1. Effective Collaborations
focused on Youth in Care
Facilitator: Jacqueline Thu-Huong Wong, MSW, PPSC
CDE Foster Youth Services
Panelists: Carrie Bloxom, Kern County System of Care ,DREAM Center
Betsy DeGarmoe, LCSW, PPSC, Orange County COE Foster Youth Services
Michelle Lustig, MSW, Ed.D, San Diego COE Foster Youth Services
Carrie Miller, PhD, Los Angeles Education Coordinating Council
2. Need for Services
Many foster youth….
• Function below the grade level
• Move at least once a year and/or attend multiple
schools
• Qualify for special education services, but high mobility
interferes with timely and appropriate school placement
• 50% of foster youth do not graduate from high school
• 40% of homeless youth were in foster care
3. Kern County Dream Center
Collaboration with public, private and non-profit industry
Comprehensive approach to supportive services
Academic Mentoring-Project D.R.E.A.M.
Employment Opportunities (WIA)
Dream Team & Youth Advocates
Greater community outreach & awareness
4. Orange County Office of
Education
• Partnership with Orangewood Children's Foundation
• Leveraged resources to develop comprehensive
program K-12 and beyond
• Work with Foster Youth Success Initiative Community
College partners
• Collaborative College Fair for foster youth on 9/26/09
at Orange Coast College – over 100 youth came and 7
colleges participated
• Collaborating with trade schools, ROP, adult ed
programs
5. San Diego County Office of
Education
• Regional Collaboratives
• Interagency Agreement
• Foster Youth-Student Information System
• Tutor Connection
• College Connection Advisory Council and Events
• School Success Project
• FYSAC/CCYF ED Committee
• Foster Youth Mentor Program
6. LA Education Coordinating Council
• Raising Educational Achievement for Foster and
Probation Youth in Los Angeles
• Established by the County Board of Supervisors
• Strong focus on leveraging resources
• Streamlining services and communication
