Children and teens in foster care have the same needs for emotional and academic support as any other student. However, being in foster care can add new layers of challenges, and that can make academic success harder to reach. As of August 2024, there are 5,982 children in West Virginia foster care. Each of these children has their own unique set of experiences and needs, and many of them will go through multiple placements and schools while in foster care. But with the right support from educators, success is well within reach! Let’s explore these best practices for teaching and supporting students in foster care.

The Impact of Trauma on Student Performance and Behavior

Foster care inevitably involves some amount of trauma. Being separated from their biological parents and family home is always difficult for youth. This trauma can result in mental health or behavioral difficulties that may impact academic performance. Children who have experienced trauma may have one or more of the following obstacles to learning:

• Trouble forming relationships with faculty or peers
• Poor self-regulation
• Negative thinking
• Hypervigilance
• Executive function challenges

Mandatory Reporting and Signs of Abuse or Neglect

As a teacher or school professional in the state of West Virginia, you are mandated to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Doing so could help protect a child and strengthen their family. Even if it results in the child entering foster care while the parent accesses the support they need to safely reunify their family. A student who is experiencing abuse or neglect may exhibit the following signs or behaviors:

• Injuries to the eyes or both sides of the head
• Frequent injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) that the student or caregiver cannot provide an adequate explanation for, especially fingerprint or hand bruises, bite marks or cigarette burns
• Destructive, aggressive or disruptive behavior
• Passive or withdrawn behavior
• Fear of going home or fear of being with parent(s)/caregiver(s)
• Signs of malnourishment (listlessness, fatigue)
• Stealing or begging for food
• Poor personal hygiene
• Untreated medical needs (including dental or vision care)
• Frequent tardiness or school absences
• Child left unattended or unsupervised

Strategies for Success: Best Practices for Teaching & Supporting Students in Foster Care

Unfortunately, complications like frequent school changes for children in foster care are out of your control as a teacher or school professional. However, there are still a few best practices for teaching and supporting students in foster care. You can empower students in foster care to perform well academically and feel safe and welcomed at school.

Give Grace and Patience

Students in foster care may need extra measures of grace and patience as they navigate academic challenges and adjust to a new school environment. In a practical sense, this could mean offering extensions on assignments or providing one-on-one help after school or while the rest of the class works independently.

Close the Academic Gaps

Children in foster care may experience three or four placements, some of which may involve a school change. This can result in academic gaps where subjects they study don’t match up between curriculums. To help close these academic gaps, take the time to learn the student’s educational history. Then look for areas where they may need additional support.

Create a Safe, Inclusive Environment

Stability is key for helping students in foster care thrive both academically and personally. Make your classroom a safe space for children from all backgrounds by avoiding assumptions about family life and being sensitive to possibly triggering topics. Be mindful of assignments relating to family, such as a family history project or family tree that may be difficult for children in foster care to complete as well as emotionally traumatic.

Another way to make the school environment more welcoming is through inclusive language. Instead of using terms like “parents,” “mom” or “dad,” opt for neutral terms like “family,” “grown-up,” “caregiver” or “loved one.” For example, rather than Parent-Teacher Conferences, refer to them as Family-Teacher Conferences.

Partner with Foster Parents, Case Workers and Biological Parents

Children in foster care have many adult figures in their lives who impact their wellbeing. By being intentional about partnering with the student’s foster parents, case workers and their biological family when safe and appropriate, you can better understand the source of difficult behaviors and learn more about the child’s academic and personal history. Communicate with case workers about the level of interaction currently occurring between the student and their biological parents so you are aware of how much to include them in updates on the student’s performance.

Educate Yourself About Foster Care

Keep yourself informed about foster care and what a student may be feeling and experiencing. The more aware you are of how foster care can impact student success, the better equipped you will be to meet that student’s needs and provide appropriate support.

Be sure to share these best practices for teaching and supporting students in foster care with your fellow educators and school professionals!

Resources to Empower Students in Foster Care

At KVC West Virginia, we are committed to strengthening the mental health of children and families, including contributing to the academic success of students in our care! If your school has a child or children in foster care, here are some resources you can share to empower them academically:

School-Based Therapy Program

KVC West Virginia’s school-based therapy program provides social, emotional and behavioral health support services to qualifying students—all during school hours and without the student needing to leave campus. This service is available to any student for whom therapy is deemed medically necessary at schools that have signed up for the program.

We currently offer the school-based therapy program to schools in the following counties:

• Hampshire
• Hardy
• Morgan
• Jefferson
• Marion
• McDowell
• Wyoming

If you are part of a school that is interested in learning more or signing up for this program, contact the KVC regional director for your nearest KVC location and inquire about getting medically necessary therapy services in your school. 

First Star Academy

KVC’s First Star Academy combines academic preparedness, life skills classes, mental and behavioral therapy, and individualized support and assistance to help students grades 8 through 12 stay on track for high school graduation. Learn more about First Star Academy and fill out an adult recommendation form if you know a student who may benefit from this opportunity.

Middle College Program

West Virginia high school juniors and seniors in foster care may be eligible to participate in Middle College at Fairmont State University, a program built on the power of connection. Over the course of two years, students earn both their high school diploma and an associate degree, all while being supported by a strong network of caring professionals.

Through KVC’s partnership with Fairmont State University, Marion County Schools, and the West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition, Middle College helps teens in foster care write their own stories by providing the education and opportunities they deserve. Learn more about Middle College and make a referral here!

Want to Do More? Become a Foster Parent!

KVC West Virginia is currently recruiting more foster parents, and the ideal situation for children entering foster care is kinship care, where a trusted adult becomes the child’s caregiver while their biological family works toward safe reunification. Learn how you can become a foster parent with KVC and make even more of a difference in your students’ lives.