Foster Care Resources and Training

Contact Information

Stacey Klim

Foster Care Program Supervisor
564-999-1939

Savanna Cavalletto

Foster Care Program Specialist
564-669-1467

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.

Upcoming Trainings

Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) Training

Register Tuesday, March 3rd from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm via Zoom

Join Shannon Freeman, ICPC Deputy Compact Administrator, who will provide an overview of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), focusing on the placement of children in out-of-state foster care. Participants will learn about the purpose of ICPC, key requirements, and the roles and responsibilities involved in interstate placements. The session will conclude with time for questions and answers to address specific concerns and scenarios.

Foster Care Partner Organization Panel

Register Wednesday, March 25th from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm via Zoom

Join Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) and Treehouse for a panel session of foster care partner organizations. Each panel member will speak briefly about what their organization/agency does and how it serves students in foster care and then be available for questions from attendees.

Resources

Foster Care Resources

Foster Care Educational Stability Overview Flowchart

Foster Care Education Frequently Asked Questions

Joint Guidance for Sharing Records with DCYF and Treehouse

Legal Representation for Students in Foster Care

Who is the IDEA Parent for Students in Foster Care?

What's the Difference Between Foster Care and McKinney-Vento?

Foster Care Education in Washington Brochure

Program Review-Foster Care Technical Assistance, Item 17

Toolkits

The Foster Care Toolkits offer practical tools and guidance to help schools support students in foster care. They include step-by-step resources, training materials, and best practices to help improve school stability, meet legal requirements, and ensure students receive the support they need to succeed.

Foster Care Liaison Toolkit

Foster Care Liaisons provide district-level support for students in foster care. Below are descriptions of roles and responsibilities, support resources, and technical assistance.

Foster Care Liaison and Building Points of Contact Training 2025-26

Foster Care Liaison Training Video- Foster Care Education in Washington State | Presentation Slides

Foster Care Educational Stability Overview Flowchart

Foster Care Education Legal Review offers an overview of federal and state laws that pertain to students in foster care.

Foster Care Liaison Tasks and Responsibilities Overview

Designating Foster Care Points of Contact

Foster Care Education Frequently Asked Questions

CEDARS Foster Care Report instructions

Accessing Free and Reduced-Price School Meals

Paying School Fees and Fines for Students in Foster Care

Foster Care Transportation offers an overview of transportation requirements, contacts, and frequently asked questions.

Statewide and Local Resources to support Foster Care Students

Federal and State post-Secondary Resources for Foster Care Students

Foster Care Dispute Resolution Process

Foster Care Dispute Resolution Flow Chart

U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague Letter 7-25-23 outlines educational stability requirements for students in foster care.

Building Point of Contact Toolkit

Building Points of Contact provide school-level support for students in foster care. Below are descriptions of roles and responsibilities, support resources, and technical assistance.

Foster Care Liaison and Building Points of Contact Training 2025-26

Building Point of Contact Task and Responsibilities Overview

Building Point of Contact Tasks Checklist

Best Practices: Foster Care Building Points of Contact

Foster Care Education Legal Review is an overview of federal and state laws that pertain to students in foster care.

Foster Care Education Frequently Asked Questions

Statewide and Local Resources to Support Foster Care Students

Foster Care Building Point of Contact Training Video I Presentation Slides

Best Interest Determination Toolkit

A Best Interest Determination meeting is when schools, child welfare staff, and other important people in a student’s life come together to decide what’s best for the student—whether they should remain in their school of origin or change schools. The resources below can help you plan, take part in, keep records of, and follow up after these meetings.

Best Interest Determination: Process

Best Interest Determination: Format and Participants

Best Interest Determination: Student Centered Factors

Best Interest Determination: Tips and Troubleshooting

Best Interest Determination: Attendee Input Form (Fillable)

Best Interest Determination: Placement Decisions Fillable Form

Best Practices: Considerations for Best Interest

Determination Meeting Best Interest Determination: Placement Decisions

Fillable Form Example: Email for Scheduling of Best Interest

Determination Example: Best Interest Determination

Meeting Agenda Example: Best Interest Determination

Tracking Database Best Practices: Foster Care and Immediate Enrollment