Foster kids need more help to stay in school

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It's important for every young adult to have a high school diploma but even more so for foster children, who often need to make their way without family support. Yet foster children graduate at a lower rate in Massachusetts than any other demographic group measured by the state — including students who are homeless, have disabilities, or are learning English.
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In 2023, the four-year graduation rate for foster children was 58.3 percent, compared to 89.2 percent of all children, according to
Disparities are similar nationally. According to
It's a huge problem, but not a surprising one. 'In order for students to be successful at school, they need to have a caregiver who's invested in their education, who has big dreams and can see the future for them,' said Jennifer Rodriguez, executive director of the California-based Youth Law Center. Often, that's exactly what foster children lack.
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Advocates for children say one of the biggest barriers is a lack of stability. 'Kids in foster care bounce around, and they lose a tremendous amount of academic progress,' said Shaheer Mustafa, CEO of HopeWell, a Dedham-based nonprofit that supports DCF-involved families.
Massachusetts foster kids move more than their national counterparts. According to the
And moving harms academic performance. A
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Challenges are exacerbated when a child has special needs. According to
'If your kid's on an IEP, you have to be on top of it,' said Margaret Albright, a Newton School Committee member who volunteers as a
DCF is trying to help youth graduate. The agency last year began using electronic records from school districts and the state to identify and support youth at risk of dropping out. DCF employs education coordinators, liaisons between DCF and school districts who can consult on issues related to IEPs or discipline. DCF social workers can access students' educational records and work with students, families, and schools.
Some foster children get
But there's likely more that can be done. One
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Reducing placement instability is the biggest need, which would involve systemic reforms. Meanwhile,
Programs do exist. For example, HopeWell offers one-on-one tutoring for foster children in kindergarten through third grade statewide, which follows students as they switch homes or schools. Expanding successful programs and ensuring more students can access them could improve outcomes.
School officials may also need better training and schools may need better policies to accommodate foster children's needs — for example, replacing out-of-school suspensions with in-school suspensions that include academic support.
Once a student drops out of school, it becomes harder for them to successfully launch into adulthood. Now 24 and living in Brockton, Taylor said she's looking for a job and stable living situation and taking tests to get a high school equivalency credential. 'I wish I did stay in school,' Taylor said. 'I would have had more opportunities now.'
Shira Schoenberg can be reached at

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