The reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (“ESEA”), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (“ESSA”)on December 10, 2015, contains a number of new provisions regarding school stability for children in foster care. While most of ESSA’s new requirements are not required to be implemented until the 2017-18 school year, the foster care provisions go into effect on Dec. 10, 2016. Two main requirements are that:

1. Each LEA must designate a point of contact for the DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) by Dec. 2, 2016; and
2. Each LEA must collaborate with CFSA no later than Dec. 10, 2016, to develop and implement clear, written procedures that govern how transportation will be provided, arranged, and funded for the duration of the time that enrolled students are in foster care, in order to maintain such children in their school of origin when in their best interest.  

Note: OSSE has collaborated with CFSA to create a manageable approach to funding and coordinating transportation, whereby CFSA will fund the majority of transportation costs.  LEAs are able to use some federal funding and are encouraged to use their UPSFF local at risk weights for foster care to further support their portion of costs.
 
OSSE and CFSA have created practical, comprehensive guidance to facilitate each LEA’s ability to meet these requirements.

For more information or questions, please contact Katie Reda at [email protected] or (202) 481-3926.

Related Content: Every Student Succeeds Act | Elementary & Secondary Education Act