• Foster Care

     

  • LEA POC for Hempstead School District: Mrs. Cynthia Moore-Drayton

    Every Student Succeeds Act

    The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) emphasizes the educational stability of vulnerable students, including those in foster care. Children in foster care face many educational barriers, including high mobility, increased incidences of trauma, and mental, behavioral and physical health conditions. ESSA required guidelines and resources to ensure improved educational outcomes for children in foster care. These educational provisions took effect on Dec. 10, 2016

     

    What You Need to Know About School Stability for Students in Foster Care

    Students in foster care have the right to remain in their school of origin when they enter foster care or change foster homes if it is in their best interest to do so. They also have the right to transportation. Find out more about school stability for children in foster care below.

     

    When a child enters foster care, where do they attend school?

    Children in foster care have the right to stay in their school of origin when they enter foster care or change foster homes, as long as it is in their best interests do so. The school of origin is the school the child was attending at the time the child entered foster care or changed foster homes.

     

    How is the best interest decision made?

    Input from the child's caseworker, the child's parent(s) (If available and able to provide input), and the child(if developmentally able) must be sought in making the determination.  Education personnel from the child's  current school should be informed of the meeting, invited to attend, and/or provide information to be considered in making the Best Interest Determination. Other relevant parties should also be included. They must consider many factors, including:

    • safety concerns
    • the child’s and parents’ preferences
    • the appropriateness of the educational program at the current school
    • the availability of special programming to meet the child’s needs (special education services, gifted and talented program, etc.)
    • the child’s age
    • grade and maturity level
    • the length of commute
    • the expected length of foster care placement
    • the number of previous disruptions to the child’s schooling
    • the child’s social adjustment and well-being including relationships with staff members and peers at the current school
    • the time in the school year
    • the impact on the child’s ability to earn credits
    • be promoted and graduate on time
    • and the child’s involvement in extracurricular activities.

    The cost of transportation may NOT be considered when making the best interest decision.

     

    *The information provided is for informational purposes only.*