Turning Dreams into Degrees: A New Tool For Counties to Empower Caregivers in Support Foster Youth with College

A recent study found that youth who ever talked about college with their caregivers are over eight times more likely to attend a four-year college than those who don’t. Findings such as these have led the Los Angeles County Department of Child & Family Services (LA DCFS) to require licensed caregivers to become trained on preparing youth for college, starting in middle school. This web seminar discussed the new curriculum for caregivers on post-secondary education that will be used in Los Angeles and is available statewide. Information was provided on LA DCFS’ training policy, and how counties can provide this training to caregivers as part of the eight-hour annual Resource Family training requirement. Presenting on the web seminar will be representatives from JBAY, LA DCFS, the Foster and Kinship Care Education Program (FKCE), and UNITE-LA.