Definitions
• Ward of the court- youth who are wards of the court fall under welfare and institutions code 300
• Welfare and Institutions Code Section 300(a) deals with physical abuse, requiring a showing that the child has suffered, or there is a substantial risk that the child will suffer, serious physical harm inflicted nonaccidentally by the child's parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must inflict the abuse here nonaccidentally, through a volitional act, even if the parent or guardian did not actually intend to harm the child
• A youth is a ward if they have been removed from their parents and a legal guardian has been appointed by the court
Benefit type Age in foster care Current Age
FAFSA 13 and up Any
Chafee ETV Vouchers 16 and up Under 23
ILP 16 and up Under 21
Priority registration 18 and up Under 24
Medi-Cal 18 and up Under 26
CCC apply Any age Any
Table 1: Foster youth definition summary
[1] This is the requirement specified in statute however some campuses have chosen to adopt a broader definition as allowed by regulation.
Slide provided by California College Pathways
Proposed SB1023 16 and up Under 25
Barriers to Access
• Only 15% of youth in foster care are likely to be enrolled in college prep courses during high school compared to 32% of all students.
• Only about 20% of former foster youth go on to college compared to about 60% of all high school seniors.
• Only 3% will eventually graduate from college as compared to about 27% of the general adult population.
• Over 70% of youth in foster care report that they desire to go to college.
Martin, J. (2003). Foster youth desire college, study show, but face roadblocks to learning
Common Barriers to College
• K-12 school and housing placement instability
• Academic/learning gaps
• Lack of educational advocacy
• Low high school graduation rates
• Records transfer and confidentiality issues
• High rate of homelessness after emancipation
• Long-term effects of abuse and neglect
• Lack of preparedness for post secondary education
Impact of abuse and neglect
• Problems with trust, autonomy, initiative
• Difficulty with independence, intimacy, self-care
• Patterns of intense, unstable relationships and
sometimes defensive interactions
• Interferes with cognitive development
• Difficulty interpreting and identifying emotional
responses
(Herman, J. 1997. Trauma and Recovery)Slide provided by John Burton
Foundation
• Asking for help may be difficult for foster youth
• Youth may be very conscious of how they are
spoken to, looked at and treated
• Be aware of your body language, tone of voice
and the questions you are asking
• Ask if their basic needs are being met, housing,
food, health care, transportation
• See training manual for a chart of what to say and
what to avoid saying
Sensitive Approaches to Communication
By age 24
Foster Youth Comparison
Ever homeless 24% NA
Currently employed 48% 74%
Women ever pregnant 75% 40%
Median income $8,000 $18,300
Men convicted of crime 59% 10%
Women convicted of crime 28% 2%
DESPITE THESE STATISTICES - 25% OF FOSTER YOUTH ENROLL IN COLLEGE
Mark Courtney, et al, Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth: Outcomes at Age 23 and 24, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, 2011.
Good News! Foster Youth are Resilient
• Due to a history of abuse and neglect,
foster youth are highly adaptable and they
learn to survive!
• This is a highly resilient population
• We want foster youth to go from surviving
to thriving in life!
Why do foster youth experience poor academic outcomes?
slide provided by John Burton Foundation
High rates of
disability
Poor school quality
Placement changes
disrupt their education
Children and youth in foster care are
four times more likely to change
schools in a given
school year than other students.
Nearly one in five
youth in foster care
has a disability, twice the rate of the
general population15 percent of children and
youth in foster care attend the lowest performing 10 percent
of schools in California, as compared to just 10 percent of
the general populationBarrat, V. X., & Berliner, B. (2013). The Invisible Achievement Gap, Part 1: Education Outcomes of Students in Foster Care in California’s Public Schools. San Francisco: WestEd.
Together, these experiences result in serious academic delays
slide provided by John Burton Foundation
General population Economically disadvantaged Foster youth0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
22%12%
4%
26%
23%
15%
28%
32%
30%
13%17%
27%
11% 15%23%
Advanced Proficient Basic Below basic Far below basic
24%
35%
50%
% of students who scored at each of five proficiency levels at the California Standards Test in English Language Arts
At Greater Risk: California Foster Youth and the Path from High School to College, March 2013.
Percentage of students who completed high school by 2010
slide provided by John Burton Foundation
General population Comparison population Foster youth0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
79%
53%
45%
Foster youth have the highest rate of high school drop-out, higher than students who are:• Low SES• English
learners• Have
disabilities
At Greater Risk: California Foster Youth and the Path from High School to College, March 2013.
