1. Division of Family and Children Services: EPAC and ILP Support Programs for Youth in Foster Care
Presenter:
Kyle Berry, EPAC Program Manager & Gary Frazier, ILS
Presentation to:
College Connections for Student Success Conference
Date: February 18-19, 2014
Georgia Department of Human Services

2. Vision, Mission, and Core Values
Stronger Families for a Stronger Georgia.
Mission
Strengthen Georgia by providing Individuals and Families access to services that promote self-sufficiency, independence, and protect Georgia's vulnerable children and adults.
Core Values
Provide access to resources that offer support and empower Georgians and their families.
Deliver services professionally and treat all clients with dignity and respect.
Manage business operations effectively and efficiently by aligning resources across the agency.
Promote accountability, transparency and quality in all services we deliver and programs we administer.
Develop our employees at all levels of the agency. 2

3. Educational Programming, Assessment and Consultation
EPAC

4. The Need for Education Services
IEP or 504
Retained
Over
8,000
In Care
Suspended or Expelled
Multiple School Transfers
Failing Standardized Tests
5,013 School-Aged Foster Youth (K-12)
Reading below Grade Level
Trauma/Neglect
At the end of Federal Fiscal Year 2013, 87% (4,362) of GA foster youth had been referred to and served by EPAC.

5. Educational Programming, Assessment, and Consultation
Overview
The EPAC Unit provides comprehensive academic support services focusing on improving educational outcomes and the academic achievement of children and youth, ages 5 to 17 in the custody of Georgia Division of Family and Children Services. EPAC services are supported through TANF funding and are initiated through case manager or CPS referrals. Upon initial placement into foster care, children and youth are referred to EPAC for a comprehensive diagnostic educational assessment and subsequently, are monitored for ensuring adequate academic progress.

6. Educational Programming, Assessment, and Consultation
Overview (continued)
EPAC currently has 14 Education Support Monitors (ESMs) who manage educational services for all school aged youth in care. ESMs are assigned regionally to provide individualized case consultation and to assist case managers in linking children and youth to local education support services, while adhering to local school district policies and procedures. Additionally, EPAC is responsible for procuring educational services from either within the community, local education agencies or EPAC program assigned.
During this current fiscal year, EPAC has contracted with over 230 certified Georgia Teachers who provide specific, one-on-one academic support.

7. Educational Programming, Assessment, and Consultation
Organizational Structure
State Office Personnel
Program Manager
Kyle D. Berry
Asst. Program Manager
Jennifer Williams
Program Assistant
Tiffiny Davis
Data Manager
Nesha Jairan
Operations Analyst
Primos Cobb
Education Quality Monitor
Shawn Davison
Education Support Monitors
Reg. 1-2 Marilyn Peters
Reg. 3W Christopher Jones
Reg. 3E (Vacant)
Reg. 4 Autumn Shepard
Reg. 5, 7 Robin Brooks
Reg. 6, 9 LeAnne Worley
Reg. 8 Angela Thompson
Reg. 10 Amie Henry
Reg. 11 Mary Mollay
Reg. 12 Tiffiny Nelson
Reg. 13 (Vacant)
Reg. 14 Robin Stewart
Reg. 14 Shantel Tate
Reg. 15 Jenny Summerlin

8. Reevaluation of Educational Need
Educational Programming, Assessment, and Consultation Services Continuum
Referrals
Assessments
Educational Records
DFCS EPAC Action Plan
Delivery of Services
Resource Management
Reevaluation of Educational Need

9. Core EPAC Services 3 Tier EPAC Service Model Local Resource Management
Contract Monitoring
Educational Advocacy
Local Resource Management

10. 3 Tier Service Model Educational Advocacy Resource Management
Contract Monitoring
Diagnostic Educational Assessment & development of Educational Action Plans
Educational Resource Coordination
EPAC Tutorial Services
Training and Staff Development
Community Programs & Partnerships
Educational Transportation Services
Consult and/or attend case staffing, IEP meetings, Transitional Round Tables, etc…
Local Education Agencies and GA Department of Education
SLDS
FLIP/Title 1
Summer School and Credit Recovery Services

11. Access to online educational records for dfcs staff
Statewide Longitudinal Data System
Access to online educational records for dfcs staff

12. Statewide Longitudinal Data System
What is the primary purpose of the Georgia SHINES and SLDS connection?
To expediently attend to educational needs
To improve educational stability
To help prepare a brighter future for our children
What are the benefits?
Access to historical education information
Indicator for SWD (student with disability)
Academic performance trends — student specific
Historical attendance data
Access to standardized test scores
Access to the unofficial transcript
Assist with case planning

