Alameda County Office of Education

Students focus on their work at desks in a classroom setting.

Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program

Our Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program (FYSCP) is designed to improve academic achievement, reduce discipline problems, and reduce truancy and dropout rates among foster youth.

Need for Services

Foster youth have critical needs which often go unmet.
Over 75 percent of foster youth students’ work is below grade level.
50 percent are retained at least one year in school.
Students typically move more than once a year and attend 9-10 different schools before they turn 18.
A high percentage of students qualify for special education services; however, their high mobility rate interferes with their timely and appropriate placement.

Services Provided by the Grant

Acquire health and educational records for youth residing in foster care placement.
Provide educational mentors for foster youth who face multiple school challenges including advocacy, academic support, and referrals for tutoring.
Offer staff development training on Special Education, AB 490 and other laws that benefit foster youth.
Provide technical assistance to districts by supporting academic goals for foster youth as identified in Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAP).
Provide educational support by participating in Alameda County Social Services Agency Child & Family Team Meetings and Transitional Living Conferences and assistance with school enrollment, transition, and district graduation requirements.
Partial Credit Model Policy: One major barrier to high school graduation is schools’ failure to issue partial credits to foster youth who transfer schools mid-semester, despite laws requiring them to do so.
Learn more about California’s Partial Credit Model Policy

California’s Partial Credit Model Policy (PDF) ➔

Liaisons

Acronym List ➔ Alameda FY/MKV Liaisons 2025-2026 ➔ A Guide To Permanency Options For Youth ➔ Foster Youth and School Stability Guide ➔

California’s Partial Credit Model Policy: Improving the Educational Outcome of Foster Youth ➔

One major barrier to high school graduation is schools’ failure to issue partial credits to foster youth who transfer schools mid-semester, despite laws requiring them to do so. This document provides guidance on how to issue and accept partial credits.

Request for Educational Support Services ➔

The Educational Liaison Model is an integrated, trauma-informed approach designed to meet the academic, social-emotional, and logistical needs of foster and homeless youth. By braiding together essential services, the model ensures seamless support that promotes stability, equity, and success for students navigating complex life circumstances.

AB216 Worksheet ➔