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

All children and youth living in licensed foster care in Monterey County between the ages of 4-21 are eligible for services. Referrals can be made by social workers, probation officers, foster parents, group home providers, and school personnel. Contact FYS at 831-784-4227.

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 Justin Parker, Program Coordinator for Foster Youth Services for Monterey County Office of Education at juparker@montereycoe.org or 831-784-4227 ext. 1227

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