Requirements to support the education of children in residential facilities

8/12/2025

School district responsibilities for assessing and recommending support for children in residential facilities

Effective April 3, Ohio law began requiring the school district in which a foster child is enrolled after placement in a residential facility to assess the child’s needs for appropriate services and interventions.

After assessing the child’s needs, the school district will make recommendations on how to best support the child to the agency with custody of the child and the residential facility.

To support compliance with this law, the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) recently published DCY Procedure Letter 14. This letter clarifies the updated responsibilities of Public Children’s Service Agencies and residential facilities to ensure educational stability for children in foster care. It also outlines statutory changes affecting other entities that interact with youth in foster care.

Visit the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Students in Residential Treatment Facilities webpage for more information on requirements and considerations for effectively supporting students in residential care with immediate enrollment and other ongoing needs.

Direct questions about supporting students in residential care to Betsy.Hauck@education.ohio.gov.