Fostering Northern Arizona University

Fostering NAU What is foster care? Foster care is the term used for a system in which a minor who has been made a ward is placed in an institution, group home, or private home of a state certified caregiver referred to as a "foster parent". The placement of the child is usually arranged through the government or a social-service agency. The institution, group home or foster parent is provided compensation for expenses.

Fostering NAU Children/youth are placed in foster care because of: - Abuse - Neglect - Death of Parent - Support for foster children/youth often ends at age 18 or 21

Fostering NAU National Statistics -3 million reports of child abuse/neglect are made every year in the United States -59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile -50% of foster children/youth are high school dropouts -40% of foster children/youth are ages % more likely to commit a violent crime -28% more likely to be arrested as an adult -7-13% enroll in higher education -1-2% earn a college degree -Nationally a foster child/youth will change placements about once every 6 months

Fostering NAU Arizona Statistics -6,891 children in foster care placements (Maricopa County) -10,000 children in foster care statewide -35,000 reports of child abuse/neglect -A young child is more likely to die of child abuse/neglect in the Phoenix Metro area than any other area in the nation -1,300 children a year wait more than 3 weeks in emergency shelters

Fostering NAU Educational Barriers - Poor time management, study, and problem- solving skills - Low college satisfaction and connectedness - Increased number of hours worked per week - Insufficient support with academic skill development - Insufficient support with deciding a major, and career counseling - College application fees, tuition, and housing deposits

Fostering NAU Educational Barriers - History of mental health diagnoses - History of severe maltreatment - Screening positively for PTSD - Lack of basic information about college - Lack of coordination between child welfare agencies and public schools

Fostering NAU Support Mechanisms in Place The Student Support Services Program provides grants for projects designed to: - Increase the college retention and graduation rates of eligible students; - Increase the transfer rate of eligible students from two-year to four- year institutions; and - Foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, individuals with disabilities, homeless children and youth, foster care youth, or other disconnected students; and - Improve the financial and economic literacy of students in areas such as; basic personal income, household money management, and financial planning skills; and economic decision-making skills.

Fostering NAU Support Mechanisms in Place - TRiO Student Support Services serves students that are: - First Generation - Income Eligible - Disability

Fostering NAU Support Mechanisms in Place - SSS Services Academic support Master schedule tutoring Course selection/career planning Financial aid/financial literacy Graduate School

Fostering NAU Support Mechanisms in Place - SSS Services Participation Grant Counseling Exposure to cultural/educational events Laptop loan Leadership conferences Community service opportunities Academic honor society Celebrations/Honors

Fostering NAU Support Mechanisms in Place Fostering NAU is a unique opportunity for students who are aging out of foster care to benefit from personalized coaching, a community of scholars, and direct financial support. DreamHopeAchieve

Fostering NAU Fostering NAU Goals - Increase NAU graduates who have aged out of foster care - Build a community of scholars among former foster youth - Provide transitional pathway to adulthood

Fostering NAU Program Eligibility - NAU student enrolled on the Flagstaff campus - Former foster youth - Live on campus and have meal plan - Meet with transition coach and complete a Plan for Academic Success - Attend monthly Fostering Success receptions/meetings

Fostering NAU Program Benefits - Personal transition coach - Community of Scholars - Jacks Debit Express funds - Eligibility for participation grant - Assistance in securing housing winter breaks

Fostering NAU Financial & Social Resources - Educational Training Voucher - Federally funded, state administrated - Receive up to $5,000 per year - First come first serve - Confirm enrollment, COA and unmet need

Fostering NAU Financial & Social Resources - Independent Living Stipend - Monthly stipend to help pay for living expenses - Live on your own while receiving support and services - Available until the age of 21

Fostering NAU Financial & Social Resources - Foster Club - Primary communication tool for young people - Connect in a safe, monitored environment - Information relating to foster care

Fostering NAU Financial & Social Resources - Foster Care Alumni of America - National Non-Profit - Founded and led by alumni of foster care system - Connect alumni community - Transform foster care policy and practice

Fostering NAU Financial & Social Resources - Foster Care 2 Success - Oldest & largest non-profit - Largest provider of college funding in the nation - Provides advice, support helping foster youth transition to adulthood

Fostering NAU What can you do to make a difference? - Serve as a mentor/role model - Connect students to campus resources - Don’t make assumptions - Educate others on campus about the foster youth population - Family weekend - Take time out

Fostering NAU Model Programs Community Colleges - California Community College Chancellor’s Office (Foster Youth Success Initiative, 2006) - Austin Community College (Foster Care Alumni Program, 2006) - City College of San Francisco (Guardian Scholars Program, 2004) - Housatonic Community College (Supporting Success, 2005)

Fostering NAU Model Programs 4 Year Colleges - California State University, Fullerton (Guardian Scholars, 1998) - California Polytechnic University, Pomona (Renaissance Scholars, 2002) - Sam Houston State University (Forward Program, 2009) - San Jose State University (The CME Society, 2005) - Western Michigan University (Foster Youth in Higher Education Initiative, 2008)

Fostering NAU Questions ?