Fostering Connections
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Promoting educational stability and academic success for children and youth in out of home placement and foster care.
How We Can Help
- Assist in keeping students in their same school when their out-of-home placement changes
- Help students immediately enroll in school and transfer their school records
- Ensure students receive free school meals
- Coordinate student transportation to his or her school of origin whenever possible
- Make referrals for medical, legal, food and county benefits, and mental health services
- Advocate for special education services
- Educate students and families about credit recovery options
- Assist with the application process for college or other post-secondary education
- Refer students to independent living resources in the community
- Assist students in accessing educational training vouchers
Student Rights
The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 is a federal law that plans for the educational stability of school-age children and youth placed in out-of- home care. Students in out-of-home placement and foster care environments have the right to:
- Continue in the schools they were enrolled in at the time of placement
- Receive transportation to the school they were enrolled in at the time of placement
- Participate in the same programs and services that are provided to all other SPPS students including extracurricular activities
- Immediately enroll in any school without immunization records or other school records
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Information about Fostering Connections Act
Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 places a duty on the child welfare agency and the educational system to work for school stability for children in care. The Act emphasizes the importance of remaining in the same school by requiring child welfare agencies to work for that goal unless “remaining in such school is not in the best interests of the child.”
In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act changed language about Local Education Districts collaborating with Local Counties to provide transportation for foster youth if it's in their best interest:
Important Links
College
Education and Training Vouchers for foster youth
Resources for Youth in Foster Care
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Succeeding in High School
High School SupportIf you are having trouble with a subject or class, voice your concerns to your guidance counselor before it's too late. They can help you find extra support to finish the class and stay current with your credits.
AVID: Provides in-school academic support, including tutoring, and college preparation for students in grades 4-12.
See your guidance counselor for information about other tutoring resources within your school.
Credit Recovery
Changing schools can make it hard for students to stay caught up. It is especially important that students in foster care check on their credit status with their guidance counselors. If you are behind on credits, there are supports within the district to help you get back on track to graduation.
Online & Summer School
Students can earn back credits during the school year or over summer. See your guidance counselor for referrals to these programs. You can also visit the following links to read about your options and consider what is the best fit for your needs:
Alternative Learning ProgramsAlternative high schools are available for students who need or desire a learning environment that is different from more traditional high schools. Alternative high schools offer flexible hours, various locations, and alternative teaching methods that help students make progress toward graduation. Students may enroll as full-time students and earn a diploma, or they can take after-hours and evening courses to earn additional credits needed to graduate at their current high school.
Please call the Student Placement Center at 651-632-3760 if you need more information to determine if an alternative high school is the right choice for you.
Evening High School is an alternative educational program designed to provide students with meaningful learning experiences in order to complete their required course credits and graduate to something great. Online and traditional classes are offered at two sites: Eastside Learning Hub @ Harding, 1526 Sixth St. E, 55106, and Gordon Parks High School, 1212 University Ave. W, 55104. Age requirements, criteria for eligibility and specific services vary. Guidance counselors refer students 16 years old and older to courses needed for graduation. Students who are not attending a regular high school may stop in to register as full-time students during the registration dates and times..
1212 University Avenue West
St. Paul, MN 55104
651-744-1210
651-744-1208 (fax)Our small, friendly school makes it impossible for students to be invisible. Named after the famed African American photographer, civil rights activist, writer and Saint Paul native, Gordon Parks is an alternative high school where students can choose from flexible morning and afternoon programs, online options, and media-infused courses and curriculum. Our staff members are specialists in providing students with hope and possibility.. Our students can fulfill state and district graduation requirements in many ways: from studying documentary film and nonfiction writing with our English department, to hands-on experiences in algebra and chemistry, to community-based art, social studies, and environmental studies programs. At Gordon Parks, students receive encouragement to take themselves and their possibilities seriously. The bottom line is that effort makes the difference.
1212 University Avenue West
St. Paul, MN 55104
651-744-1212
651-744-1208 (fax)
651-744-1244 (counselor's fax)
AGAPE - Adolescent Girls and Parenting EducationAGAPE High School offers a comprehensive high school education for pregnant or parenting teens. We also provide intervention services to help students address other barriers to educational success. AGAPE has a partnership with Inver Hills Community College to offer college-level classes at our site for college and high school credit. An on-site childcare and Health Start clinic are also available.
