The educational needs of the half million youth in foster care at any given time remains largely unrecognized in this country’s schools. Yet the impact of the foster care experience on academic achievement is significant. A youth’s foster care status alone can be associated with a drop in standardized test scores.
To help address and improve educational outcomes for youth in care, Casey Family Programs developed the Endless Dreams video and training curriculum. These practice-oriented tools were designed to support educational advocates, education specialists, education liaisons, CASA volunteers, child welfare professionals, and others that assist youth in care with their educational needs.
Video
The Endless Dreams video showcases the great potential of schools to support and enrich the lives of youth in care. The video features a young woman in care and describes how life in foster care impacts her education. Casey Family Programs offers this 15 minute video upon request at no charge.
Curriculum
The comprehensive, peer-reviewed Endless Dreams curriculum is composed of ten, one-hour modules and accompanying facilitator guides. The Endless Dreams training curriculum increases awareness of the unique educational needs of youth in foster care while advocating for the implementation of policies, procedures, and practices that improve educational success.
Certification to deliver the Endless Dreams training curriculum requires a six-hour “train the trainer” learning session. Upon successful completion of the learning session, trainees will be certified by Casey to train others in the Endless Dreams curriculum. Also, newly certified trainers will receive a complimentary copy of the Endless Dreams video and training Curriculum.
Order copies of the Endless Dreams materials.