Set 2Sonoma County Office of Education Emails Regarding Valley of the Moon Children's Home Closing

7/28/2019 Set 2Sonoma County Office of Education Emails Regarding Valley of the Moon Children's Home Closing

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Re: Accepted: FW: VMCH School Discussion

From: Debra Sanders Subject: Re: Accepted: FW: VMCH School Discussion

To : Leslie Winters

Leslie,

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[email protected]

Mon, May 13, 2013 03:33 PM

I 'm so sorry. I didn't see this message until just now. Thanks for meeting with us, andsorry for my error.

Debra

Sent from my iPhone

On May 13, 2013, at 12:36 PM, Leslie Winters wrote:

> I did not receive the initial outlook request for this meeting. Fortunately Meg let meknow about it today and I was able to move a meeting. It would be helpful to havemore advance notice.>

> Thanks,> Leslie>>

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Accepted: Meeting with SCOE re: VMCH School Budget

From: Debra Sanders Man, May 13, 2013 06:05 PMSubject: Accepted: Meeting with SCOE re: VMCH School

Budget

To : Leslie Winters

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Accepted: School Placement Decisions & VMCH School

From: Debra Sanders Subject: Accepted: School Placement Decisions & VMCH

School

To : Leslie Winters

dsa [email protected]

Tue, May 21, 2013 05:53 AM

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VMCH School Meeting

From: Debra Sanders Subject: VMCHSchool Meeting

Wed, May 29, 2013 11:22 AM

To : Carl Corbin Cc : Georgia Ioakimedes

Hi Carl,

Thanks again for your time and expertise this morning. Below is the information about theupcoming meeting with the human services team.

I f you want to carpool (and trust riding in the electric car) I'd be happy to drive to the meeting.

Also, I spoke with Stacie Kabour today, and she indicated that human services receivednotification that a complaint has been filed with Community Care Licensing in relation toVMCH, and that school was one of the issues listed.

School Placement Decisions & VMCH SchoolMonday, June 3, 20139:00 am - 10:00 amFamily Youth and Children's Division1202 Apollo WaySanta Rosa, CA 95407

Attendees:

Nick HoneyPaul DunawayLeslie Winters

Stacie KabourStephen PalmerJaque GillespieLibby HuttonCliff Schlueter

FY &C Division DirectorFY&C Section Manager (Apollo Way Office)FY &C Section Manager (VMCH)

VMCH Program ManagerVMCH SupervisorMinor's Counsel

Deputy County CounselSCOEAdmin

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Best,

Debra

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From: Debra Sanders Thu, May 30, 2013 07:48 PM

Subject: Accepted: School Placement Decisions & VMCHSchool

To : Leslie Winters

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From: Debra Sanders Thu, May 30, 2013 07:48 PM

Subject: Accepted: School Placement Decisions & VMCHSchool

To : Leslie Winters

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VMCH school meeting 6/3/13

From: Nick Honey Subject: VMCHschool meeting 6/3/13

Thu, Jun 06, 2013 06:32 PM

To : 'Georgia Ioakimedes' ,'Debra Sanders' , CarlCorbin , 'JacquelineGillespie' , Leslie Winters, Stacie Kabour, Mark Regan,Stephen Palmer, Libby Hutton

Cc : Paul Dunaway , 'MandyHoffman' , Kay Delaney

Hi everyone,As promised here are my notes from Monday's meeting. I am keeping this brief so am onlyoutlining action steps, no t summarizing the content of th e meeting.

Action steps:-

1. Follow up meeting to clarify the responsibilities and actions re education placementdecision making fo r VMCHchildren - Debra, Mandy Hoffman, Stephen, Mark, ?VMCHsocial worker/sup/mgr , Paul Dunaway

2. Plan fo r VMCH summer program - Georgia and Leslie

3. Develop a communication plan with the school districts primarily impacted by theclosure of the VMCH school (Debra and Georgia) and invite these school districts tocome to a meeting at VMCH-Leslie and Stacie

4. Write up the decision making process from #1 into policy format.- TBD

5. Clarify th e role of the Dependency Court especially at th e Detention Hearing remaking clear who is the holder of education rights fo r each child - Libby, Madeleine,court best practices group

6. Provide training fo r social workers regarding decision making checklist fo r education

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placement - Debra, Paul7. Develop a clear plan fo r notification of SCOE re child being admitted to VMCH -

Stacie, Stephen, Mark, Debra8. Develop an action plan fo r response to community complaints - SCOE and FYC to

each develop a separate policy and approach - Libby and Carl.

I hope that captures the main points of discussion. Please feel free to edit as appropriate.

We agreed to meet again re VMCH school follow up on Friday August 9th from 9 to10.30 at Apollo Way.

