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ERIC Number: EJ976814
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0164-775X
EISSN: N/A
Improving Educational Outcomes for Children in Foster Care
Watson, Christina; Kabler, Brenda
Communique, v40 n5 p27-29 Jan-Feb 2012
Recent statistics estimate that there are 783,000 children living in foster care in the United States. This vulnerable population is at risk for academic failure as well as internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems. Compared to their peers, foster youth face significant educational difficulties, including lower levels of academic achievement, increased discipline referrals, and overrepresentation in special education. In addition, they are at an increased risk for memory problems, attention difficulties, sleep and mood disorders, emotional problems, and chronic health problems such as asthma and malnutrition. It is critical to recognize the unique needs of this population in order to improve educational outcomes. For these children, who are often left without assistance to navigate through their educational careers, it is essential to provide consistent interdisciplinary support. Bringing together key stakeholders from home, school, and social service agencies is paramount to success. School psychologists are skilled in home-school collaboration and can connect team members and lead advocacy efforts to improve services for students in foster care. Regardless of educational placement, it is imperative to provide appropriate academic and behavioral supports and interventions for foster youth. In sum, the needs of this unique population require specialized training. School psychologists have the skill to link issues involving learning, behavior, and mental health needs in order to support children in foster care.
National Association of School Psychologists. 4340 East West Highway Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814. Tel: 301-657-0270; Fax: 301-657-0275; e-mail: publications@naspweb.org; Web site: http://www.nasponline.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A