Educating children and youth in care: A review of barriers to school progress and strategies for change

Research has demonstrated that young people in care are at a significant educational disadvantage. Over the past decade, a number of qualitative research studies have focused specifically on identifying barriers to school success. These findings reveal widespread systems failings and a pervasive disregard for the educational needs of foster children and youth. Potential solutions focus primarily on facilitating collaborative relationships between the various systems and individual professionals in charge of these students' needs. Other core recommendations call for improved school records, increased stability of educational placements and educational supports for students in care. Yet, while limited progress is evident to date, new systemic and local strategies in Ontario, Canada hold promise for the future. Such strategies, combined with high expectations and a focus on individual needs, may result in more positive educational outcomes.