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Program helps L.A. County foster youths become high school grads
A program in Los Angeles County has been aiming to reverse against aspirant graduates living in the foster care system. It began as a pilot program in Supervisor Gloria Molina’s Eastside district in 2008 and expanded countywide two years ago. Under the initiative, a group of social workers tracks the academic progress of foster children and makes sure they stay on the path to graduation. LA Times
Hospital program coaches parents to help alleviate ‘toxic stress’ in babies
An innovative program run by Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles is trying to head off mental health issues in older children by improving their home lives when they’re babies and toddlers. Through its “early childhood mental health program,” the hospital sends therapists into the homes of hundreds of kids who are showing signs of anxiety, trauma and stress that can pile up causing what experts call “toxic stress.” KPCC
Parents of boy who drowned on school trip file claim against LAUSD
The parents of a high school student with autism who drowned while on a school-sponsored event have filed a claim against the Los Angeles Unified School District, saying the district’s negligence led to their son’s death. The claim, which is considered a precursor to a lawsuit, seeks unspecified monetary damages for future medical care, lost wages and emotional pain and suffering. LA Times
‘Stand your ground’ meets bullies at school
Under current CA district’s policy, students who fight are labeled “mutual combatants” and punished equally, said Jason Fischer, whose initiative led to the creation of a subcommittee to vet a the district’s Code of Conduct and return to the board with recommended changes to some of the regulations, where students will be allowed to defend themselves. S&I Cabinet Report