Percentage of students who entered community college by 2010
slide provided by John Burton Foundation
General population Comparison population Foster youth0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
59%
46%43%
At Greater Risk: California Foster Youth and the Path from High School to College. (March 2013),
Percentage of community college enrollees who persisted at least one year
slide provided by John Burton Foundation
General population Comparison population Foster youth0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
62%
48%
41%
At Greater Risk: California Foster Youth and the Path from High School to College. (March 2013),
Highest grade completed at age 26
slide provided by John Burton Foundation
Former foster youth
Same age comparison group
No high school diploma or GED 20% 6%
High school diploma only 31% 18%
GED only 9% 4%
One or more years of college, but no degree 32% 26%
2-year college degree 4% 10%
4-year college degree 3% 24%
One or more years of graduate school 1% 13%
8% 47%
Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth: Outcomes at Age 26. (2011)
Foster Youth and Education
• Last year in California over 4600 foster youth
aged out of care
• Of youth surveyed regarding AB12, 83%
indicated a desire to go to college
• Studies show that only 25% will complete one
year of college and 5% will obtain a 2 or 4 year
degree
21Slide provided by California College Pathways
Why Higher Education Matters
• Significantly higher incomes and job stability
• Lower incarceration rates
• Improved health outcomes
• lower smoking rates
• more positive perceptions of personal health
• Higher levels of civic participation, including
volunteer work and voting
• Improved academic achievement of offspring22
Source: “The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society”, College Board, 2004
Education Pays
23
24
What challenges do foster youth currently face in higher education?
Inadequate housing
Lack of financial
resources
Frequent changes in home and
school leave youth
unprepared
Lack of adult role models
Lack of information about higher education,
financial aid, support
resources etc.
Today, California has a large network of campus support programs
slide provided by John Burton Foundation
CCC CSU UC Private0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Campus Support Programs
comprehensive light-touch
Total Campuses
CCC 112
CSU 23
UC 10
Do campus support programs work for foster youth?
slide provided by John Burton Foundation
Students in campus support programs
Students Nationwide
Foster Youth Nationwide
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
72%
56%
26%
Average Persistence Rates
A Bridge fromFoster Care to College
• FYSI provides a bridge for foster youth entering community college
Foster youth arrive on campus with multiple challenges
• Limited study skills
• No financial support from family
• Lack of independent living skills
• Lack of knowledge about academic
processes
• Untreated trauma
• Academic delays
• Lack of emotional support
• Unstable housing
slides provided by John Burton Foundation
FYSI
How does a FYSI Liaison positively impact foster youth?
• You provide a Safe Place and a Warm Welcome for foster youth
• You are sensitive to the needs and challenges unique to foster youth
• You communicate to disarm defensiveness
• Raise awareness of the FYSI program on campus
• Connect Students with on/off campus resources
Believe in Foster Youth
• Danger of the self-fulfilling prophecy
• Set higher expectations – regardless of past performance
• Consistently reinforce expectation that the youth will
graduate from college and go on to a successful career
• Use such phrases as, “When you transfer to a four year
university….”
slide provided by John Burton Foundation
“No one rises to low expectations” – Les Brown
Campus Success Factors
Directed Students have a goal and know how to achieve it
Focused Students stay on track – keeping their eyes on the prize
Nurtured Students feel somebody wants them to succeed and helps them succeed
Student Support (Re)Defined: Using student voices to redefine support, RP Group, January, 2013.
Campus Success Factors
Engaged Students actively participate in class and are involved in extracurricular activities
Connected Students feel they are part of the college community
Valued Students’ skills, talents, abilities and experience are recognized. The can contribute and are appreciated.
Student Support (Re)Defined: Using student voices to redefine support, RP Group, January, 2013.
• Assistance filling out all financial aid forms, applications, scholarships, verification of foster youth status
• Assistance with accessing cc resources, community resources such as transportation, housing, food, child care, work study, tutoring, counseling, health services, public benefits, textbook and supplies assistance, meal tickets, transportation
• Board Of Governor’s Fee Waiver, Priority Registration
• Chafee Grant, annual maximum $5000.00
• Student Support Success Programs - Orientation, Assessment, Educational Planning, Academic Interventions
• Transfer Information, 4 yr. campus tours, graduation support
• ILP Workshops, financial literacy, career and job skills
• EOPS, Disabled Student Programs and Services, CALWORKS/CARE, Career Counseling/Advising
• Summer Bridge Program, letters of recommendation
Services Provided to Foster Youth
Foster YouthYou-FYSIResources and Services
Financial Aid
Counseling
EOP&S
Registrar/Admissions
AcademicCounseling
Housing
Transportation Tutoring
ILP
Medi-cal
Health Center
Career Center
FAFSA, Chafee, Pell Grant, Cal GrantApplications/Deadlines
Scholarships
Foster YouthVerification What to do?
