Assistance for Students in Foster Care

When a student in foster care moves placements, the federal default is to keep them in their school of origin unless changing schools is determined to be in their best interest. The decision is made jointly by the school, the caseworker, the placement, and (when age-appropriate) the student. Transportation is provided where feasible.

School staff work directly with DCYF caseworkers and placement providers using the School Notification Form below. The form provides essential continuity information when a foster student enrolls or transfers.

If there's a disagreement about school placement or services, Washington's formal foster care dispute resolution process is available:

• WA Foster Care Dispute Resolution Process (OSPI)
• Dispute Resolution Flow Chart (OSPI)

Each MVSD school has a designated point of contact for foster care coordination. The current contact list is being assembled with school offices and will appear on this page shortly. In the meantime, contact your school office directly or reach the District Liaison (Manny Espinoza) for help connecting to the right person.

Editor note: per-school POC names and contact info are pending school-office confirmation.

• OSPI Foster Care Information
• Frequently Asked Questions (OSPI)
• Post-secondary FAFSA & Other Resources
• Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)

• Fostering Together
• Secret Harbor
• Treehouse