There are key milestones along the path to graduating from high school: Completing coursework. Passing exams.
But think more broadly… what else does it take to graduate from high school? A safe place to sleep. Consistent attendance. Someone monitoring grades. Someone offering accountability.
Teens in foster care lack so much of this and more. And that is why their reality is staggering:
One in two will not earn their high school diploma.
The Hidden Barriers
Teenagers in the child welfare system face challenges most of their peers never experience:
- Multiple school changes
- Interrupted academic records
- Trauma that can impact concentration and behavior
- Uncertainty about the present and future
Every Player Needs an Assist
Maybe we should think of graduating high school as a team sport. Behind every successful graduate is an assist, someone setting up the play, creating the opportunity, making success possible.
At Henrico CASA, Advocates serve up these assists. They:
- Monitor school stability
- Advocate for tutoring or academic support
- Ensure educational needs are addressed in court
- Celebrate milestones that might otherwise go unnoticed
One consistent adult can dramatically change a teenager’s trajectory.
Research shows that youth with even one stable, supportive adult are significantly more likely to achieve better educational and life outcomes. An assist doesn’t always make headlines. But it changes the game.
Every teen deserves someone that makes sure they have a real shot at success. Learn more about how you can be a part of their team! Check out Henrico CASA’s upcoming Court of Champions™ event or learn more about becoming a CASA Advocate.
