There are approximately 9,000 foster children in Indiana. Removed from their families because they have experienced abuse or neglect, their educational outcomes are heartbreakingly poor.
Studies have consistently found that students with supportive adults and advocates have higher GPAs and test scores, better attendance and improved behavior at home and in school. Also suggests that at-risk students benefit greatly from education teams supporting their academic success.
FosterEd improves the educational outcomes of foster children by ensuring each is supported by an educational champion and strengthened by an education <team. In collaboration with state agencies, legislators and executive officials we develop policies and infrastructure to ensure foster children receive the educational opportunities they need. In partnership with local education, child welfare and judicial agencies, we implement new practices to ensure foster children succeed in school.
In 2012, the Indiana FosterEd Initiative transitioned from a private partnership to a statewide program funded by public dollars. The Indiana Education Liaisons are public employees who serve on staff for the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS). The liaisons function within DCS as subject-matter experts and resources to DCS staff and external stakeholders, including school districts, biological parents, relatives, foster parents and service providers.
Indiana Partners
Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS)
Indiana Department of Education (DOE)
Indiana Supreme Court, Division of State Court Management
Indiana Partners
Indianapolis Community Foundation
Indianapolis Parks Foundation
The Mind Trust
Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust
USA Funds
Marion County Partners
About Special Kids
Child Advocates
Disability Legal Services of Indiana
Indianapolis Bar Association
Indianapolis Mayor Office, Office of Education Innovation
Indiana Youth Institute (IYI)
Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS)
Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY)
Kid’s Voice
Marion County Department of Child Services
Marion County Juvenile Courts
United Way Connected by 25 Initiative
Youth Law T.E.A.M.
Through the end of 2012, FosterEd's Education Liaisons had worked directly with over 700 foster children identified as having the most acute unmet educational needs. The liaisons were able to resolve 89% of the educational issues facing these children; 80% of the children had all their educational needs met. Some children left foster care prior to successful resolution of all educational needs.
Improved Capacity
FosterEd's Education Liaisons have conducted numerous trainings; 100% of participants have reported these trainings to be helpful for their job and helpful for children. Trainees include social workers, social work supervisors, foster parents, biological parents, attorneys and child support professionals.
FosterEd developed, spread and supported new education related objectives and processes implemented by Indiana Department of Child Services family case managers (FCMs) that were found to increase the educational opportunities provided foster children.
Improved Systems
FosterEd’s success lead to its expansion from a privately funded pilot project serving approximately 1,700 Marion County foster children to a publicly funded statewide initiative serving approximately 9,000 Indiana foster children.
FosterEd: Indiana currently has 16 full-time Education Liaisons located throughout the state.
The information above comes from the most recent independent evaluation of FosterEd Indiana, released in April 2013.
info@foster-ed.org
1212 Broadway, Suite 600
Oakland, CA 94612