1037 University Avenue West
St. Paul MN, 55104
651-228-7746
651-293-5360 (fax)
LEAP High SchoolOur school is dedicated to serving students ages 14 to 20 who are new to the United States and who are learning English while earning a high school diploma. Students receive instruction closely matched to their level of English ability in classes that address reading, writing, and speaking English. Bilingual staff members work in small groups that allow students to receive individualized attention in an atmosphere that respects and supports their native cultures. LEAP also offers after-school classes and, through partnerships with local organizations, students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and participate in community service projects. We help the newest members of our community succeed now and into the future.
631 Albert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55104
651-228-7706
651-228-7711 (fax) -
Independence & Adulthood
Independent Living
High school students in foster care should begin thinking about what they will need to make a successful transition to adulthood. In addition to planning for post-secondary education and training, students in foster care must also consider housing options and the skills they will need to live on their own. Fortunately, there are programs and funds in place to support youth in foster care both before and after their eighteenth birthdays.
The Adolescent Living Skills program is a voluntary program for youth in foster care placements supervised by Ramsey County.* Services include help with applying to college and job training programs, finding a job, paying for driver's education courses, finding housing, and learning the basic skills required (managing a banking account, knowing your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, etc.) to live on your own. The program is open to youth ages 14 to 18 who are in Ramsey County foster care placements, and to youth ages 18 to 21 who were in Ramsey County foster care when they turned 18. Contact your Ramsey County social worker to apply. If you no longer have a Ramsey County social worker but qualify within the 18-21 age group, call 651-266-4080.
Transition Services
Extended foster care is available to Minnesota youth who were in foster care when they turned 18. Youth will qualify for this program until their 21st birthday, as long as they are working at least 20 hours a week, looking for work, enrolled in college or a job training program, or have a medical waiver excusing them from these activities. Through extended foster care, youth receive case management services and additional transition planning. Youth in extended foster care also remain on Medical Assistance. If they are living independently, they can receive foster care maintenance payments directly. Otherwise, these payments are made to the caregiver.
*Youth in placements supervised by other counties should check with their caseworkers to find out about transition services through their counties.
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Post Secondary Options
Applying for College and Other Training Programs
Youth can begin thinking about their options after high school many years in advance. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education offers suggestions for things you can do and think about each year from middle school until graduation.
The best resource for all students in applying for college is their school's counseling department. Make sure you know who your counselor is, and go to them directly with any questions relating to testing and applications.
Paying for College and Other Training Programs
Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs) are grants for youth ages 18-21 who were in foster care at the time they turned 16, regardless of whether they achieved permanency after that point, and/or were state wards when they turned 18. The grants help support youth while they are enrolled in college or a vocational/technical program. Youth should complete the ETV application as soon as they are admitted to a qualifying program. To apply, contact your caseworker. If you no longer have a caseworker, call 651-431-4663 or emailDHS.ETVcoordinator@state.mn.us.
Tuition waivers are available for state wards up to age 21 who attend Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU). Contact the college or university to notify them of your state ward status and find out about the necessary forms.
The Children's Law Center has compiled a list of other scholarships and funding opportunities for Minnesota youth in foster care.
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Know Your Rights
Basic Rights of Youth in Foster Care
As a child or teen in foster care, you have rights to the following*:
- A safe, healthy, and comfortable home
- Freedom from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse
- Your needs for food and clothing
- Medical and dental care
- Contact with family members, unless prohibited by court order or your case plan
- Make and receive confidential letters and phone calls, unless prohibited by court order or your case plan
- Remaining in your school of origin, regardless of placement changes, if it is determined to be in your best interest
- Participation in school and religious activities of your choice
- Participation in Independent Living Skills training offered through your county, if you are 16 or older
- Employment, if you are old enough to work according to state law
- Keeping your own money and maintaining your own bank account
- Monthly contact with your social worker or probation officer
- Appearing in court and speaking to the judge before decisions are made that will impact your life
If someone is violating one of these rights, you should contact the judge overseeing your case, your social worker, or your probation officer. If they do not help you, you can find legal help at the resources listed below.
