February 23, 2012 -
Fostering Media Connections published an excellent piece about Foster Youth Services in
Oakland Local (Blackshere, 2/21/12). As we noted
last week, well coordinated advocacy resulted in the governor reversing his position on funding for FYS. The article quotes Liz Tarango of FYA Member
ACOE FYS on the importance of preserving Foster Youth Services: “Once a youth leaves a district, the district is not going to follow the youth. County Offices of Education follow the youth who are still very mobile and attend multiple districts. The county Offices of Ed track all foster youth regardless of the youth's school of attendance or residence.” The fight to preserve FYS for foster youth throughout California is not over yet, however, as the reversal won't necessarily ensure that FYS continues in all counties. The
National Center for Youth Law continues to lead the advocacy effort to ensure ALL foster youth in California receive the educational support that FYS provides.
