Foster Care Resources and Training
Contact Information
Stacey Klim
Foster Care Program Supervisor564-999-1939
Savanna Cavalletto
Foster Care Program Specialist564-669-1467
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
Transportation for Foster Care Students
Register Wednesday, February 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. via Zoom
A one-hour Q&A session with Regional Transportation Directors focused on transportation services and supports for students in foster care. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of available resources.
Amara Program Overview
Register Thursday, February 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. via Zoom
Join the OSPI Foster Care Team as we host community partner Amara. Amara serves the evolving needs of children, youth, and families impacted by the child welfare system. Centering equity, Amara advocates for system change and bridge gaps by providing compassionate wrap-around resources, while helping to reduce trauma and bring healing. Their work helps maintain family and community connections while preventing child welfare involvement when possible.
Foster Care Resources
- Foster Care Educational Stability Overview
- Foster Care Education in Washington Brochure
- Foster Care Education Frequently Asked Questions
- Guidance for Sharing Records with DCYF and Treehouse
- Designating Foster Care Points of Contact
- Legal Representation for Students in Foster Care FAQ
- What's the Difference Between Foster Care and McKinney-Vento?
- Who is the IDEA Parent for Students in Foster Care?
- Technical Assistance PRS Item 17 - Foster Care
Foster Care Liaison Toolkit
- 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
- Legal Review
- Foster Care Liaison Tasks and Responsibilities Overview
- Foster Care Education Frequently Asked Questions
- Foster Care CEDARS Instructions
- Accessing Free and Reduced-Price School Meals
- Paying School Fees and Fines for Students in Foster Care
- Foster Care Transportation
- Foster Care Resources
- Post-Secondary Resources
- Foster Care Dispute Resolution Process
- Foster Care Dispute Resolution Flow Chart
- U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague Letter 7-25-23
- Foster Care Guidance for Secretaries and Registrars
Building Point of Contact Toolkit
- Foster Care Liaison and Building Points of Contact Training 2025-26
- Building Point of Contact Overview and Responsibilities
- Building Point of Contact Checklist
- Legal Review
- Foster Care Education Frequently Asked Questions
- Foster Care Resources
- Post-Secondary Resources
- Foster Care Building Point of Contact Training Video I Presentation Slides
- Best Practices: Foster Care Building Points of Contact
Best Interest Determination Toolkit
- Best Interest Determination: Process
- Best Interest Determination: Format and Participants
- Best Interest Determination: Student Centered Factors
- Best Interest Determination: Attendee Input Form (Fillable)
- 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
- Best Interest Determination: Tips and Troubleshooting
- Infographic: Best Interest Determination Meeting
- Infographic: Best Interest Determination Format and Participants
- Best Interest Determination Follow Up Checklist
- Foster Care Transportation
- Best Interest Determination Training Presentation Slides 12-5-2024
Bulletins
- Bulletin No. 037-25: Local Foster Care Liaison and Building Point of Contact Information/Training
- Bulletin No. 061-24: Local Foster Care Liaison and Building Point of Contact Information/Training
- Bulletin No. 034-22: New Foster Care Legislation
Partner Organizations
State
- Treehouse
- Treehouse Resource Center for Caregiver, Youth, and Educators
- Office of Education Ombuds (OEO)
- Washington Association of Child Advocate Programs
- Court Improvement Training Academy (CITA)
- Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)