Fostering Northern Arizona University. Fostering NAU What is foster care? Foster care is the term...

Fostering Success @ Northern Arizona

University

Fostering Success @ NAU

What is foster care?Foster care is the term used for a system in which a

minor who has been made a ward is placed in an institution, group home, or private home of a state certified caregiver referred to as a "foster parent".

The placement of the child is usually arranged through the government or a social-service agency.

The institution, group home or foster parent is provided compensation for expenses.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foster_youth




Children/youth are placed in foster care because of:

- Abuse- Neglect- Death of Parent- Support for foster children/youth often ends at age 18

or 21


National Statistics- 3 million reports of child abuse/neglect are made every year in

the United States- 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile- 50% of foster children/youth are high school dropouts- 40% of foster children/youth are ages 13-21- 30% more likely to commit a violent crime- 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult- 7-13% enroll in higher education- 1-2% earn a college degree- Nationally a foster child/youth will change placements about

once every 6 monthshttp://azhope.com/about/foster-care-statistics.php.

http://azhope.com/about/foster-care-statistics.php




Arizona Statistics- 6,891 children in foster care placements (Maricopa

County)- 10,000 children in foster care statewide- 35,000 reports of child abuse/neglect - A young child is more likely to die of child abuse/neglect

in the Phoenix Metro area than any other area in the nation- 1,300 children a year wait more than 3 weeks in

emergency sheltershttp://azhope.com/about/foster-care-statistics.php




Educational Barriers- Poor time management, study, and problem- solving skills- Low college satisfaction and connectedness- Increased number of hours worked per week- Insufficient support with academic skill development- Insufficient support with deciding a major, and career counseling- College application fees, tuition, and housing deposits


Educational Barriers- History of mental health diagnoses- History of severe maltreatment- Screening positively for PTSD- Lack of basic information about college- Lack of coordination between child welfare agencies and public schools


Support Mechanisms in PlaceThe Student Support Services Program provides grants for projects designed to:

- Increase the college retention and graduation rates of eligible students;- Increase the transfer rate of eligible students from two-year to four- year institutions; and

- Foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally

underrepresented in postsecondary education, individuals with disabilities, homeless children and youth, foster care youth, or other disconnected students; and- Improve the financial and economic literacy of students in areas such

as; basic personal income, household money management, and financial planning skills; and economic decision-making skills.


Support Mechanisms in Place- TRiO Student Support Services serves students that are:

- First Generation- Income Eligible- Disability


Support Mechanisms in Place- SSS Services

Academic supportMaster schedule tutoringCourse selection/career planningFinancial aid/financial literacyGraduate School


Support Mechanisms in Place- SSS Services

Participation GrantCounselingExposure to cultural/educational eventsLaptop loanLeadership conferencesCommunity service opportunitiesAcademic honor societyCelebrations/Honors


Support Mechanisms in Place Fostering Success @ NAU is a unique opportunity for students who are aging out of

foster care to benefit from personalized coaching, a community of scholars, and direct financial support.

Dream Hope Achieve


Fostering Success @ NAU Goals

- Increase NAU graduates who have aged out of foster care- Build a community of scholars among former foster youth- Provide transitional pathway to adulthood


Program Eligibility- NAU student enrolled on the Flagstaff campus- Former foster youth- Live on campus and have meal plan- Meet with transition coach and complete a Plan for Academic Success- Attend monthly Fostering Success receptions/meetings


Program Benefits- Personal transition coach- Community of Scholars- Jacks Debit Express funds- Eligibility for participation grant- Assistance in securing housing winter breaks


Financial & Social Resources- Educational Training Voucher

- Federally funded, state administrated- Receive up to $5,000 per year- First come first serve- Confirm enrollment, COA and unmet need

https://www.statevoucher.org/





Financial & Social Resources- Independent Living Stipend

- Monthly stipend to help pay for living expenses- Live on your own while receiving support and services- Available until the age of 21

https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=150&id=1934





Financial & Social Resources- Foster Club

- Primary communication tool for young people

- Connect in a safe, monitored environment

- Information relating to foster carehttp://www.fosterclub.com/

http://www.fosterclub.com/




Financial & Social Resources- Foster Care Alumni of America

- National Non-Profit- Founded and led by alumni of

foster care system- Connect alumni community - Transform foster care policy

and practice http://www.fostercarealumni.org/home.htm

http://www.fostercarealumni.org/home.htm




Financial & Social Resources - Foster Care 2 Success

- Oldest & largest non-profit- Largest provider of college funding in the nation- Provides advice, support helping foster youth transition to adulthood

http://www.fc2success.org/




What can you do to make a difference?- Serve as a mentor/role model- Connect students to campus

resources- Don’t make assumptions- Educate others on campus about the

foster youth population- Family weekend- Take time out


Model Programs Community Colleges

- California Community College Chancellor’s Office (Foster Youth Success Initiative, 2006)- Austin Community College (Foster Care Alumni Program, 2006)- City College of San Francisco (Guardian Scholars Program, 2004)- Housatonic Community College (Supporting Success, 2005)


Model Programs 4 Year Colleges

- California State University, Fullerton (Guardian Scholars, 1998)- California Polytechnic University, Pomona (Renaissance Scholars, 2002)- Sam Houston State University (Forward Program, 2009)- San Jose State University (The CME Society, 2005)- Western Michigan University (Foster Youth in Higher Education Initiative, 2008)


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Fostering Northern Arizona University. Fostering NAU What is foster care? Foster care is the term...

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