How Many Foster Kids Graduate from High School?
A Glimpse Into High School Graduation Rates for Foster Youth
In 2023, a total of 527,180 children spent time in the U.S. foster care system, and 343,077 remained in care on the last day of the fiscal year.
Entering foster care brings atypical ways of growing up for youth. Foster care graduation rates for foster youth are significantly lower than those of the general population.
Continue reading to learn about the challenges faced by foster youth in education.
Learn how you can make a difference as a foster parent in a child's academic achievement and outcomes for students in the child welfare system and foster care in Virginia.
What is Foster Care?
Foster care is the process of placing children or youth in the care of another adult guardian. The guardian receives a government allowance to support the child in providing everyday life necessities.
Those in foster care usually have parents who are unable to support them safely and protectively. Foster care usually involves the legal system or Child Protective Services.
Foster children and youth end up in the care of an assigned guardian through the Department of Social Services DSS. Their first placement generally ends up being temporary.
Reports indicate that 65% of youth experience more than one placement during their care.
Children and youth often transition to different settings and schools, which can impact their academic performance and jeopardize their college education. Foster care settings include relative or non-relative homes, group homes, institutions, or residential live-in centers.
There are several impacts on the lifestyle and education of foster children and foster youth living in this environment.
Education in Foster Care
Past studies have shown low levels of educational success for foster kids. Several barriers and challenges are faced throughout schooling.
Foster youth experience frequent changes in schools. They have weaker relationships with teachers and other students. Without stable and supportive relationships in school, the chance of success is lower.
Students who frequently change schools tend to feel less committed. They are less likely to join clubs or after-school activities. Youth lose their sense of belonging.
So, how does this impact the number of foster youth who end up completing high school? The lack of stability results in higher chances of suspensions, expulsions, the need for special education, and more.
High School Graduation Rates for Foster Youth
Research shows that the challenges faced while in foster care make it harder for high school-aged children to graduate. They are also less likely to pursue a college education.
It's reported that the rate of high school graduates for foster youth is just over half. Barriers in their lives include instability, limited time in school, and a lack of long-term relationships. They significantly impact their chances of success.
What's important to understand is that a good education can be a connection to later success. Support needs to be available for kids in foster care to make this possible.
Keeping foster children in one school under one Department of Education system is beneficial for many reasons. Constant movement between homes means constant movement between schools. They end up losing valuable time and missing out on a complete education.
Children in foster care who spend less time in high school are less likely to earn college degrees. This affects foster children's chances of becoming successful, self-sustaining adults.
What Can Change?
The foster care system must also work with educational systems. Programs are in place to support transitions between schools. Suppose it's possible to keep foster children in the same school. In that case, it provides security and allows them to grow relationships.
Additionally, children and youth may need specialized behavioral and educational support. It needs to be addressed with foster children and implemented when necessary.
It's reported that children get punished more frequently in school settings. They are tagged as the "bad kids" and will fear asking for any support. This also relates to the frequency of suspensions, expulsions, or police interventions at school.
What Can Foster Parents Do?
These children and youth want supportive relationships with parents or guardians. They seek the stability they haven't experienced. As a foster parent, you can implement change in early life.
These placements act to provide stable home environments. It removes them from possible negligent or abusive homes. It gives them valuable resources they might not have had access to, including education.
Providing a positive and supportive environment can prevent youth from experiencing incarceration or other circumstances that keep them out of school. This can also be done through the school system to increase the inclusion of foster parents in the students' experience.
As a foster family, youth need things from you to become successful graduates. It's important to advocate for and empower them to complete their education.
Become a Foster Parent in Virginia
High school graduation rates for foster youth can be addressed in multiple ways. Foster children should be treated like any other child going through high school. High school can be a negative experience in itself. The added stress of being in foster care can increase the chances of an unsuccessful future.
It's essential to remember that you are committing to providing a stable home if you are considering fostering a child. Whether the child is returning to their parents, a relative, or is considered for adoption, it's still a commitment.
The parent or guardian will be trained to engage with biological parents if needed. Some foster care agencies and organizations work with people to ensure they feel prepared.
Foster VA is an organization in Virginia that supports foster care. They have a support team that works alongside the parents and children throughout their journey together.
With your love and hard work, you can help change a child's life today. Become a foster parent by filling out this simple application and making a difference!
