This project is a result of the partnership between the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) and the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program (FYSCP). DPSS has contracted with the RCOE’s FYSCP to provide educational advocacy services through the use of an ECM.

Student Referral Process: As outlined in the DPSS contractual agreement, students are identified and referred for services by the DPSS staff. Services are provided to newly detained students or students experiencing a change of placement.

ECM is a comprehensive interagency program designed to create stability for newly detained and students experiencing a change of placement by:

• Being a liaison between the caregiver and the school to facilitate communication between all stakeholders involved in student’s case.
• Collaborating with district staff and the caregiver to increase caregiver’s involvement in school. Ensuring the caregiver has access to and knows how to utilize the district’s student information system parent portal.
• Assess educational needs and support caregivers in obtaining appropriate school and community services for children in foster care to ensure academic success.
• Evaluate and increase school connectedness.
• Support, encourage, and remove barriers for students interested in participating in extracurricular activities such as clubs and sports in an effort to increase school engagement.
• Support 12th grade students in exploring and applying for post-secondary options and financial aid.
• Collaborate with district counselors to ensure that eligible students have been identified and evaluated for AB 216.

Staff Contracted by DPSS

Eunice Miranda
School Social Worker

Monica Yanez
School Social Worker

Shelley McCall
School Social Worker

Allison Gibbs
Attendance and Registration Technician