California Foster Youth Education Summit 2026
- Accrescent Institute
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
Accrescent Institute is pleased to announce that our founder, Thomas C. Rector, is returning to the California Foster Youth Education Summit (CAYFES) in April 2026 with two sessions:
Memories Matter: Using Positive Response to Support Learning and Influence Behavior tailored to advocates, education staff, social workers, and other professionals working with foster youth.
Beyond the System: Empowering Your Success Through Learning
designed specifically for Foster and Transitional Age Youth.
California Foster Youth Education Conference
April 20-21, 2026
Doubletree Arden
Sacramento, CA
About CAFYES
For over 20 years the California Foster Youth Education Task Force (CFYETF) has been committed to addressing critical issues related to foster youth education. The annual summit is part of their efforts to promote best practices, policy improvements, and reforms across educational, child welfare, and juvenile and family court systems.
Gathering professionals from organizations and agencies across the state, as well as the youth they serve, provides a unique opportunity to share knowledge and improve experiences and outcomes.
This year's theme is "Imagine Inspire Innovate: Bridging Paths, Empowering Futures"
"The foster care and education communities are facing obstacles to funding and sustainability. While there are challenges, there are also opportunities.
"This year’s summit will focus on the connections that make a difference in the lives of students in foster care.
"Come learn about programs, practices, resource and collaborations that supports our students and strengthens their network.
"This is a great opportunity to learn from others in our state that are share that knowledge about successful programs and practices."
Accrescent Institute Session for Adults working with Foster Youth
Memories Matter:
Using Positive Response to Support Learning
and Influence Behavior
Monday, April 20th
3-4:15pm
Trauma, behavior and learning issues, instability and neglect. Our foster youth are constantly in survival mode. How do we get them out of survival mode and better support them on their educational and life journey?
This interactive session is geared toward FYSCP Coordinators, School District and Site Staff, Social Workers, Attorneys, CASAs, and anyone working with foster youth. We’ll delve into what’s happening in the brain, it’s development, and the pivotal role memories play in both learning and behavior...
While this session may be familiar, this year's session once again incorporates a new case study, written by the Executive Director of CASA of Del Norte, Christine Slette.
New and past attendees will walk away with new insights from the case study and the discussion from fellow attendees.
This session is co-presented with Tahnee Thomas, of CASA of Del Norte, and brings together Christine Slette, Tahnee Thomas, and Thomas C. Rector's experience advocating for youth and training professionals working with foster youth.
Accrescent Institute Session for Foster and Transitional Age Youth
Beyond the System:
Empowering Your Success Through Learning
Tuesday, April 21st
10:30-11:45am
In this session, you will explore the intricate relationship between memories, learning, and achievement.
Guided by an experienced mentor, you will learn the profound influence memories make on where you are now, where you are going, and how you are able to influence your own success.
Through engaging discussions, you will gain key insights about learning, explore your definition of success, and learn how to leverage your memories for personal growth…
Register for the California Foster Youth Education Summit
Interested in learning more about where Accrescent Institute will be presenting in the future? Check out our Conferences & Events page:
Interested in hosting one of these workshops for your organization? Please contact us!
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