Foster youth were significantly affected by Eaton Fire, report finds

The Eaton Fire in January affected 225 dependent children, 60% of whom are Latino and 44% of whom relied on either a permanent placement or extended foster care services, a newly published report from the UCLA Pritzker Center for Strengthening Children and Families found.

Meanwhile, 36% of the students were involved in family maintenance services, and 20% were receiving family reunification services, according to the research.

“Longstanding educational challenges facing children in foster care were compounded by the Eaton Fire — as Altadena rebuilds, equitable recovery and upholding the educational rights of children in foster care must be a long-term priority,” said Taylor Dudley, executive director of the UCLA Pritzker Center for Strengthening Children and Families, in a statement.