Where to go? BOGFee Waiver
Priority Registration
Social Support
Mentor
Life Skills
Community Partners
Food
Advocacy
Ed Planning
Resources Available for Foster YouthFinancial AidEarly alert for support and retention of studentsPriority EnrollmentBOG Fee WaiverScholarship opportunities for foster youth
HousingAB12 Extended Foster CareTHP-PlusSummer bridge programs
Academic SupportTutoringCareer Counseling/Advising
Health/Mental HealthMedi-calCounseling
Campus SupportEOPSILPCal Works Program/CAREDisabled Student Programs and Services
Work/CareerWork/StudyJob placement assistanceLetters of recommendation
GraduationLetters of recommendationTransfer servicesAwards ceremony for foster youth completing certificates or degreesGraduation Cap and Gown
ParentingChildcare centersParenting Support
TransportationBus vouchers
Creating a FYSI Campus Support Program
• Create a FYSI webpage and post resources for foster youth
• Make connections with other programs on the campus that can support foster youth
• Make connections with organizations in the community that support foster youth
• Hang Poster “Yes, You Can !”, door hanger, fliers, decals
See: Supporting Campus Foster Youth Programs on FYSI website
Checklist for Former Foster Youth
Apply to College
Assessment, Ed Planning, Orientation
Apply for Financial Aid-FAFSA, Chafee, BOG Fee
Waiver
Obtain Foster Youth Verification
Register for classes- Utilize Priority Enrollment
Apply to EOPS Early- fills up fast
Connect youth to additional support services
Support Resources for Foster Youth
FYSI EOPS
Disabled Student Programs and Services
Campus Support Programs
Cal Works Financial Aid
Academic Interventions
What else does your campus offer?
Resources Available for FYSI Liaisonsto assist Foster Youth
• FYSI Listserv- instructions on website below• FYSI Webpage: http://
extranet.cccco.edu/Divisions/StudentServices/FosterYouthSuccessInitiatives.aspx
• FYSI Training Manual- on the web page above• THP-Plus housing list-on web page above• ILP list-on web page above• California College Pathways:
http://www.cacollegepathways.org/
• John Burton Foundation
http://www.johnburtonfoundation.org
I Can Afford College http://icanaffordcollege.com/
www.Ifoster.org- free & low cost resources for foster youth and caretakers
www.Fosterclub.com- peer network for foster youth
After18http://www.cafosteringconnections.org/pdfs/After18%20Fact%20Sheet.PDF
AB12http://www.cafosteringconnections.org/pdfs/AB12%20Benefit%20Flyer.pdf
Chafeehttps://www.chafee.csac.ca.gov/default.aspx
Foster Youth Campus Support Programs: A leadership guidehttp://www.cacollegepathways.org/sites/default/files/13-7-25_fostercampus_final.pdf
It’s My Life: Post Secondary Education-Financial Aid http://www.casey.org/Resources/Publications/ItsMyLife/Education.htm
List of ILP County Coordinatorshttp://www.cacollegepathways.org/sites/default/files/2-ilp-county-coordinators.doc
Community College Resource Guide for youth enrolling in CChttp://www.cacollegepathways.org/sites/default/files/resource_guide_cc_.pdf
AB194 Priority Enrollment Fact Sheethttp://www.cacollegepathways.org/sites/default/files/ab_194_fact_sheet_final.pdf
Mentor Workbookhttp://www.cacollegepathways.org/sites/default/files/1-mentor-workbook.pdf
Great website for foster youth in collegehttp://fosteringsuccessmichigan.com/
Covered til 26- Medi-Calhttp://coveredtil26.childrennow.org/spread-the-word
California Ombudsman for Foster Carehttp://www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov/ombprog.html
THP-Plus Housing- If not eligible for AB12http://thpplus.org/
• Listserv
• Comprehensive Training Manual
• Web based Orientation and Training Modules
• Webinars on important topics- Some with CCP
• Statewide and County resources
• Outreach and College Orientation Toolkits
• FYSI Promotional Materials- logos, door hangers, pins, decals
• FYSI Annual Training
• Quarterly Regional Representatives Advisory Meetings with Stakeholders
Supportive Infrastructure Available to FYSI Liaisons
• Overall program coordination, project management, technical support, disseminate information, improve data collection
• Revising training manual, developing multiple training modules
• Convene Quarterly Regional Representative Advisory Meetings
• Participate in various statewide foster youth focused work groups and task forces
• Work in cooperation with various state agencies (CDE, CDSS, CSAC) to identify opportunities to collaborate and increase stakeholder participation
Statewide Liaison Role
Legislation impacting foster youth AB12 (2011) – Extended Foster Care
• Youth can now stay in foster care until 21
• If youth are not eligible for AB12, the next option is THP-Plus
• Eligibility requirements can include going to college or vocational school
• 2.5 times greater likelihood of attending college and 3 times more likely to obtain BA
• Can live with foster parents, relatives or independent housing
FYSI’s receive training to strengthen their ability to implement new legislation and policies and connect foster youth with available resources
• AB 194 Priority Enrollment
• SB 1456 Student Success and Support Act of 2012- colleges provide orientation, assessment, and educational planning for all students, including foster youth
Legislation Continued…
Data Sharing
• Each CC district uploads data into the central CCCCO
MIS system and the CCCCO in turn uploads the data to
CalPASS Plus.
