Foster Youth EP 5 - From Foster Care to Leadership: Paul Durham and the SBCSS Foster Youth Program

In this episode, Athena Cordero sits down with Paul Durham, Program Coordinator for the Children Deserve Success Team at San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS), to explore what it truly takes to support foster youth through education, stability, and connection.Paul shares his dual perspective as both a system leader and someone who personally experienced foster care, offering powerful insight into the realities that foster youth face, including frequent school changes, housing instability, and the emotional toll of starting over again and again. He explains how San Bernardino County has built a coordinated, prevention‑focused approach that brings together school districts, child welfare, probation, community colleges, universities, and community agencies to improve outcomes for foster youth.The conversation highlights why school stability, mentorship, and belonging are critical to graduation and long‑term success. Paul also details innovative, data‑driven programs like school‑based mentoring, CASA partnerships, and college transition supports that are improving attendance, reducing discipline, and increasing graduation rates. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how systems can work better together and how individuals can get involved to make a meaningful difference.HighlightsPaul explains SBCSS’s coordinated approach to supporting foster youth.Shares lived experience navigating foster care and school instability.Why school stability is critical for foster youth academic success.Overview of mentorship, CASA, and school‑based support programs.How data and partnerships drive prevention‑focused systems.Ways community members can support foster youth.Key TakeawaysFoster youth outcomes improve when systems work together.Stability, belonging, and mentorship are as important as academics.Prevention is more effective than crisis response.One consistent, caring adult can change a young person’s trajectory.Housing and transitions remain the biggest challenges.Community involvement plays a powerful role in foster youth success.Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram | www.cahelp.org | [email protected]