The McKinney-Vento Act and Children and Youth ... - State of Michigan

input of current and former youth from foster care.
Even when policies create barriers to youth’s success, a kind word and
listening to a youth can make a big difference. The youth interviewed for this
report emphasized that the simple act of treating youth in care with dignity
and understanding was the single most important contribution of schools
and child welfare caseworkers.
“ I think the most important thing for schools is just being more supportive of youth being
in care and understanding the realities of what we’re facing. Once a teacher told me to
get out of his classroom when I tried to talk to him about my situation and asked for the
opportunity to get back into his class. Teachers need to try to understand our reality.”
— Amanda Metivier 55
When teachers work to understand the particular challenges of youth in care,
they leave a lasting impression on their students.
“ Last year, my final project was a portfolio of six essays. It was a great idea—I really liked
it. I wrote all six essays, but I could only turn in four. They were all on the lady’s computer
where I was staying before I went to Covenant House [shelter], and she wouldn’t let me
back in the house to print them out. Luckily, I had four handwritten drafts, which I typed
all over at the [McKinney-Vento] night program. But I didn’t have drafts of the other two.
I drew lots of pictures and put in a lot of effort to make it the best I could, even without
the other two essays. My teacher gave me an A+!”
— Rebecca Shier 56
Similarly, when caseworkers prioritize education and provide youth with
robust mentorship, the effect is striking.
“ My first caseworker called me every single day, pressuring me, asking me what I was
going to do with my life. After getting annoyed with him, I finally decided to go back to
school. He called and talked to me, not just my foster parents. He made a difference in
my life.”
— Amanda Metivier 57
50 The McKinney-Vento Act and Children and Youth Awaiting Foster Care Placement