Education In 2004, only one in five 18-to-23-year-olds in independent living services was working or in school. But by 2007, that had quadrupled to four in five young adults working or in school. In 2004, fewer than one in 10 was attending high school or a GED program. But by 2007, that had quadrupled to nearly four in 10 in high school or a GED program. In 2004, little more than one in 10 were attending college or post-secondary vocational programs. But by 2007, that had quadrupled to more than four in 10 in college or post-secondary vocational programs. We know that foster youth are both retained in classes and are placed in special education classes at higher rates than their peers. Due to frequent foster placements, they also switch schools often, leading to higher dropout rates. In just one year – with assistance from a dedicated guidance counselor and Cby25 support – the 485 foster youth in high school: Increased their promotion rate by nearly 9 percent Decreased their placement in exceptional special education classes by 26 percent Decreased school changes during the school year. The percentage of students changing schools dropped by a third. The 40 students who opted to attend the Cby25 Connection with Education on-site school have increased on average: Their math grade level by nearly two grades Their language grade level by two grades Their reading grade level by 1.5 grades Financial Literacy In 2004, there was no record of teens in foster care having financial literacy training or bank accounts. But over 2006 and 2007, 171 young adults participated in the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative financial literacy training, and 147 have or are opening individual development accounts, which are matched savings accounts. Funds from the Eckerd Family Foundation and other private donations match youths’ savings. Influencing state and local public policies The success of Cby25 has led to a wide array of positive changes in local and state public policies affecting youth in foster care. In 2006 and 2007, the Florida Legislature passed bills that require: Medicaid health care coverage to age 21 Normalcy plans to ensure that youth in foster care younger than 18 are able to participate in extracurricular activities, obtain employment and enjoy teen activities, such as dating and attending homecoming and prom Youth in foster care to sign all documents about their cases before they will be accepted by the court Educational and career plan developed with youth Financial literacy training Expansion of tuition exemption Removal of age limits for signing lease contracts Evaluation for subsidized independent living and a focus on making connections with adults and the community before youths age out of foster care at age 18 Florida law now reduces barriers for foster youth to get driver’s licenses and expands eligibility for independent living services for youth who are adopted after age 16. We are proud of all these successes and will share more updates with you in the months ahead. While much has been accomplished, much more work remains to be done. In the coming months, we will highlight how our community has contributed its time, talent and treasure to make Connected by 25 so successful. And we’ll tell you more about ways you too can support this terrific initiative.   [back to topics]