JFABDA ©ADMISSION OF STUDENTS
IN FOSTER CARE
JFABDA ©This policy is intended to direct compliance with Arizona State Laws, Arizona Administrative Code, and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Foster Care provisions.
The implementation of this policy shall assure that:
A. children in foster care are not stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as foster children;
B. children in foster care are immediately enrolled in their school of origin, unless a determination is made that it is not in such child’s best interest to attend the school of origin, which decision shall be based on all factors relating to the child’s best interest, including consideration of the appropriateness of the current educational setting and the proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement;
C. when a determination is made that it is not in such child’s best interest to remain in the school of origin, the child is immediately enrolled in a new school, even if the child is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment;
D. the enrolling school shall immediately contact the school last attended by any such child to obtain relevant academic and other records;
E. transportation is provided to and from the school of origin or school of placement for the foster child as applicable and found in the law and Policy JFAA; and
F. the school/District (LEA) will work with the Department of Child Safety (or tribal agency) to ensure that the provisions of ESSA relating to foster children are implemented.
Definitions
The term "children in foster care" means children who are under twenty-four (24) hour substitute care while placed away from their parents or guardians and for whom the Child Welfare Agency (DCS or tribal) has placement and care responsibility.
The term "school of origin" means the school that the student attended when permanently housed or the school in which the student was last enrolled, including preschool.
Liaison or Point of Contact (POC)
for Children in Foster Care
The District Administrator will designate an appropriate staff person of authority as Liaison or Point of Contact (POC) for children in foster care who will carry out duties as assigned. Among those duties will be the responsibility to coordinate activities and programs in the best interest of foster children that will include, but not be limited to, establishment of procedures to:
A. Continue the student's education in the school of origin or placement;
B. Collaborate with the Child Welfare Agency to maintain school stability;
C. Ensure the best interest is determined regarding school selection;
D. Ensure necessary transportation is provided, funded, and arranged;
E. Ensure immediate enrollment and transfer of records; and
F. Ensure school staff are trained on the provisions and educational needs of children in foster care.
Other Relevant Policies
and Procedures
Implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Foster Care provisions requires the coordination with a number of policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are listed below as cross referenced and are incorporated in this policy and these procedures by such reference.
Enrollment preference may be given to children who are in foster care.
Adopted: April 10, 2018
LEGAL REF.:
A.R.S.
15-816 through 15-816.07
15-821
15-823 through 15-825
42 U.S.C. 11301, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 2001,
as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015
(Foster Care Provisions)
CROSS REF.:
EEAA - Walkers and Riders
IKEB - Acceleration
JF - Student Admissions
JFAA - Admission of Resident Students
JFAB - Admission of Nonresident Students
JFABD - Admission of Homeless Students
JFB - Open Enrollment
JG - Assignment of Students to Classes and Grade Levels
JLCB - Immunizations of Students
JLH - Missing Students
JR - Student Records
JRCA - Request for Transfer of Records