Foster Care
Every Student Succeeds Act
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) emphasizes the educational stability of vulnerable students, including those in foster care. Children in foster care face many educational barriers, including high mobility, increased incidences of trauma, and mental, behavioral and physical health conditions. ESSA required new guidelines and resources to ensure improved educational outcomes for children in foster care. These new educational provisions took effect on Dec. 10, 2016.
Included on this webpage are state and federal guidance documents, resources from national and state organizations that support foster youth, access to contact information for local school district foster care liaisons and sample PowerPoint presentations that districts and schools can use to train local school district and building staff, as well as child welfare agency staff on the educational rights and supports available for students in foster care.
State Support Documents and Resources
Finding a Local School District Foster Care Liaison
The Ohio Educational Directory System (OEDS) has the name, phone number and email of each local school district foster care liaison in Ohio. A local school district foster care liaison is required in every district, and that staff member can collaborate with child welfare agencies to ensure the educational stability of youth in foster care.
To access the information for a foster care liaison, follow these steps:
- Go to the OEDS Directory
- Search the school district name and then click on the district.
- Once on the district’s page, select “personnel” from the top search bar.
- In “Roles Available to this Organization,” search: Foster Care Contact – ESSA.
New: Foster Care Liaison Duties and Responsibilities
PowerPoint Presentations for ESSA Foster Care Requirements
Best Practice for Education Professionals: Use these presentations during school district or school building staff meetings to provide all school staff with the knowledge and resources they need to understand the rights and supports available for students in foster care.
Best Practice for Child Welfare Professionals: Use these presentations during meetings and professional development sessions in local child welfare agencies to ensure caseworkers understand the ESSA educational stability requirements for students in foster care.
Funding Educational Services for Students in Foster Care
Services like transportation; mental, behavioral or physical health care; family engagement; academic supports such as tutoring services; and child nutrition should be considered for students in foster care. Below is more information regarding the funding available for these services:
Federal Guidance Documents and Resources
COVID – 19 Resources for Youth in Foster Care
Whole Child Supports for Students in Foster Care
Students in foster care benefit from additional supports and services in school to ensure educational stability and emotional well-being. Connecting with a student’s foster family, caregiver or provider and linking them with local community resources can help students in foster care.
Transitional Services for Youth in Foster Care
When students are reaching the age to transition out of foster care, it is important for school staff, teachers, counselors and other trusted adults to help them plan for next steps and connect them to resources for continuing education, housing and employment.
State and Federal Organizations Supporting Youth in Foster Care
Last Modified: 6/29/2022 2:13:11 PM