Welfare Watch - October 20, 2011 - Foster Youth have many Challenges in getting an Education

Information from the National Foster Care and Education Group: The research shows that changing schools hinders the academic achievement of foster children.  School changes are a significant problem for children and youth in foster care. Numerous studies have found that children in foster care frequently experience school changes.  These school changes often occur when children are initially removed from home, or when they move from one foster care placement to another.  The rate of school mobility for children in foster care is greater than their non-foster care peers. Children who change schools frequently make less academic progress than their peers do, and each time they change schools, they fall farther and farther behind. School mobility has negative effects on academic achievement and is associated with dropping out.  Children who experience frequent school changes may also face challenges in developing and sustaining supportive relationships with teachers or with peers. 

More about the educational challenges for foster children and youth can be found at:   

http://www.gahsc.org/nm/2011/NationalWGFosterCareEducationDataSheetOctober2011FINAL.pdf