13. SLDS – Search Page Launches from SHINES

14. SLDS (continued)

15. Educational Stability
DHS policy # 10.13

16. Educational Programming, Assessment, and Consultation
DHS Policy – Education Stability
This policy was disseminated to the field on August 1, 2013
It provides practice guidance to direct service workers and all other field staff about Education Stability for children and youth in foster care
This policy specifically covers how EPAC, through its Education Support Monitors, engage case managers and provide educational consultation in the following areas:
Collaborations with Local Educational Agencies (LEAs)
Determination of Appropriateness of Educational Settings
DFCS contact for District Level Homeless Liaisons
Assist in development of RTI, IEP, and/or 504 Plans
Homeless and Unaccompanied Youth Referrals
Educational Stability Transportation Funding Request Protocol

17. McKinney-Vento vs. Fostering Connections

18. Homeless and Unaccompanied Youth
When a child has been identified as a Homeless and/or Unaccompanied Youth, the following procedure will be followed by the Division of Family and Children Services In-take Officer(s).
When an identified homeless or unaccompanied youth has been identified to CPS/In-Take, a referral form (176) will be completed and submitted to Educational Programming, Assessment and Consultation Unit (EPAC).
Referral form will be processed by EPAC (Operations Analyst) who will record the provided information in the Homeless & Unaccompanied Youth (HUY) Data System.
Based upon the Local Educational Agency identified on the referral, EPAC will contact the appropriate Homeless Liaison who should then direct services for the youth under the guidelines of McKinney-Vento.
EPAC/DFCS will periodically check-in with the Homeless Liaison to ensure services were provided to youth.

19. Steps to Ensure Educational Stability
Educational Stability Field Guide
Educational Stability Checklist
Education Transportation Funding Request Protocol

20. Transportation Protocol to Support Educational Stability
Educational Stability transportation funds should be used to support the practice of ensuring foster children and youth remain in their home school/school of origin as part of Educational Stability

21. Transportation Considerations
Transportation Options
Determining Factors
Foster Parent
Public transportation/Mass Transit
Van pools
Taxis
Private transportation services
Age of child/youth
Location of placement and distance from school of origin
Child/youth’s physical and cognitive abilities
Child/youth’s developmental abilities

22. Internal and External Stakeholders
EPAC Partners

24. For more information, please you may reach me (Kyle D. Berry) at: or
by at

25. Overview of the Georgia ILP

26. Independent Living Program Overview
The State of Georgia recognized that without appropriate services, planning and support, our youth would not have a successful transition foster care. Our youth showed higher rates of homelessness, unemployment, poverty, delinquent or criminal behaviors and dependence on various types of public assistance. In response, the State of Georgia implemented the standards and support of the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP) which provided states with greater funding to prepare foster youth for the transition to adulthood.
I will start the presentation with an Overview of the ILP Program.
Without appropriate services, planning and support our youth would not have a successful transition from foster care. So, we implemented the support of the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program which provided an increase of funding to prepare foster youth for the transition to adulthood.
Our mission is to provide eligible youth with opportunities to successfully prepare for adulthood, by providing appropriate resources and connections with community partners.

27. ILP Mission
Is to provide eligible youth with opportunities to successfully prepare for adulthood, by providing appropriate resources and connections with community partners.

28. ILP Outcome Measures
Our program comprise of six outcome measures targeting:
education attainment;
financial self-sufficiency;
avoidance of homelessness;
positive connections with adults;
avoidance of high-risk behaviors; and
accessing health insurance.
These outcomes assess our performance in the delivery of services and support to ensure successful transitions.
To promote our mission, we have six outcome measures.
Education Attainment
Avoidance of Homelessness
Positive Adult Connection
Just to name a few.
These outcome assess our performance in the delivery of services and support to ensure successful transitions.

29. Services and Programs
To achieve successful outcomes, we provide an assortment of services such as educational workshops/conferences, independent living skills needs assessment, post secondary supports, academic supports, financial assistance, employment programs/training, Individual Development Accounts Matching Program and monitoring of the Written Transition Living Plan.

31. Eligible Youth for SFY13
A total of 2588 youth were eligible to receive ILP services. Out of the 2588, 2385 youth or young adults in and out of foster care received ILP services/support.

32. ILP Funded Supports/ Services
Education & Enrichment Expenses
Tutoring , Summer School, Community Activities, Driver's Education, GED Preparation
Transitional Living
Partial Rental Reimbursement, Utility Deposits, Rental Deposits, Emergency Assistance
Post Secondary Educational Expenses
Tutoring, Tuition, Books, Room and Board, Transportation Assistance.
Individual Development Account (IDA)
Savings Account Matching, Stipends.
Some ways youth can be supported using ILP funds. This is not an extensive list. Specific monetary limits are based upon availability of funds and the specific needs of the youth.

