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Regulation-Code-JFABDA-R1

Admission of Students in Foster Care

Section J - Students

Regulation Title: Admission of Students in Foster Care
Regulation Code: JFABDA-R1

Print Version (in PDF)

Admission

The school selected by the child in foster care shall immediately admit the child, provided that the school has capacity in the student’s grade level and the student otherwise qualifies for admission, including any magnet school admission criteria, if applicable.  The student shall be enrolled even if the student is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documentation.

The enrolling school shall immediately contact the school last attended by the student to obtain relevant academic and other records.

If the student needs to obtain immunizations, or immunization or medical records, the enrolling school shall immediately refer the Child Welfare Agency Point of Contact to the District Foster Care Liaison Point of Contact (POC) who shall assist in obtaining necessary immunizations, or immunization or medical records.

Enrollment Decision

The decision regarding enrollment shall be made regardless of whether the student lives with the foster parents or has been temporarily placed elsewhere.

Liaison for Students in Foster Care

The Director of Family and Community Engagement is the District's designated Liaison for Students in Foster Care.

Liaison Duties

The District Liaison for Students in Foster Care shall ensure that:

  1. children in foster care are identified by school personnel and through coordination activities with other entities and agencies;
  2. children in foster care enroll in, and have full and equal opportunity to succeed in, the District's schools;
  3. foster families and children in foster care receive educational services for which such families and children are eligible, including:
    1. Head Start and Even Start programs and preschool programs administered by the District, and
    2. Referrals to health care and immunization services, dental services, mental health services, and other appropriate services;
  4. the Child Welfare Agency (DCS or tribal agency), and parents or guardians of children in foster care are informed of the educational and related opportunities available to their children and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children;
  5. public notice of the educational rights of children in foster care is disseminated where such students receive services.
  6. disputes over school selection or enrollment in a school of choice (after attendance at the school of origin is determined not to be in the child’s best interest) are mediated in a manner that:
    1. immediately admits the student to the school in which enrollment is sought, pending resolution of the dispute,
    2. provides the child welfare agency and parent or guardian of the student with a written explanation of the school's decision regarding the school selection or enrollment, and informs the child welfare agency, the parent, guardian, and student of the rights to appeal the decision,
    3. expeditiously carries out the dispute resolution process after receiving notice of the dispute, and
  7. Child Welfare Agency and parent or guardian of a foster child are fully informed of all transportation services, including arrangements for transportation to the school of origin;
  8. Child Welfare Agency and parent or guardian of a foster child are assisted in accessing transportation to the selected school. JFABDA Admission of Students in Foster Care; JFABDA-R2 Transportation for Students in Foster Care.
  9. Ensure that foster children are being identified as their own subgroup with student achievement and graduation rate data;
  10. Oversee data sharing between child welfare agencies and educational agencies in a way that respects student privacy; and
  11. Ensure school staff are trained on the provisions and educational needs and rights of children in foster care.

Collaboration and Coordination

As a part of its duties, the District Liaison for Students in Foster Care position will coordinate and collaborate with state coordinators and community and school personnel responsible for the provision of education and related services to children in foster care. JFABDA Admission of Students in Foster Care.

Admission Disputes

If a dispute arises over school selection or enrollment in a school:

  1. The student shall be immediately admitted to the school in which enrollment is sought, pending resolution of the dispute;
  2. the Child Welfare Agency Point of Contact shall be provided with a written explanation of the school's decision regarding school selection or enrollment, including the rights of appeal;
  3. the Child Welfare Agency Point of Contact and student shall be referred to the Liaison for Students in Foster Care, who shall carry out the dispute resolution process as expeditiously as possible after receiving notice of the dispute.

ADOPTED: March 31, 2020 [SLT review]
REVISED:  August 29, 2022
REVISED:  May 31, 2023

CROSS REF:

JFABDA Admission of Students in Foster Care

JFABDA-R2 – Transportation of Students in Foster Care

JFABDA-E1, Foster Care Liaison Position.

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