The Education Outcomes of California Foster Youth​

Introduction

There are over 50,000 foster youth in California, according to data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. And consistently, California foster youth lag behind their peers when it comes to key education outcomes like high school graduation and college attendance. ​

Let’s dive into the problem and discuss what you can do to help. 

School Stability

According to the Alliance of Children’s Rights, a third of all foster youth attend two or more schools in a single year – compared to 7% of all students nationwide. 

According to data from the California Department of Education, over 92% of all youth in California are in a “stable” school environment, while the same is true for less than 72% of all foster youth in the state. ​

Chronic Absences

Around 14% of all youth in the state are deemed “chronically absent,” according to data from the California Department of Education, while the same is true for over a third of all California foster youth. 

Suspension Rates

Around 1.2% of all foster youth in California were suspended (including in-school and out of school) at one point during the last school year, according to data from the California Department of Education, as opposed to just 0.2% for youth overall statewide. 

Test Scores

Percent of students who score at a level proficient or above on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress in English language arts: ​

  • 44% of all youth statewide ​
  • 19% of California foster youth 

Percent of students who score at a level proficient or above on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress in math: ​

  • 33% of all youth statewide ​
  • 12% of California foster youth 

High School Graduation and Dropout Rates​

According to the Alliance of Children’s Rights, the dropout rate for California foster youth is 8%, as compared to 3% for high schoolers across the state. ​

Further, 84% of high school students statewide graduate from high school, while only 56% of California foster youth do too.

How You Can Help California Foster Youth Close The Education Gap ​

  • Become a Resource Parent! ​
  • Contribute financially to a foster youth’s education ​
  • Volunteer your time and energy 

Interested in becoming a Resource Parent in Northern California? ​Click here to begin the process with AFS. ​

CONTACT US​
(800) 300-1022​
info@afs4kids.org​
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Si necesita hablar con alguien en español: (800) 300-1022

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Alternative Family Services

Alternative Family Services (AFS) provides thoughtful, informed foster care, adoption and mental health services throughout California’s San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Sacramento region. Since 1978, the mission of AFS has been – and continues to be – to support vulnerable children and families in need of stability, safety and well-being in communities through foster care, adoption and mental health services.

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