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STARK COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES SUB-COMMITTEE SUPPORTING FOSTER YOUTH IN EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS

Supporting foster youth in educational environments

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Page 1: Supporting foster youth in educational environments

STARK C

OUNTY C

HILDREN

SERVICES S

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COMMITTE

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SU

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ORT IN

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OSTER

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UTH

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Page 2: Supporting foster youth in educational environments

CONTACTS

Sarah Goins, MA , Independent Living Specialist

Stark County Job & Family Services, Children Services Division

(330)451-8899 [email protected]

Merri Miller, Student and Former Foster Youth

Stark State College

[email protected]

Terryl Swejk, M.Ed., Special Education Consultant

State Support Team Region 9

330-492-8136 x1313 [email protected]

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WHO ARE WE…We are a group of citizens, professional and otherwise, who comprise a committee that serves to advise Job and Family Services about issues that are salient in the areas of child support, public assistance, and children services.

Meeting with you today are representatives from a sub committee of the Stark County Family Services Planning Committee. The sub-committee focuses on issues that are pertinent to children's services.

Stark County Family Services Planning

Committee 3

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THE COMMITTEE’S GOALS…AND YOURS?To make Foster Youth aware early in their

life about future career options such as a four year college, community college, vocational training, job corps, etc.

To prepare Foster Youth to qualify and achieve those career options.

To provide Foster Youth with the necessary support and assistance in enrolling and transferring into their post secondary career plan.

To ensure that all foster youth entering into post secondary educational options are assigned a mentor.

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How do we out?

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PLANNING STEPS1. Identified stakeholders in Stark County

Middle School & High School Counselors Colleges & Universities Community Agencies

2. Planned an Event Considerations:

Free materials and resources Time: academic calendars; early or later in the day FOOD Certificate of attendance Brief (2 hours) Networking opportunity Meeting kids and hearing stories

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Supporting Foster Youth in Educational EnvironmentsFirst Christian Church

Thursday, October 6, 20117:45 A.M. – 10:15 A.M.

I. WelcomeNedra Petro, Deputy Director, Stark County Job & Family Services

II. Supporting Foster Youth for Success

Susan Kunkle, Ph.D., Kent State University

III. A Foster Youth's Journey from Middle School to Higher EdLisa Dickson, Foster Care Alumni of America - Ohio Chapter

Panel Session: Questions & Answers Former Foster Youth IV. Next Steps: Where Do We Go from Here?

Terryl Swejk, Secondary Transition Consultant, SST-9 V. Questions/Closing

Julie Hayslip & Sarah Goins, Independent Living Specialists,Stark County Job & Family Services

Lisa Dickson, Foster Care Alumni of America - Ohio Chapter8

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STUDENT PANEL

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• What resources were available that made your educational pursuits more attainable?

• Was there a person who reached out and made an impact on the quality of education you received?

• What obstacles did you encounter that people may not realize exist for a foster youth seeking higher education?

• What do you wish you had available to you in the past regarding your education?

• Is there something you feel that hasn’t been enacted yet that would be of benefit to the next generation of foster youth in the educational system?

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OUTCOMES

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• Collaboration between Canton South High School and the Independent Living Team

• “Beat the Stats” College Night • College preparation for graduating

seniors• Joined Region 9 Transition Council

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ACTION PLAN DATA

• Need for better communication

between Stark County Job & Family

Services and the schools. 

• Foster families and students would benefit from a SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT in each school building for questions or concerns related to foster youth.

•  Interested in follow up contact with the committee• Included sharing progress on Action Plan goals

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SUPPORTING FOSTER YOUTH IN EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS

FOLLOW UP EVENTJANUARY 26, 2012

Handout for schools:

• What should I know if I have a

middle school student in foster care?

• What should I know if I have a

high school student in foster care?

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THANK

YOU!15