ELC is in the process of gathering information regarding "alternative education programs for disruptive youth." (These programs are also called "1901-C programs," referring to the law that allows them to operate.). ELC intends to submit a report on these programs to the Pennsylvania Department of Education in the hopes of reforming the law and the Basic Education Circular concerning alternative education programs. To that end, ELC is conducting a survey of caseworkers, advocates, juvenile probation officers and other professionals who work with youth that attend alternative disciplinary programs and can report on the programs from the perspective of their impact on youth. If you have worked with children who have attended alternative education programs, please fill out the survey and feel free to send it along to your colleagues who may have knowledge of alternative education programs across the State.

Take the survey

The Legal Center for Foster Care and Education hosts quarterly conference calls with organizations and individuals around the country to develop effective strategies for improving educational outcomes for children and youth in out-of-home care. The Center is an initiative of the American Bar Association in collaboration with Casey Family Programs and the Juvenile Law Center. If you would like to receive information or participate in these conference calls, please visit the ABA website.

Learn more about the Fostering Independence through Education Act.

1. Write, call, or email your representative in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and ask your representative to support the Fostering Independence through Education Act. You can find out who your state Representative is by clicking on House of Representatives website.

2. Ask others, especially youth, to encourage their representatives to support the Fostering Independence through Education Act.

The Pennsylvania Youth Advisory Board

The Pennsylvania Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is made up of youth who are currently in substitute care or have been in care. The purpose of the YAB is to educate, advocate, and bring about positive change in the substitute care system. Our goal is to represent the voice of older youth in the system and work with others for positive change. Visit their website to find out how you can attend a meeting near you.

Pennsylvania Youth Advisory Board