-
Connections Program: Year 1
*Systematic identification of foster and homeless students began
*Coordinator began attending all school intervention meetings and IEPs for children identified as foster and homeless
*Collaborative partnerships began developing between the district, group homes, social services
*Process was developed for enrollment of Foster Youth in the district
*Foster Connections Program began -
Connections Program: Year 2
*Foster Connections currently is held monthly and is now offered to all foster parents in Orange County. Partnership between OUSD and Saddleback College is established and parents receive foster training hours for their licensure. *Student Connections Mentor program began in the fall for secondary schools. All secondary foster and homeless students are assigned a mentor teacher at the school who meets with them individually. -
Connections Program: Year 2.5
*Mental Health Counselor program will be realigned, working collaboratively with Special Education to focus on targeted populations of elementary students. The format will be a 'checks and connects' model in which counselors assigned to elementary schools will meet with homeless, foster, and special education students 1 hour per month minimum to provide extra support to these at-risk youth. -
Connections Program: Year 3
*College Connections Program will begin. Create streamlined pathway for college representatives to meet with homeless and foster students at school to begin transition.
*Chromebooks and scientific calculators for all foster and homeless students. Investigate process to allow students to take devices home IF they have access to wifi. -
Connections Program: Year 4
*Career Connections will begin. Focus will be to connect foster and homeless students with community partners to provide opportunities for the exploration of viable careers post high school graduation and college. -
Connections Program: Year 5
*Collaborate with county agencies to identify barriers faced by foster and homeless youth in accessing internet
*Students on probation are oftentimes prohibited from using the internet outside of school for safety concerns
*Lack of steady or adequate housing causes homeless students extreme disadvantages when trying to compete academically (living in cars, motels, or shelters)
*Work with resource centers and libraries to provide late hours and free wifi -
Connections Program: After 6 Years of Implimentation
*All students, including homeless and foster youth, will be afforded the same opportunities and scholastic experiences as other students in more favorable environments. All students will have the same learning opportunities and will be given equal opportunity for continuing their education in higher education institutions
*Data will reflect an increase in graduation rates, improved GPA’s, increased attendance, and a reduction in discipline at school for foster and homeless students
