OLYMPIA -- The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has partnered with Treehouse, a King County non-profit organization, to launch a groundbreaking statewide initiative that will help children in foster care successfully navigate the educational system and earn high school diplomas.

Contracted Education Advocacy Coordinators (EACs) are stationed in children's services in all six DSHS Regions. The role of the coordinators is to advocate, intervene and negotiate with school officials on behalf all school-aged children, from kindergarten through 10TH grade, placed in out-of-home care.

"Many unique challenges can block the path to educational success for children and youth who are in foster care," said Cheryl Stephani, assistant secretary for the DSHS Children's Administration. "Remaining in the same, familiar school when an out-of-home placement is disrupted or finding special services, such as transportation or tutoring, can be extremely difficult for these kids. They and their foster families may not have anyone who knows how to guide them through the system. The new coordinators will be available to assist."

In addition to direct advocacy for school children, the coordinators provide training to social workers, caregivers, and community providers on such topics as special education and federal and state education laws.

The EACs can provide referrals to appropriate agencies and services, including alternative education programs and pre-kindergarten evaluations.

"By providing support for children as young as kindergarteners, we hope to instill in them the long-term rewards of a good education, such as obtaining a higher education degree, better employment opportunities and problem solving tools that will help them become successful adults," Stephani said.

Information on the program and links to other education advocacy related materials are available on the Children's Administration Web site. Also, for more information, contact Annie Blackledge, CA Education Program Manager, via e-mail at ambl300@dshs.wa.gov or via phone at (360) 902-7563.

(Editor's Note: To schedule an interview with one of the EACs, please contact Phoebe Sade Anderson, at Treehouse, 206-267-5102.)