In 2007, Casey Family Programs initiated this Breakthrough Series Collaborative on Improving Educational Continuity and School Stability for Children in Out-of-Home Care.

The issue of educational continuity and school stability for children in out-of-home care speaks to many dynamics that shape students’ educational outcomes.  The longer a youth is in out-of-home care, the greater the number of out-of-home placements he or she is likely to experience.  The challenge for all systems is to ensure youth in out-of-home care receive a positive school experience that will result in each young person’s achieving his or her individual potential. 

In this Breakthrough Series Collaborative ten jurisdictions initiated strategies and tests of change that targeted improving educational outcomes for children in out-of-home care.  This initiative required bold action and innovative leadership to make lasting change and partnerships. 

We believe that educational continuity and school stability promotes positive school experiences leading to improved educational outcomes for children in out-of-home care.  Participating jurisdictions identified, developed, and tested potentially promising strategies for improving practice in their education and child welfare systems that will ultimately support educational continuity and school stability for children in out-of-home care.  Jurisdictions accomplished this by:

• Engaging with a group of other jurisdictions in critical change activities
• Creating environments in which strategies can be developed and tested
• Developing a cadre of leaders across the country who are working toward solutions
• Creating and sustaining partnerships to advance the work
• Disseminating lessons learned.