*Adapted from Legal Rights of Teens in Out-of-Home Care, a publication of the Youth Law Center. You can also find Minnesota-specific information about your rights in this publication from the Children's Law Center.
Legal ResourcesChildren's Law Center
450 N. Syndicate St. #315
St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone: (651) 644-4438The Children's Law Center provides free legal representation and assistance to youth in foster care. If you do not meet their eligibility requirements, they should be able to refer you to other sources of free legal help in Minnesota.
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)
1000 Alliance Bank Center
55 E 5th St
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 222-4731SMRLS provides free legal representation and assistance to low-income people in St. Paul and the East Metro. Although SMRLS can only take a limited number of cases, they may be able to help you, particularly with cases related to housing, homelessness, education, and consumer issues. Please note that SMRLS cannot handle criminal cases.
You can find information about other legal issues, including housing and employment, at LawHelpMN.org. Use the fact sheets provided at the site to determine if someone might be violating your rights in other areas of your life.
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Extended Foster Care
Under the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, states have the option of offering extended foster care benefits to qualifying youth. In Minnesota, this means that you can receive foster care maintenance payments directly if living on your own, as well as retain the health insurance and case management benefits of being in foster care.
Important Timelines if you Are Considering Extended Foster Care Beyond Age 18:
Six months prior to the 18th birthday of a youth in foster care under Chapter 260C or 260D, counties are required to advise youth, their parent or legal guardian, and foster parents of the availability of continued foster care benefits up to age 21. This requirement is located in Minnesota Statute § 260C.451, subdivision 1. If a youth does not wish to remain in extended foster care, the youth and caseworker must begin working on a personalized transition plan in the 90 days leading up to the youth's 18th birthday. Youth who are not able to return home or otherwise achieve permanency prior to age 18, and who desire to continue in foster care past age 18, must meet at least one of the following conditions on an ongoing basis.
In order to be eligible, a youth must be doing one or more of the following:
- Still attending high school or an equivalent program
- Enrolled in college or a vocational school
- Participating in job training programs or activities, or other programs designed to remove barriers to employment
- Working at least 80 hours per month, or
- Incapable of doing any of the activities described above due to a medical condition.
Learn much more about extended foster care at the Department of Human Services website. Contact your social worker if you have any questions.
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Jobs and Community Involvement
Getting involved in your community, whether through work or other activities, can help you build a network of supports. It can also give you experience and skills to help support your post-high school plans. The resources below will help you find opportunities, but be sure to also check with your school counselor or caseworker about newer resources.
Summer/After School Jobs
Working after school or during the summer is not only a great way to earn extra money, but also important to learning skills and getting the experience for your post-high school plans. There are several resources within St. Paul dedicated to helping youth find internships and jobs that fit with their school schedules.
- GeneSys Works: GeneSys Works is a competitive program that trains high school students and then places them in paid corporate internships during their senior years of high school. Phone: (651) 789-0088
- Rock Your Block: Rock Your Block helps St. Paul teens find part-time and summer work in their communities.
- City of St. Paul: The city posts summer job opportunities for teens in the parks system. As summer approaches, check back regularly.
- Hired: Hired provides counseling to youth who face barriers to finding a job.
- Children's Law Center Employment Resources: A list of Twin Cities resources for youth in foster care who are looking for jobs.
- Job Application Tips for Teens: Resources for teens on job applications and interviews.
Activities
Summer and after-school activities can help teens make friends, release stress, and discover more about their talents and strengths.
Sprockets St. Paul: Sprockets is a network of summer and after-school programs for kids and teens in St. Paul. The site allows users to search by interest and location.
Volunteering
Volunteering is an excellent way to care for others in your community while gaining marketable experience for your post-high school plans.
Ramsey County Volunteer Opportunities: Contact information for agencies looking for youth volunteers.
YWCA of St. Paul: Numerous opportunities for volunteers, especially those wanting to work with kids.
Resources for Foster Parents
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College Readiness
Saint Paul Public Schools sees families and schools as partners in education. As we work together, we know there are big challenges that can get in the way of a student's path to graduate to something great. As a foster parent, you are in an important position to support the continued educational success of students in your care. You will find some helpful tools to do so at the following link:
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Helpful Links for Caregivers
