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Foster Youth Services - CalEdFacts

This content is part of California Department of Education's information and media guide about education in the State of California. For similar information on other topics, visit the full CalEdFacts.

Foster Youth Services Coordinating Programs (FYSCPs) provide support to students who have been displaced from family and school. FYSCPs ensure that health and school records are obtained to establish appropriate placement. FYSCPs coordinate and provide instruction, counseling, tutoring, mentoring, vocational training, emancipation services, training for independent living, and other related services. These programs increase the stability of placements for foster youth. Their services are designed to improve the child’s educational performance and personal achievement

FYSCPs work with current and former foster youth, as well as staff members of group homes, schools, juvenile detention facilities, child welfare agencies, probation departments, and community service agencies to influence foster children’s day-to-day routines, both during and after school. FYSCPs may also work together with a variety of existing support services to provide comprehensive support services to foster youth. These services may include Title I, Neglected and Delinquent Youth (Public Law 103–382) program services, services provided by special education local plan areas, and Independent Living Programs.

Chapter 862, Statutes of 2004 (Assembly Bill 490), includes a provision that requires all districts to appoint an educational liaison with prescribed duties to ensure appropriate and timely educational placement and equal opportunities for foster youth. These educational liaisons are supported by FYSCPs in local programs.

All FYSCPs provide education and support services to foster youth residing in licensed foster homes. Chapter 75, Statutes of 2006, allows for education-based services to foster youth in county-operated juvenile detention facilities.

Questions:   Integrated Student Support and Programs Office | FosterYouth@cde.ca.gov | 916-319-0836
Last Reviewed: Friday, November 17, 2023