Foster Children- Their Academic and Social Needs


		Foster Children- Their Academic and Social Needs

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	Foster children have a very difficult time academically and socially. Their emotional turmoil and constant changes make school success very difficult. As educators, we can help to make their transitions a little easier. (see School Issues page) How Teachers Can Help 10 Ways to Support a Foster Child 1. Keep initial demands simple. 2. Don't rush to judgement. 3. Structure social interactions. 4. Involve foster parents. 5. Offer curriculum choices that respect family diversity. 6. Rethink language you use for special days. 7. Include the child when deciding what information to share. 8. Offer all children the opportunity to be of service. 9. Be the link between past schools and future placements. 10. Take care of yourself and your class when a child moves. (Harrison, 1999) What every teacher needs to know about foster kids.

	There are well over 500,000 children in foster care in America and that number is growing. (Palladino, 2006) All of these children have endured the trauma of being taken from their homes. Any new home, no matter how welcoming, is a difficult adjustment. Many children are in several different homes throughout their foster care experience. This usually means changing schools each time. Changing schools so often brings its own set of problems. School records are notoriously late and some students don't get credit for courses they have taken. Many do not graduate from high school when they do have the ability. Teachers CAN help by communicating with foster parents, giving students any special services they require, and being sensitive to the social needs of these children.