Division DirectorFamily, Youth and Children's Division1202 Apollo Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95407Tel; (707) 565-4343Fax: (707) [email protected]

To report suspected child abuse or neglect 24 hours a day, please call (707)565-4304or (800)870-7064.

======Confidentiality Statement======The confidential information in this communication is intended for the use of theaddressee only (or by others who have been authorized to receive it). If you are notthe intended recipient, or it you are not the agent responsible for delivering this

transmittal to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,distribution or reproduction of this communication is prohibited. If you have receivedthis communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by email.bytelephone at (707) 565-4343 or by facsimile at (707) 565-4299, and destroy all copiesof this communication. Thank you.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Re: Segregation

From: Debra Sanders Subject: Re: Segregation

Wed, Jun 12, 2013 11:04 AM

To : Leanne Wheeler

Cc : Jeni Stum , HomelessMail , Christina Dukes

That is correct. As you described, there has been a significant decrease in enrollmentand it no longer makes sense to operate the program.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 12, 2013, at 10:27 AM, Leanne Wheeler wrote:

Based on my understanding, th e school is closing for good. Debra, can youconfirm?

Thanks.

Leanne

Leanne Wheeler, ConsultantSchool Turnaround OfficeImprovement and Accountability DivisionCalifornia Department of Education1430 N Street, Suite 6208Sacramento, CA 95814Homeless Education Program916-319-0383

For information on the educational rights of children and youth experiencinghomelessness, visit the National Center for Homeless Education at The SERVE

Center

Webpage: http://www.serve.orq/nche/Tol/ Free: 800-308-2145

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From: Jeni Stum [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 7: 16 PMTo: Leanne WheelerCc: Homeless Mail; Christina Dukes; Debra SandersSubject: Re: Segregation

Leanne,

It cannot be the case that children stay at that school until their school of origin isdetermined or until a course o f action is taken. Debra told me that she has failed todo any best interest determinations in over a year and does not know why thechildren are at VOMeH. The principal also doesn't know.

I want to make sure I understand, the school is closing for the summer or closingand will not reopen?

Jeni

On Tue, Jun 11, 2013 at 2:34 PM, Leanne Wheeler wrote:Hello Jeni and Christina,

Thank you first of all with bringing me into this discussion and topic.

I had a lengthy conversation with Debra Sanders, Homeless and Foster YouthLiaison for the Sonoma County Office of Education. She was a wealth ofinformation and a true advocate for the homeless and foster youth population wecare so much for.

Debra indicated that with the implementation of California's AB 490 and theEducation fo r Homeless Children and Youth provisions, VOMCC's school will be

closing as of June 30, 2013. The school was originally established to help with the

educational continuity ofthe foster youth coming into the home, placed by socialservices. But with the provisions of both of the laws listed above, th e enrollment

has drastically decreased and the county does no t see a need fo r it. The schooldistricts in Sonoma county are successfully implementing students returning totheir school of origin, immediately.

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Even though th e school is closing, I don't believe that this was a separate school

issue. I merely think that students were temporarily placed in th e school setting,

there on site, to keep a daily routine for the student un til staff could find ou t the

necessary information to get them back to their school of origin.

Jeni, you are welcome to call upon me, th e State Coordinator for the Education of

Homeless Children and Youth, or Debra Sanders, Homeless Liaison fo r Sonoma

County. Debra's contac t information is [email protected] or 707-524-2661.

Leanne

Leanne Wheeler, ConsultantSchool Turnaround OfficeImprovement and Accountability DivisionCalifornia Department of Education1430 N Street, Suite 6208Sacramento, CA 95814Homeless Education Program916-319-0383

For information on the educational rights of children and youth experiencinghomelessness, visit the National Center for Homeless Education at The SERVE

Center

Webpage: http://www.serve.orq/nche/Tol/ Free: 800-308-2145

From: Jeni Stum [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Friday, June 07, 2013 4:01 PMTo: Homeless MailCc: Leanne WheelerSubject: Re: Segregration

Christina,

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I will call you as soon as I can.

I did know that the LEA is supposed to be doing the best interest determinations.That is one o f the reasons that I was doing research. I am trying to educate HumanServices and the LEA about that but they repeteiy assert the current way they aredoing it is in compliance.

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VOMCH school is not a school for delinquents. Children who enter foster carethrough probation do not go to VOMCH. It is my understanding that itexclusively for children who enter through the welfare system. The principal toldme that no children who are not at VOMCH go to the school, so there is notdelinquent intermingling. VOMCH does not qualify under and of the exceptionsfor ranches, probation school, juvenile hall school,etc.

Based on what the FY &C department head told me, VOMCH received 5.5 milliondollars in funding last year though and I believe $0 came through probation orjustice departments.

