The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) establishes guidelines to ensure school access, improved educational outcomes, and enhanced academic stability for children and youth in foster care. The South Carolina Department of Education and the South Carolina Department of Social Services have collaborated to create joint guidance for local education agencies and local child welfare agencies in their work to identify children and youth in foster care and to ensure the successful implementation of ESSA provisions.

Did you know?

• On average, one-third of foster children attend five or more schools.

• Compared to their peers, foster children experience lower high school graduation rates and higher rates of grade retention, chronic absenteeism, suspensions, and expulsions.

• Studies found that school stability leads to increased graduation rates.

• School can be a positive counterweight to abuse, neglect, and separation.

Forms

• SCPCSD Foster Care Joint Guidance

• Best Interest Determination Placement Form

• Immediate Enrollment Form

Additional Resources

• How to Code Foster Care Students in PowerSchool

• U.S. Department of Education - Foster Care

• Foster Care Transition Toolkit

• Non-Regulatory Guidance - U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• South Carolina Education Bill of Rights for Children in Foster Care

• Legal Center for Foster Care & Education

Questions?

Contact Tracie Sweet

Director of Federal Programs and Foster Care Liaison

Phone: 803-960-86096

Email: tsweet@sccharter.org