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Foster Children & Youth

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Resources for Foster Youth at Bay View Academy

Who Qualifies as Foster Youth?

At Bay View Academy, we recognize and support students who are currently in foster care. A student is considered foster youth if they are placed in out-of-home care through Monterey County Child Welfare Services, including living with relatives (kinship care), foster families, resource families, or in group homes. These students may be in short-term or long-term care, and all are entitled to additional support through both the school and the county.

 

  • We want all of our foster youth students to feel safe, supported, and connected at school. Foster youth in California have the right to:

    • Stay at their school of origin, even if their foster placement changes.
       
    • Immediate enrollment in a new school if a move is necessary, without having to wait for records or documents.
       
    • Access to academic and wellness support, including tutoring, counseling, and mental health services.
       
    • Help with transportation so they can continue attending their school of origin if it is in their best interest.
       
    • Equal opportunities to participate in afterschool programs, field trips, sports, and extracurricular activities.

  • At BVA, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive school experience for every student. For foster youth, this includes:

    • A dedicated Foster Youth Liaison- Parisa Gomez (Community Support Organizer) to guide families, caregivers, and social workers through enrollment and available services.
       
    • Collaboration with Monterey County Office of Education’s Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program (FYSCP) to provide resources and advocacy.
       
    • Access to academic supports (tutoring, intervention programs, and literacy support).
       
    • Access to social-emotional support through our Family Resource Center and community partnerships.
       
    • Afterschool program inclusion (ELOP, YMCA, clubs, and enrichment programs).

  • Families and students in foster care can also connect with the following:

    • Monterey County Office of Education – Foster Youth Services
      Offers direct services, advocacy, and case management.
      📞 (831) 755-0375 | 🌐 MCOE Foster Youth Services
       
    • Monterey County Department of Social Services – Child & Family Services
      Provides child welfare support, caregiver resources, and placement services.
      📞 (831) 755-4475
       
    • Independent Living Program (ILP) – Monterey County
      Prepares foster youth ages 16–21 for adulthood (housing, jobs, financial skills).
       
    • California Youth Connection (CYC) – Monterey Chapter
      Youth-led advocacy and peer support for those with foster care experience.
       
    • Kinship Center – Monterey
      Support for relative caregivers and resource families, including counseling and family services.

Contact Information

Each public school district and charter school in Monterey County has a special Homeless or Transition Liaison on site. 

If you need to reach your Liaison, contact Parisa Gomez at parisa.gomez@bayview-academy.org or 831-717-4630          

If you need further assistance, contact Dr. Donna Smith, Program Coordinator for Homeless Services for Monterey County Office of Education at dsmith@montereycoe.org or 831-755-0300 ext. 129.

BVA is an official participant of the Family Resource Center Network of Monterey County: please CLICK HERE to learn more about our services and all FRCs in the county.