The report lays out the significantly low academic achievement level of the average foster child and finds that academic performance is often overlooked or missed in the efforts of foster parents and caseworkers to address other issues. According to parents and child welfare staff interviewed, poor academic performance takes a back seat to the emotional troubles symptomatic of the foster child’s experience. From the youth perspective, frequent court appearances and medical appointments may impair academic performance. The authors recommended giving caseworkers direct access to the academic records of youth in foster care so that they can help more in that area. 56 pages. Free. Vera Institute of Justice, 233 Broadway, 12th Fl., New York, NY 10279. (212) 334-1300, www.vera.org.
