Foster Care Glossary

A collaborative discussion with every foster care placement or change in placement between the SOO, CCYA, and other relevant parties to determine if the foster care student should remain in their SOO or transfer to the new school of residence. 

An appointed staff person within a county children and youth agency who is required to work collaboratively with LEA Foster Care POCs to facilitate the implementation of ESSA and ensure educational stability for foster care students. 

A public child welfare agency (overseen by the state but administered by a specific county) whose goal is to protect children from abuse and neglect, and ensure their physical and mental well-being as provided by law. 

A county-level system managed by local CCYAs in which minors are placed by court order into out-of-home, 24-hour substitute care after being removed from their home due to neglect/abuse. The CCYA maintains custody of the minor and is responsible for their out-of-home placement. Some examples of placement options include foster homes with foster parent(s), formal kinship care (foster homes with an approved relative), group homes, emergency shelters, residential treatment facilities (RTFs), and more. 

The local school district where the foster care student’s institution is located. 

An appointed staff person within an LEA who is required under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to facilitate the implementation of and compliance with protections provided by law to foster care students. LEA Foster Care POCs bridge the gap between state/local education agencies and child welfare systems to ensure educational stability for foster care students. 

A board of education or other public agency responsible for the administration of public schools, both elementary and secondary. 

 A written agreement between an LEA and its respective CCYA that outlines joint procedures between the two agencies regarding students in foster care, including the BID timeline/process and transportation plan. 

The local school district where a student's foster care residence is located.  

The school a student attends at the time of foster care placement or change in placement. 

The local school district where the foster care student’s natural parent resides. 

A written agreement between an LEA and its respective CCYA that outlines how transportation will be provided, arranged, and funded for a foster care student.