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The role of the Foster Care Point of Contact is to ensure students in DSS custody receive ESSA Foster Care Provisions. (Every Student Succeeds Act)
ESSA Foster Care Provisions Apply to:
Students entering DSS nonsecure custody,
Students already in nonsecure custody with DSS having a residential placement change or a proposed school change,
Students already in nonsecure custody with DSS who are experiencing school disruptions (chronic absences or excessive suspensions, at risk of alternative school placement or residential placement disruption, mental health crisis, etc.).
Key responsibilities include:
Ensuring immediate enrollment & elimination of enrollment barriers
Ensuring automatic free school meals
Promoting school stability
Educational outcomes
Transition processes
Collaborating with local Divisions of Social Services (DSS).
Other Important Responsibilities:
ESSA Foster Care Provisions
Provides education on foster care provisions to WS/FCS employees and local Divisions of Social Services to ensure students are receiving eligible services.
Best Interest Determination Meetings
Assists in the coordination of Best Interest Determination Meetings with DSS by identifying appropriate WS/FCS staff to participate.
Ensures the determination of a school placement is made between the residential school and the school of origin or placed in an alternative school as deemed appropriate, eligible, or required.
Ensures students have the right to remain in their school of origin if it is determined to be in their best interest.
Requests School of Origin Transportation be provided when determined there is a need.
Ensures additional needs and services that are available to support student success are provided.
Educational Service Meetings
Assists in the coordination of a review of current academic status and overall well being of the student to ensure foster care provisions and appropriate supports are in place to support successful outcomes.
Educational service meeting are highly recommended when a student is failing, experiencing school disruptions (chronic absences or excessive suspensions, at risk of alternative school placement or residential placement disruption, mental health crisis, etc.). This meeting can be requested or initiated by the Foster Care Point of Contact, DSS, Guardian ad Litem’s office, school staff, family members, or the student.
Immediate Enrollment/Transfer of Records
Academic records will be provided immediately to DSS as the guardian when a release of information is provided or to the requesting school when a student transfers outside of WS/FCS to enroll in a new school.
Free Meals
Ensures WS/FCS is aware the students are categorically eligible for free meals while in DSS custody.
Community Collaboration
Collaborates with other agencies and organizations to educate the community on foster care provisions and services available by WS/FCS as well as promote the care and support of students in foster care.
This service is provided through the WS/FCS Social Work Department.
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