Frequently Asked Questions

Collaboration between the education and child welfare system is an important component to improve the education outcomes of students who experience foster care. The federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (PDF) encourages coordination between education and child welfare.

The guiding principles below assist in guidance of successful collaborative and coordinated efforts amongst education, child welfare and community partners:

Guiding Principle # 1:  Children and youth in care are entitled to remain in the same school when feasible.

Guiding Principle # 2:  Children and youth in care experience seamless transitions between schools.

Guiding Principle # 3:  Young children in care receive services and interventions to be ready to learn.

Guiding Principle # 4:  Children and youth in care have the opportunity and support to fully participate in all developmentally appropriate activities and all aspects of the education experience.

Guiding Principle # 5:  Children and youth in care have supports to prevent school dropout, truancy, and disciplinary actions, and to reengage in the education experience.

Guiding Principle # 6:  Children and youth in care are involved, empowered, and prepared to self-advocate in all aspects of their education.

Guiding Principle # 7:  Children and youth in care have consistent adult support to advocate for and make education decisions.

Guiding Principle # 8:  Children and youth in care have support to enter and complete post-secondary education.