Foster Care
NYS and the Federal government have recognized the unique needs of children in foster care by providing guidance and enacting laws to increase educational stability and improve the educational outcomes achieved.Ìý The state and federal laws and guidance clarify joint responsibilities of educational and child welfare agencies to continually collaborate so that the provisions are successfully implemented and students in foster care achieve educational stability.
Updates and Memos
- Students in Foster Care: Tool Kit for Local Education Agencies and Local Departments of Social ServicesÌý(March 2022)
- Ìý(February 2022)
- OCFS Local Transportation Agreement for Students in Foster CareÌý(February 2022)
- OCFS Individual Transportation Agreement for a Student in Foster CareÌý(February 2022)
- All forms in the toolkit are available as separate fillable forms on the OCFS website:
- NYSED Memo: Educational Stability of Students in Foster Care New Law and Guidance ToolkitÌý(August 2018)
- Ìý(June 2016)
- Ìý(April 2018)
- NYSED Memo: Educational Stability and Transportation Provisions for Students in Foster CareÌý(December 2016)
Laws and Regulations
Federal Laws
- Ìý(May 2014)
State Laws
- Education LawÌý§3244 - Education of children in foster care
- Education LawÌý§3202 - Public schools free to resident pupils; tuition from nonresident pupils
Resources
Points of Contact (POC)
NYSED Foster Care POC
- 518-486-6090
- studentsupportservices@nysed.gov
NYSED Foster Care Transportation
- 518-474-6541
- emscmgts@nysed.gov