Foster Care

The Foster Care Program at OSPI supports students in foster care by encouraging innovative practices that reduce educational disruptions, strengthen school stability, and improve academic performance. Schools, child welfare agencies, communities, and families must work together to provide the equitable opportunities, specialized services, and useful supports that are essential for students in foster care to be successful in school and in life.

As part of the Office of System and School Improvement, the Foster Care Education Program partners with educators, foster parents, social workers, state agencies, and advocates as they work to support the whole child through evidence-based, best-practices and collaboration.

Foster Care Office Hours

Please join us on the second Thursday of every month, from 1:00-2:00 p.m., for office hours via Zoom. Drop in at any time during the hour to ask questions, and share ideas, concerns, or celebrations. This is a time for foster care liaisons and building points of contact to collaborate with OSPI and each other!

Foster Care Regional Meetings

Please join us for Regional (DCYF Regions 1 through 6) Meetings to connect with school districts, DCYF, Treehouse, and OSPI staff.  This is an opportunity to meet each other, discuss regional efforts and matters, learn from each other, and problem solve.

• Region 1 Meeting: 2^nd Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 11: 00 a.m. (September, November, January, March, May)
• Region 2 Meeting: 2^nd Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (September, November, January, March, May)
• Region 3 Meeting: 2^nd Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (September, November, January, March, May)
• Region 4 Meeting: 2^nd Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (October, December, February, April, June)
• Region 5 Meeting: 2^nd Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (October, December, February, April, June)
• Region 6 Meeting: 2^nd Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (October, December, February, April, June)

Foster Care Liaisons/DCYF Contacts

Find contact information for school district liaisons and DCYF staff who can help resolve issues and provide support.

Foster Care Building Point of Contact

Find building point of contacts for support with a specific school that a student attends.

State & Federal Requirements

Find state and federal laws that support students in foster care along with guidance to help with implementation and advocacy.

Resources & Training

Tools and materials on this page are created to assist districts in the implementation of state and federal laws as well as to assist others in advocating for students in foster care.

Postsecondary Education

Find information about helping students in foster care with financial aid and other post-secondary resources.