• CalPASS Plus obtains data from k-12 school districts, 4-
year universities, offering robust tracking and analysis tly
• You can go to the foster youth data dash board and
download a report related to foster youth for your college
• If your institution is not a member of Cal-PASS Plus,
please contact Emily Lawrence, Director of College and
University Outreach, at [email protected].
Foster Youth Dashboard
• 2012 a flag was added to MIS system to track foster youth. Colleges are required to report FY status in MIS.
http://datamart.cccco.edu/Services/Special_Pop_Count.aspx
• It is important to mark the check box and flag foster youth and use as many lists as possible to ensure accuracy
• We need actionable data that can be used to make informed decisions related to program development
Foster Youth Dashboard
Academic Year
Foster Youth
Unduplicated Students
Unduplicated First Math/English/ESL
Remedial
% First Math/English/ESL
Remedial
Unduplicated First Math
College/Transfer% First Math
College/Transfer
Unduplicated First English
College/Transfer%First English
College/Transfer
2012-2013 Yes 15,307 7,329 47.9% 3,074 20.1% 2,325 15.2%
2012-2013 No 1,193,966 520,577 43.6% 395,872 33.2% 335,725 28.1%
Academic Year
Foster Youth
Unduplicated Students
Unduplicated Financial Aid Current Year
%Financial Aid Current Year
Unduplicated Financial Aid Consecutive
%Financial Aid Consecutive Years SAP %SAP
2012-2013 Yes 15,307 12,722 83.1% 3,113 20.3% 10,515 68.7%
2012-2013 No 1,193,966 788,994 66.1% 228,315 19.1% 933,377 78.2%
all of the data-related resources being developed in California are available at http://www.cacollegepathways.org/data-resources
Youth Empowerment Strategies for Success – Independent Living
Program (YESS-ILP)
• Partners with California Department of Social
Services (CDSS)
• College YESS-ILP programs provide daily living,
education and advocacy skills to current and
former foster youth ages 16 to 21
• Programs at 18 community colleges throughout
the state
ILP-Transitioned Age Foster Youth (TAFY) Health and Wellness Project
• Partners with California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA)
• Programs at 22 community colleges throughout the state
• Developed Healthy Transitions, a curriculum designed to provide mental health and wellness awareness to current and former foster youth aged 16 to 24.
• http://www.foundationccc.org/WhatWeDo/HealthyTransitions/tabid/944/Default.aspxwww.
• http://www.cccstudentmentalhealth.org/docs/CCCSMHP_TransitionAgedFosterYouthFactSheet.pdf
ILP-CCC Foundation Mini Grants
Annually, the CCC Foundation offers up to $1000.00 in mini grants that are available through Youth Empowerment Strategies for Success/ILP.
Funded by the California Department of Social Services as a sub grant to colleges to do ILP activities, provide professional advocacy services.
This is a direct service project that serves 2000 foster youth each year.
Senate Bill 1023 (LIU)Proposed Legislation 2013-2014
• Would provide foster youth at California's community colleges with specialized academic and social support, as part of the existing Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)
• Passed State Senate and moving on to State Assembly
Thank you to Walter S. Johnson Foundation for supporting our FYSI Initiative