Updated requirements to support the education of children in residential facilities

6/3/2025

Changes to Ohio law impact school districts, Public Children’s Service Agencies

Ohio law now requires 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. Following this assessment, the school district will make recommendations to the agency with custody of the child and the residential facility to best support the child.

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

For more information about requirements and considerations for supporting students in residential care, including immediate enrollment and ongoing needs, visit the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Students in Residential Treatment Facilities webpage.

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