To maximize school stability, children in foster care are to remain in their "school of origin" unless a determination is made that it is not in their best interest. That determination occurs at a Best Interest Determination (BID) meeting.

• The child's "school of origin" is either:

  • The school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement in foster care, or

  • If placement changes, the school in which the child was enrolled at the time of the placement change

Timing: A BID meeting must be held before a child changes school. When possible, the BID meeting should be combined with the CFT meeting held upon entering custody. If not, it should be held as soon as possible (within 5 school days of placement). 

Scheduling and Meeting Invitations: The Department of Social Services (DSS) child welfare worker is responsible for scheduling the meeting and inviting participants. Participants should include:

• Educational professionals from the child's current school who know the child 

• The child (depending on age)

• Foster parents (when appropriate)

• Biological parents, guardians, or custodians (when appropriate)

• Education decision maker(s)

• Relatives of the child with perspective on which school the child should attend

• The child's Guardian ad Litem (GAL)

• A supportive adult of the child's choosing

Preparing the Child for the Meeting: The DSS child welfare worker must discuss the purpose of the meeting with the child, prepare the child, and assist the child in identifying a supportive adult to attend

BID Factors: The following factors should be considered by the team during the BID meeting:

• Preferences of the child

• Preferences of the child's parent(s) and/or education decision maker(s)

• The child’s attachment to the school, including meaningful relationships with staff and peers

• Placement of the child’s sibling(s)

• Influence of the school climate on the child, including safety

• The availability and quality of the services in the school to meet the child’s educational and socioemotional needs

• History of school transfers and how they have impacted the child

• How the length of the commute would impact the child, based on the child’s developmental stage

• Whether the child is a student with a disability under the IDEA who is receiving special education and related services or a student with a disability under Section 504 who is receiving special education or related aids and services and, if so, the availability of those required services in a school other than the school of origin

• Whether the child is an English Learner (EL) and is receiving language services, and, if so, the availability of those required services in a school other than the school of origin

The costs of school transportation should not be considered.

Disputes: If a party to the BID meeting disagrees with the outcome, an informal review by the DSS director can be requested in writing within 3 days of the BID meeting. The child remains at the school of origin while any disputes are being resolved.

Any time that a child in foster care must change schools, they are to be immediately enrolled in the new school, even if the child does not have required documentation. Enrollment must not be denied or delayed because documents normally required for enrollment in the school have not been provided.

Enrollment Documentation: The DSS child welfare worker or placement provider should provide the following documents for enrollment:

1. Verification of Custody Letter (DSS Form 5760), and

2. Foster Child Immediate Enrollment Form (DSS Form 5135)

These are the only documents needed to immediately enroll a child in foster care in school in North Carolina. Child welfare court orders should not be shared with schools (exceptions: GAL and IDEA Parent appointment orders). 

Timing of Enrollment: The child should be enrolled as soon as possible. "Enrollment" means the child is attending classes and participating fully in school activities. The child's enrollment should occur no later than the beginning of the next school day after the Verification of Custody Letter and Foster Child Immediate Enrollment forms are provided.

School Records: The enrolling school must immediately contact the school of origin to obtain relevant records and documentation. The school of origin should immediately transfer the child's records.

Immediate Enrollment Concerns: If there are concerns or questions about a child in foster care's immediate enrollment, the child's team should contact the LEA Point of Contact (find the current list here). 

Federal law requires each state educational agency to have a point of contact for child welfare agencies and to oversee implementation of the school stability provisions for children in foster care. North Carolina's Point of Contact works at the University of North Carolina - Greensboro's SERVE Center: Dr. Yatisha Blythe (336-315-7027; yqblythe@serve.org). 

Non-Regulatory Guidance: Ensuring Educational Stability  and Success for Students in Foster Care 

Letter to Chief State School Officers

Joint Guidance: Every Student Succeeds Act: Ensuring Educational Stability for Children and Youth in Foster Care in North Carolina 

Frequently Asked Questions: A Guide for North Carolina LEA Foster Care Points of Contact