Is there a funding question I should ask or something I should look out for?

VOMCH is in Sonoma County, which you are correct - is not one o f the coveredcounties with exceptions in MKY.

Jeni

On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 10:57 AM, Homeless Mail wrote:Hi Jeni:

Ultimately, it would be most easy to discuss this via phone. I f you would

like to do so, my direct line is 336-574-8729. In the meantime, I'll do mybest to provide clarification.

Firstly, it is important to understand that under the McKinney-Vento Act, itis the responsibility of the school district, not the child welfare agency, todetermine eligibility for McKinney-Vento services by determining if thestudent's living arrangement meets the M-V definition of homeless. Theschool district (and more specifically, the local liaison and/or school districtemployees that have been trained and authorized to do so) should beidentifying and determining the eligibility of students for theMcKinney-Vento program. Child welfare agencies do not have authority todo so. I think we're on the same page, but I just wanted to make sure.

I t sounds like this separate school is being held at a child welfare shelter. Iwould be interested to know a little bi t more about the school's funding

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and administration. For instance, while this is not my area of expertise, Iam familiar with schools that sometimes are connected with homes orshelters connected with the child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems.They may, for instance, be funded at least in part and authorized by TitleID (Neglected and Delinquent). As such, this school might be of adifferent nature than simply a IIseparate homeless school".

I' m copying Leanne Wheeler, the California State Coordinator for HomelessEducation, on this email. She likely is aware of the school and may beable to provide additional information. I do know that the M-V Act doesallow for four "exempted counties" where separate schools do occur, butthey are "(i) San Joaquin County, California; (ii) Orange County, California;(iii) San Diego County, California; and (iv) Maricopa County, Arizona." Fromyour message, this school you mention is not based in one of these four

counties. Leanne - can you provide any insight?

Christina

******************

National Center for Homeless Education at SERVEP.O. Box 5367 Greensboro, NC 27435Toll Free Help Line: 1-800-308-2145Fax: 336-315-7457

Web site: www.serve.org/nche

> Jeni Stum 06/03/13 5:46 PM >

Christine,

I am a little confused about the distinction you are making betweenwelfare state and homeless when it is the welfare state tha determinesthat they are homeless. Is it that i t is permissable to segregate them

because they are foster children without placements, not because they arehomeless?

Jeni

On Jun 3, 2013 1:38 PM, "Homeless Mail" wrote:

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Hi Jeni:

I understand your concern and thank you for reaching out.

I f this were a separate school at a homeless shelter having no intersectionwhatsoever with the child welfare system, I would be more concerned.However, from the details you have given, this sounds like a school wherestudents are directed based on child welfare status, as opposed to theissue of being a separate school for homeless students. I t happens thatsome (or all?) of the kids that attend there are homeless by virtue of being"awaiting foster care placement", depending on how that school district isdefining and implementing that portion of the McKinney-Vento definition ofhomeless. This sounds a little different than what the McKinney-Vento Actwould consider to be a separate school for homeless students under the

Act.

This is a bit of a more involved question involving the intersection ofMcKinney-Vento and child welfare (and potentially the FosteringConnections Act) wherein my response (about the school itself and thebest interest determination issue) may vary based on additional detailsthat I learn from you. I f you'd like to discuss this in greater detail, pleasecall me at 336-574-8729.

Best,Christina

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National Center for Homeless Education at SERVEP.O. Box 5367 Greensboro, NC 27435Toll Free Help Line: 1-800-308-2145Fax: 336-315-7457Web site: www.serve.org/nche

> Jeni Stum OS/28/13 5:43 PM >Hello,

I listened to your McKinnery Vento webinar and it was extremely helpful. Ihave some questions and you encouraged me to ask, so here goes.

I looking into a shelter in Sonoma County, CA. I t is a receiving home for

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children waiting for a foster home placement. I t has an on sight school runby the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE). Some of the childrengo to public school but many don't, they go to the school there. The schoolat the shelter does not allow children from the surrounding area so thereare no non-homeless children. Children do not continue at that schoolwhen they are placed.

The principal does not know why the children are selected to be placed atthe shelter school. The McKinney Vento liaison at SCOE has not done abest interest determination in over a year and no child has been provideda surrogate rights holder. She also does not know why the children areplaced there. Right now, the best interest determinations for which schoolthe child goes to are being done by Human Services, probably eachindividual social worker.

I've reviewed the statutes carefully and I believe this is a segregatedschool. Is there a way to confirm a segregated school? Is there anyguidance on what constitutes a segregated school? I f this is a segregatedschool, what steps can I take to help rectify the situation?

Jeni StumFoster Youth Advocate

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Set 2Sonoma County Office of Education Emails Regarding Valley of the Moon Children's Home Closing

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