EDUCATING

Youth in State Care

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Click here to download the 2021 Education Guide.

Coordinated efforts between agencies can make a difference to ensure educational success in the lives of children in foster care and youth involved in Juvenile Justice Services. 

0

youth in foster care
in the U.S.*

0%

earn a high school
or GED diploma*

0%

graduate college
with a bachelor's degree*

*Data Source:
Molly Sarubbi & Emily Parker. Policies to support the postsecondary success for Foster youth. Education Commission of the States. August 2017

 

Local Contacts

School district and education contacts near you.

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Resources

Tools for professionals, partners, parents
and guardians.

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FAQ

What you should know about education for youth in custody.

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Contacts

Utah State Board of Education

Julia Armstrong
YIC Education Specialist
Utah State Board of Education
(801) 538- 7867
julia.armstrong@schools.utah.gov

Nic Shellabarger
YIC Education Specialist
Utah State Board of Education
(801) 538-7506
nic.shellabarger@schools.utah.gov

Utah Juvenile Court

Neira Siaperas
Juvenile Court Administrator
(801) 578-3812
neiras@utcourts.gov

Bridget Koza, J.D.
Court Improvement Program Coordinator
(801) 578-3939
bridgetk@utcourts.gov

Melanie Speechly
CASA Program Administrator
(801) 502-3804
melaniems@utcourts.gov

Department of Human Services

Trina M. Valdez, Ph.D.
State Education Liaison
Department of Human Services
(385) 630-9999
tmvaldez@utah.gov

Aubrey Myers
Foster Care Program & TAL Administrator
Division of Child and Family Services
(801) 776-7352
amyers@utah.gov

Crystal Vail
Adolescent Services Program Administrator
Division of Child and Family Services
(385) 262-5044
cvail@utah.gov

Nate Winters
Deputy Director
Division of Juvenile Justice Services
(801) 538- 4323
natewinters@utah.gov