Student Support Resources
Foster Youth
Tools and community connections that help educators and caregivers champion the success of youth in foster care.
A Home Within
Free, long-term therapy for youth in foster care with consistent mental health needs.
A Home Within matches foster youth with licensed volunteer therapists who provide weekly one-on-one therapy - at no cost with no limits. This model ensures stable, supportive relationships that help youth process trauma and build emotional resilience.
Child Advocates of Contra Costa County
One-on-one court-appointed advocates for children in the foster care and juvenile justice systems.
CASA Volunteers are trained to support and represent foster youth in court, school, and life decisions. They ensure that each child's voice is heard, needs are met, and best interests are protected, especially in complex systems. Teachers and staff can refer students who work with CASAs to support coordination.
Contra Costa Foster Friends Resource Center
Free clothing, school supplies, and essentials for youth in foster or kinship care.
The unique center offers foster, kinship, and adoptive caregivers access to backpacks, clothing, hygiene items, and more - at no cost. School staff, youth partners, and CASAs may shop on behalf of students.
California Foster Care Ombudsperson Publications
Know your rights: Print and digital materials on foster youth protections.
This office offers student-friendly booklets, posters, and brochures that explain foster youth rights in education, placement, and care. Many are available in multiple languages and can be used in classrooms, wellness centers, and staff lounges.
Foster Youth Education Toolkit
Comprehensive guide to supporting the educational rights of foster and probation youth.
This toolkit gives schools, social workers, and legal partners the tools to navigate special education, school stability, and records access for foster youth. It's a must-have resource for counselors, registrars, and district liaisons.
Education Toolkit for Youth Who Are Systems Involved
Countywide support ensuring educational rights and stability for homeless and foster youth.
The Contra Costa Office of Education provides technical assistance, family support and school continuity planning under Mckinney-Vento legislation.
LGBTQ+ Youth
The Contra Costa Office of Education is committed to creating safe and inclusive school environments for all youth, free from harassment, intimidation, bullying, and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. The Contra Costa County Office of Education commits to:
- Recognizing and addressing systems of oppression and inequity.
- Providing resources and accountability to advance equity.
- Creating opportunities for all that foster a true sense of belonging.
LGBTQ+ Youth Resource Page
Unhoused Youth
Dedicated support for students experiencing housing instability through local outreach, shelter, counseling, and coordination services.
C.O.R.E. Outreach Program
Mobile street outreach and connection to shelter and mental health services in Contra Costa.
The Coordination Outreach, Referral, & Engagement (C.O.R.E.) Team reaches out directly to unsheltered youth and families in Concord and surrounding areas. They offer essential supplies, crisis response, referrals to safe shelter, and pathways to housing and health services.
To notify C.O.R.E. team about an unsheltered homeless individual or family, please call 211.
Northern California Family Center
Wraparound case management and easily assistance for youth and families at risk of homelessness.
Providing supportive services that include mental health referrals, crisis linkage, and family stabilization. Staff can refer students and caregivers for preventative services that keep youth engaged in school and safe at home.
Call 📞: (925) 370-1990 for more information about the counseling program.
Winter Nights
Winter shelter and emergency support for families and youth during the colder months.
Winter Nights provides temporary safe shelter, meals, and care coordination in Contra Costa County for unhoused families, including youth. It connects residents with longer-term housing and mental health resources during their shelter season.
