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Education

Do you know?

  • Foster children are 50-100% more likely to fail a grade.
  • Approximately 50% of children in foster care are enrolled in special education programs.
  • 60% of children in foster care do not graduate from high school.

A 2001 study of foster youth in Washington's public school system found that only 59% of foster youth enrolled in 11th grade complete high school by the end of 12th grade. The statistics are discouraging because it isn't easy to stay on track when the average child in foster care remains in care just over three years and averages three foster families.


There are resources available especially for you.
There are foster care scholarships, education programs with Treehouse, Casey Family Programs and funding to assist with educational costs through the YMCA Independent Living Program. There are community service programs to help you get on your way and college advising offices with staff available to help you find what you need and get to where you want to go.

The Chafee Act funding is also devoted to helping transitioning youth like you pursue your education dreams. Financial assistance is available and you will also receive case management and support services that are designed to assist you in achieving self-sufficiency.

Eligibility requirements are:

  1. You are at least 18 years-old and not yet 21.
  2. You have transitioned from a DCFS supervised placement (foster, group or kinship care) at age 18.
  3. You are not in foster care at the time of any payment.
  4. You have submitted an application and statement of need, approved by your Independent Living case manager.
  5. You participate directly in developing the service plan and accept personal responsibility for achieving independence.

Check with your DCFS social worker or contact the YMCA Independent Living Program at 206.749.7540.

Don't let your limited education make the choices for you.
Even if college isn't the direction you want to go right now, there are other programs designed to building your skill levels so whatever you decide to do, you will have a choice.