Education Advocates

Education Advocate Student Referral Form

“What I try to do is celebrate each and every small success I see along the way….I celebrate anything I can find, no matter how small it seems.”-Education Advocate Program Washington State:  This is the fourth in a series of highlighted programs supported by Title I, Part D, funding.

Education Advocate Program Overview

The Education Advocate Program is dedicated to supporting juveniles who have been previously incarcerated in county detention centers or juvenile institutions, helping them successfully transition back into community schools, vocational training, college, GED programs, or the workforce.

In the fall of 2008, the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) expanded this initiative, enhancing the Education Advocate model to serve multiple regions across the state. The program's scope was broadened to provide comprehensive transition services for youth in communities where detention centers are located.

These services are implemented and coordinated through Washington's nine Educational Service Districts, with the overarching goal of reducing recidivism rates among youth offenders as they reintegrate into society. This goal aligns with the objectives of the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA) and Detention Center Transition Specialists.

Services Provided by ESD 105

At ESD 105, our team works closely with local detention centers and community partners to provide tailored support to each youth, ensuring a seamless and effective transition back into society. We focus on individualized planning, continuous monitoring, and collaboration with educational institutions and employers to create opportunities for these young individuals to succeed.

In addition to supporting youth transitioning from secure facilities, we provide case management for students identified by schools or community members as being at risk of re-offending or dropping out. This includes students struggling with truancy, failing multiple classes, or facing disciplinary issues due to behavioral challenges.

Education advocates at ESD 105 engage in a wide range of activities, from connecting youth with essential services to more intensive involvement, such as advocating, consulting, skill-building, providing counseling support, and problem-solving. Each youth receives a customized case management plan tailored to their specific needs, ensuring they receive the appropriate level of support to help them thrive.