33. High School
Youth

34. Education and Enrichment Expenses
DESCRIPTION
SPECIFIC
SERVICE REQUIREMENT
HOW DO YOU ACCESS SERVICES?
Summer or Evening School Fees
SSCM must obtain approval through the ILS. Once funds have been approved, then the provider can purchase the items, or pay for workshops/ conferences. Original receipts must have the provider and youths signature on them. Receipts are then submitted to the SSCM which will submit to the ILS for reimbursement.
Skills Conferences, Trainings, and Workshops
Independent Living life skills, conferences, training, workshops
Personal Computers and Printers
Personal computers and printers, if required by the school
Graduation Fees
Non-Essential Graduation Fees
class ring, senior pictures, announcements/invitations, yearbooks, etc NOT to exceed $ total and youth must have senior classification

35. Education and Enrichment Expenses
DESCRIPTION
SPECIFIC
SERVICE REQUIREMENT
HOW DO YOU ACCESS SERVICES?
Tutoring Through EPAC
Tutoring (up to $ academic per year)
Children (ages 5 to 17) must be referred to EPAC
ILP eligible youth ages who are not or become no longer EPAC supported tutoring may be supported by ILP funds
SSCM would submit a referral to the EPAC
Driver’s Education
$500 limit
SSCM must obtain approval through the ILS. Once funds have been approved, then the provider can purchase the items or class. Original receipts must have the provider and youths signature on them. Receipts are then submitted to the SSCM which will submit to the ILS for reimbursement.
Enrichment/Safety Activities
Promotes the well-being of ILP eligible foster children 14 and older by providing them with enrichment activities through programs such as Red Cross, YMCA, summer camps/community workshops, church camps, classes (dance, art, sports, band, swimming, karate and music lessons)
Not to exceed $ per activity/fiscal year for non-school related activities.

36. Education and Enrichment Expenses
DESCRIPTION
SPECIFIC
SERVICE REQUIREMENT
HOW DO YOU ACCESS SERVICES?
Extra-Curricular Activities
Band, band uniforms, instruments, athletics, cheerleading, and school sponsored clubs, etc
SSCM must obtain approval through the ILS. Once funds have been approved, then the provider can pay for the services. Original receipts must have the provider and youths signature on them. Receipts are then submitted to the SSCM which will submit to the ILS for reimbursement.
Transportation to ILP Activities
Transportation to and from ILP Sponsored activities
Support Groups
Support groups such as Ala-non, Ala-teens, anger management, stress management, parent education, child development, etc
Testing/Test Preparation and College Application Fees
Testing and test preparation for undergraduate and graduate admission, includes youth who are applying to college, and preparing to take the ACT/SAT

37. Post Secondary Youth

38. Post Secondary Education Support
DESCRIPTION
SPECIFIC
SERVICE REQUIREMENT
HOW DO YOU ACCESS SERVICES?
Tuition, Registration, Fees
Tuition, registration, and fees, such as athletic activities, technology, etc
Youth must apply for Post Secondary Education by 7/1/13. Applications are provided through the ILS.
Books, Supplies, Tools and Equipment
Room and Board – On Campus
Room and board (on-campus housing)
On-campus housing should be paid directly to the vendor (i.e. school, education institution)
Room and Board – Off Campus Board
Room (off-campus housing), the off-campus housing is limited to ½ the rental rate or $ whichever is less
Off Campus Housing should be a reimbursement paid directly to the client upon receipt of payment to the ILS

39. Post Secondary Education Support
DESCRIPTION
SPECIFIC
SERVICE REQUIREMENT
HOW DO YOU ACCESS SERVICES?
Uniforms and Supplies
Uniforms and supplies for training programs
Youth must apply for Post Secondary Education by 7/1/13. Applications are provided through the ILS.
Personal Computers/Printers
Personal computers and printers, if required by the school
Youth must attend a Computer Conference thru the ILP.
Tutoring Through EPAC
Tutoring (up to $ academic per year)
Stipends – On Campus
Subsistence stipend as needed
Youth living on-campus with a meal plan are eligible for a $75 stipend monthly
Youth living on-campus and do not have an on- campus meal plan are eligible for a $150 stipend monthly

40. Post Secondary Education Support
DESCRIPTION
SPECIFIC
SERVICE REQUIREMENT
HOW DO YOU ACCESS SERVICES?
Stipends – Off Campus
Subsistence stipend as needed
Youth living off-campus and do not have an on-campus meal plan are eligible for a $150 stipend monthly
Youth must apply for Post Secondary Education by 7/1/13. Applications are provided through the ILS.
Transportation
Transportation assistance – not to exceed $ per state fiscal year and cannot be used toward purchase, maintenance or insuring of a personal vehicle
Testing and Test Preparation
Testing and test preparation for undergraduate and graduate admission, includes youth who are applying to college, and preparing to take the ACT/SAT)

41. Youth Educational Achievement
2013 Graduates
High School
College
234 35
High School Youth
11th Grade
12th Grade
406
351
Current College Attendees
251
This past school year, the GA Division of Family and Children Services had 35
college youth graduate as well as 264 General Education Development (GED) and high school youth.  

42. Open Q & A