Seattle City Wire

Treehouse recently reported that the results of a survey shows approximately half of foster care youth feel at least partially disengaged from school as the third semester of virtual learning begins, according to PR Newswire.

"We're at risk of losing a generation of kids in foster care to the pandemic," Lisa Chin, Treehouse CEO said. "Disengagement is growing. Forty percent of students in care served by Treehouse are only somewhat engaged in school, and 9% are completely disengaged. Youth placement and school changes are now double their levels from the spring. If youth aren't engaged in school—they don't graduate—which is a necessary milestone for a successful launch into adulthood and independence." 

Treehouse works with over 7,800 youth in care to provide insight into  their educational experiences as they plan for the future. It conducted  the survey among 1,175 youth in foster care served by the organization  across the state.

The nonprofit conducted the survey in November which also found that 44% of students in foster care need academic tutoring or assistance, and 36% of caregivers need more assistance meeting their youth's educational needs. 

Additional results of the survey shows that the majority of youth report that their basic needs and technology needs are being met. 

90% of youth report that their housing needs are being met with only 10% of youth or their caregivers/families report requiring housing or rental assistance with 4% in high need, and only 13% of youth or their caregivers/families report require food assistance with 4% in high need. 

96% of youth report having at least access to a device to access education with 74% of youth report having a device and 22% report having adequate access to a device. 70% have full access to internet, and an additional 24% have at least adequate access. 

"Technology access was a big concern at the start of the COVID-19 crisis,” Chin said. “Overall, we're doing well in addressing the technology challenges and fairly well in addressing basic needs.”

Additional results show that 31% of youth report moderate or high need for mental health support and 23% of students with disabilities report inadequate accommodations since Aug. 1.

"Mental health concerns are significant. I don't think that is surprising given what we're all individually experiencing,” Chin said. “School districts appear to be doing better in meeting the special education needs of our students than at the beginning of school building closures, but improvement is still needed."

This is the third survey Treehouse has conducted since the pandemic started.