Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition Logo
Our Programs

Educational Advocacy

Educational Advocacy advances children’s educational stability so they can become successful learners.

Navigating the Educational System

Many of our children require special education services; however, neither foster caregivers nor child welfare professionals receive training in this area. Therefore, we have a team of educational experts to work beside caregivers and professionals, helping them navigate the educational system.

  • I’m working with a student who transitioned from a residential facility to a new school district. During that transition, the student continued to have discipline concerns, and the school suspended the student several times. This was an issue of compliance, as the student had a Behavioral Intervention Plan. The student missed classroom time, which we reinstated. Now, we’re focusing on moving the student to a school that will support their needs.”
    –Educational Advocate
  • I observed the student in the classroom. An evaluation was requested, which resulted in an Individualized Education Program (IEP). As a result, the student is receiving social-emotional supports and is thriving.”
    –Educational Advocate

How It Works

Any caregiver or professional can reach out for help. The Educational Advocate ensures a team approach including:

  • Helping them become successful learners through a trauma-informed lens
  • Caregivers: Empowering them to advocate for their children’s needs
  • Schools: Educating staff about the foster care system and the impact of trauma
  • Assisting with school enrollment, understanding students’ rights, and attending academic meetings

What Makes It Unique?

Our staff of Educational Advocates are highly skilled and well regarded in the local school systems. They are known for helping educators understand our children’s trauma responses, then working with them to achieve successful solutions. The caregiver is the child’s Educational Decision Maker, which is a legal term meaning they represent the child in matters related to their education, including school placement, evaluation, and special education plans.

However, the process can be daunting. Our Educational Advocates work with the caregiver, listening to their needs, jointly creating goals, and collaborating to execute the service plan. The student’s voice is heard, too. Often, youth open up to our Educational Advocates, as they encourage the student to share concerns, speak about experiences, and dream about their future objectives.

Who is Eligible?

A child (ages 3-20) who:

  • Is currently in foster care or who has exited foster care to guardianship or adoption
  • Lives in St. Louis City or the counties of Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, St. Louis, or Warren

Measuring Impact

of youth achieve their educational goals

of youth improve school functioning

The Educational Advocacy program was studied and published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Public Child Welfare, demonstrating that Educational Advocacy is effective on decreasing student’s placement moves.

Contact the Coalition CareLine

If you have an emergency, call 911.

Name

In what state do you reside?
Please select one:
Please select what you would like assistance with:
Please select the best time(s) to call:

Please expect an initial response within 48 business hours.
Responses are provided during regular business hours: M-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you have any trouble submitting this form, please contact the Coalition at 314-367-8373 and leave your full name and phone number and someone will return your call.