Foster Care Resources and 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.

Upcoming Trainings 

Foster Care Liaison and Building Point of Contact Training

Join the OSPI Foster Care Team for this Foster Care Liaison and Foster Care Building Point of Contact training. We will have repeat trainings in September, October and November. Attendees will learn about Foster Care Liaison and Foster Care Building Point of Contact duties and responsibilities, legislation, and available resources. This training is geared to Foster Care Liaisons and Foster Care Building Points of Contact.

Monday, September 29^th 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Register via Zoom  

If you would like clock hours please register on PdEnroller  

Tuesday, September 30^th 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Register via Zoom 

If you would like clock hours please register on PdEnroller  

Wednesday, October 8^th 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Register via Zoom 

If you would like clock hours please register on PdEnroller  

Monday, October 13^th 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Register via Zoom 

If you would like clock hours please register on PdEnroller  

Thursday, October 23^rd 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Register via Zoom  

If you would like clock hours please register on PdEnroller  

Wednesday, November 5^th 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Register via Zoom 

If you would like clock hours please register on PdEnroller  

Friday, November 7^th 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Register via Zoom 

 If you would like clock hours please register on PdEnroller  

Best Interest Determination Meetings Training

December 3^rd from10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Register via Zoom 

If you would like clock hours please register on PdEnroller  

Best Interest Determinations Meetings are required when a foster care student has a home placement change. These meetings are to determine the best interest of whether the student should stay in the school of origin or move to another school based on placement.  This training will be presented by the OSPI Foster Care team who will also be introducing the new Best Interest Determination Toolkit.  There will be time for problem-solving and questions from attendees.

CEDARS Training

Tuesday, November 18^th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Register via Zoom  

If you are a new liaison or need a refresher, we are offering a training on CEDARS! In this training you will learn the basics of CEDARS, tips and tricks, how to access and run a CEDARS report and how to identify foster care students.

Resources for Foster Care Liaisons

• 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
• What's the Difference Between Foster Care and McKinney-Vento?
• Technical Assistance PRS Item 17 - Foster Care

Foster Care Liaison Toolkit

• Foster Care Liaison and Building Points of Contact Training 2024-25
• Foster Care Liaison Training Video- Foster Care Education in Washington State | Presentation Slides
• Legal Guidance
• 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 2024-25
• 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
• Bulletin No. 050-21: New Legislative Requirement: Foster Care Building Points of Contact

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)

National

• American Bar Association (ABA)
• SchoolHouse Connection