Free Trainings Offered For Those Serving County's Foster Youth

PLEASANT HILL, CA — Education liaisons with Contra Costa County Office of Education’s Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program are providing free trainings during upcoming months as part of CCCOE's continued goal to provide technical assistance and professional development to districts and community partners regarding the educational needs of foster youth, according to a news release.

The Contra Costa County FYSCP supports the educational needs of children in foster care by working collaboratively with local school districts, child welfare agencies, foster-care agencies, probation, post-secondary institutions, caregivers and community organizations with the goal of improving the educational gap for foster youth, said Jonathan Lance, spokesperson for CCCOE.

"Using a unique partnership, FYSCP Education Liaisons are located at Contra Costa County Children and Family Services to work closely with social workers to help support the educational needs of children on their caseloads," Lance said.

The trainings are held at CCCOE, 77 Santa Barbara Road in Pleasant Hill, and can run from an hour and a half to three hours, with topics such as "Defining Foster Youth" and "School Stability To Special Education: 504 vs IEP."

Information about all upcoming workshops and instructions for registration is posted online.

The trainings are also offered to groups and/or individuals who submit a written request, four-six weeks in advance. Those who wish to submit a request for a training at their site, or have further questions, may contact Yvonne Beals at 925-942-3463.