EDUCATION GUIDELINES SUPPORT CHILDREN, YOUTH IN CARE

VICTORIA – The ministries of Children and Family Development and Education today launched new provincial guidelines aimed at improving information-sharing and strengthening practices and joint planning to help children and youth in care succeed in school.

“This government recognizes that children and youth in care have unique circumstances that can have a significant impact on their educational outcomes,” said Children and Family Development Minister Tom Christensen. “These guidelines further open the doors of communication, and help us ensure that a continuum of support is in place to help our children and youth succeed.”

Developed in consultation with regional representatives and public and independent school system representatives, the Joint Education Planning and Support for Children and Youth in Care: Cross-Ministry Guidelines will provide assistance to educators, child welfare workers, families and caregivers in responding to significant transitions or periods of stress for children and youth in care, to help the child or youth experience greater success in school.

Under the new guidelines, information that could be shared with child welfare workers and foster parents includes report cards, school transcripts, and other information relevant to a child’s well-being and success at school. With the improved information-sharing, those who are involved in the care plan for the child or youth can monitor their progress and be made aware of potential issues that may influence educational outcomes.

“One of this government’s key goals is to make B.C. the best-educated jurisdiction on the continent, but we know that a one-size-fits-all educational guideline doesn’t necessarily work,” said Education Minister Shirley Bond. “We’ve recognized another unique need here, and we have made it a priority to create a solution that will help ensure this group experiences success.”

The educational guidelines, which respond in part to recommendations contained within the May 2007 Education Experiences and Outcomes of Children in Care joint report of the representative for children and youth and the provincial health officer, are the latest in a number of initiatives, programs, and services that have been implemented to help vulnerable children and youth succeed. Others include:

The $5-million Agreement with Young Adults program established in July 2008, which provides financial support to former youth in care to pursue educational upgrading, training or participate in a rehabilitative program;
The Youth Education Assistance Fund, which provides bursaries up to $5,500 to former youth in care who wish to enrol in post-secondary education;
Both ministries are continuing to support and work with Aboriginal partners to develop strategies for improving the educational outcomes for Aboriginal children and youth;
The Ministry of Education has called on school districts to minimize school moves for children in care and to ensure that support is provided when a move occurs;
Additional funding toward Early Childhood Development and Early Years programs to promote early learning and preparation for school;
Both ministries have partnered with the Ministry of Health to implement the Early Development Instrument annually, which improves early assessment and child development strategies

“We’re committed to ensuring our most vulnerable children and youth are given the opportunity to succeed in all facets of their life,” said Christensen. “Cross-ministry work is necessary to achieve this, and we’re proud to be able to work with our ministry partners to create new initiatives, programs, and services to help our child and youth in care reach their full potential.”

The new guidelines are ready to be implemented this school year. For more information on these and other initiatives to help children and youth in care succeed, please visit www.gov.bc.ca/mcfd or www.gov.bc.ca/bced.

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Contact:

Kelly Gleeson

Communications Director

Ministry of Children and Family Development

250 356-2007

Jennifer McCrea

Communications Director

Ministry of Education

250 356-8485




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