Foster Care & Student Success Resource Guide
About The Guide
In partnership with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the Supreme Court of Texas, and the Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families (Children’s Commission), the 鶹ֱ has developed a comprehensive resource to support Texas schools in meeting the educational needs of students in foster care: the Texas Foster Care & Student Success Resource Guide (2022).
This dynamic e-guide and training manual presents a wide range of research-based topics and highlights critical issues affecting the education of students in foster care. It promotes evidence-informed best practices and offers practical tools, strategies, and resources, along with direct links to additional information, to help educators and administrators create supportive, inclusive learning environments.
鶹ֱ encourages broad dissemination and use of this guide across districts, campuses, and professional networks. Available in multiple formats, the guide is designed to be accessible and actionable for all education stakeholders. Please share widely to help ensure every student in foster care receives the support they need to succeed.
Foster Care & Student Success Guide (2022)
The latest edition of the Texas Foster Care and Student Success Guide (2022) builds upon the strong foundation of the original Foster Care and Student Success Guide (2013) guide, incorporating significant updates and enhancements throughout. This revised version reflects legislative changes from the past three Texas Legislative Sessions and introduces two brand-new chapters, expanding the guide’s scope and relevance.
These updates ensure the guide remains a current, comprehensive, and practical tool for supporting the educational success of students in foster care across Texas.
Download Updated Resource Guide
Chapter Overview
CHAPTER 1 - Education & Students in Foster Care: An Overview
- Introduction
- National Overview
- Maintaining School Stability
- Texas Foster Care Data
CHAPTER 2 - Increasing Cross-System Awareness
- Texas Commits to Improving Education Outcomes of Students in Care
- Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
- Court System
- Education System
- Workforce System
CHAPTER 3 - Building Cross-System Partnerships: Education, Child Welfare, and Courts
- Cross-System Collaboration Is Necessary
- Guiding Principles and Ground Rules
- Practical Steps for Establishing Collaboration and Local Partnerships
- Collaboration In Action: Foster Care Consortia
CHAPTER 4 - Child Welfare 101
- What Is Foster Care?
- How Children and Youth Enter the Foster Care System
- Types Of Abuse and Neglect Investigated by The Department of Family and Protective Services
- Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
- Living Arrangements of Children and Youth in Foster Care
- A Student’s Journey Through Foster Care
- Key People Involved in The Life of a Student in Foster Care
- Working With Key People in A DFPS Case in The School Setting
- Other Situations Where a Child May Be Living in Out-Of-Home Care, But Not in DFPS Managing Conservatorship
CHAPTER 5 - District & Open Enrollment Charter School Foster Care Liaisons: Responsibilities & Expectations
- Liaison Introduction and Overview
- Annual Reminders
- 13 Key Activities for LEA Foster Care Liaisons
CHAPTER 6 - School Enrollment, Withdrawal, and Other Transition Considerations for Students in Foster Care
- Why Prompt Enrollment Is Important
- Timeframe For Enrollment at A New School
- Records Needed to Admit and Enroll a Student in School
- Information Necessary for Admission and Enrollment Described
- Actions To Take When a Student in Foster Care Withdraws or Changes Schools
- DFPS Coordination to Support School Transitions
- Other School Transition Considerations
CHAPTER 7 - Identifying Students & Maintaining Confidentiality
- Reasons Why Schools Must Identify Students in Foster Care
- Acceptable Documents for Identifying Students at Enrollment
- Foster Care and PEIMS Coding
- FERPA And Information Sharing for Students in Foster Care
- Practices To Identify Students and Ensure Confidentiality
- Communicating “Need-To-Know” Information
CHAPTER 8 - Introduction to The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
- The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Described
- ESSA, Fostering Connections and Texas Law
- ESSA Impacts for Students in Foster Care
- ESSA Foster Care Topics and Common Questions
CHAPTER 9 - Education Decision-Making
- Education Decision-Making Authority
- Education Decision-Making for Students Receiving Special Education Services
- Caregiver And Caseworker General Education Decision Making Responsibilities
- Deciding Where a Student Attends School
- Involvement Of the Student’s Parents or Other Family Members
CHAPTER 10 - Trauma-Informed School Supports, Student Mental Health, & Discipline
- The Impact of Traumatic Childhood Experiences on Education
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces)
- Trauma-Informed School Communities
- Supporting The Mental Health Needs of Students in Foster Care
- Supporting The Behavioral Health Needs of Students in Foster Care
- Student Discipline: Special Considerations for Students in Foster Care
- Truancy And Attendance Concerns
- Bullying Prevention
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
CHAPTER 11 - The School Experience: Providing Student Support, Implementing Academic Supports and Interventions, & Promoting High School Completion
- Creating A School Environment That Is Sensitive to The Experiences of Students in Foster Care
- Programmatic School Supports for Student Academic Success and Well-Being
- Implementing Academic Supports and Intervention According to State Law
- Promoting High School Completion
- Determining The Right Endorsement for Graduation
- The Impact of Testing on High School Completion
- Determining When a High School Equivalency Program (HSEP) Is Appropriate
CHAPTER 12 - Students Eligible for or Receiving Special Education Services
- Special Education Eligibility
- Serving As The “Parent” Regarding Special Education Decisions
- Surrogate Parents
- The Role of Caregivers for Students in Special Education
- Requesting A Psychological or Educational Evaluation of a Student
- Considerations For Highly Mobile Students
- If A Student’s Special Education Needs Are Not Being Met
- Section 504
CHAPTER 13 - Transitioning from Foster Care & Post-Secondary Education Opportunities
- Transitional Living Services Described
- Helping Students Prepare for The Transition to Successful Adulthood
- High School to College & Career – Creating Post-Secondary Pathways
- Post-Secondary Education Opportunities
- Financial Supports for Post-Secondary Education
- Preparing Students for College
- College Support Networks and College Campus Programs
Foster Care & Student Success Resource Guide (2013)
In 2013, the 鶹ֱ developed a premier resource to support Texas schools in addressing the educational needs of students in foster care: the Texas Foster Care & Student Success Resource Guide (PDF). This foundational guide was created in collaboration with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the Supreme Court of Texas, and the Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families (Children’s Commission). Download the original 2013 guide here: Texas Foster Care & Student Success Resource Guide (PDF).