About our Education Advocate Program
ESD 113 provides Education Advocates who focus on student academic, social/emotional, and physical health in order to overcome barriers that prevent student success in school. Advocates serve students re-entering their community and school settings from the judicial system as well as those who are chronically absent or at risk of involvement with the justice system.
Why Education Advocate Services?
Program Goal
The goal of the program is to improve transition services for incarcerated youth as they move from secure facilities back to school and work and to provide children and youth who are at risk of disengaging from school with a support system to ensure their successful education.
Objectives
- Expand support and case management for youth transitioning out of detention centers.
- Assist youth to overcome barriers in returning to school and work; and
- Improve school coordination activities for youth returning to or re-engaging in school.
Target Outcomes
High School Diploma, GED, return and engage in school, enroll in post-secondary education, or job training programs and employment.
Services
Assessment
Meets with youth to screen for behavioral health, social, and environmental supports. Identifies youth strengths and educational or vocational goals.
Case Management
Long Term Engagement
Youth may continue to work with an Education Advocate beyond high school until they are 21 years old.
Advocacy
Support students in overcoming barriers to re-entry and/or school success and career preparation. The Education Advocate works to help students succeed with a nonjudgmental approach.
Re-entry and Success Planning
The Education Advocate collaborates with youth to create success plans for re-entry into their school and community. They also assist with goal planning for school, college, or vocational goals.
Coordination of Services
The Education Advocate coordinates with the youth, their family, their school, probation, counselors, or other professionals involved in supporting their educational and career success.
FAQs
How can I get help for myself or my child?
Complete the referral form or contact one of the Education Advocates listed above.
Who refers youth to the Education Advocate?
Referrals come from Education Advocates in JR facilities, transition facilitators, teachers, probation officers, community providers, or families and youth directly.
What happens after a youth is referred?
The Education Advocate (EA) will contact the youth and/or family to introduce themselves, describe the services offered, and offer to begin services. Next, the EA will complete an assessment to learn what barriers the youth faces and what strengths they have that will help them achieve their goals. Together, the youth and EA create goals for re-entry and success plans. The youth and EA will continue to meet regularly to work on these goals.
What age range do the Education Advocates work with?
The Education Advocates work with youth 5–21 years old. Youth may continue to work with their Education Advocate beyond high school for support entering college or getting a job.
Where do Education Advocates work?
ESD 113’s Education Advocates are community-based. They will travel to meet with youth at school, juvenile detention, local agencies, and community spaces. Phone and video meetings are also available.
