Foster Care Resources and Training
Contact Information
Stacey Klim
Foster Care Program Supervisor360-725-6115
Savanna Cavalletto
Foster Care Program Specialist360-725-6508
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.
Trainings
- New Foster Care Liaison Training
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Join the OSPI Foster Care Team for the New Foster Care Liaison Training, designed for foster care liaisons who have been in the role for less than one year. This training provides an overview of foster care liaison duties and responsibilities, state and federal foster care provisions, and best practices for supporting students in foster care. Participants will gain access to key resources, tools, and practical strategies to help them successfully support foster care students and navigate their role with confidence.
Monday, September 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 14th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Seasoned Foster Care Liaison Training
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Join the OSPI Foster Care Team for the Seasoned Foster Care Liaison Training, designed specifically for experienced foster care liaisons who have served in their role for one year or more. This training will provide practical strategies, tips, and best practices for effectively carrying out liaison duties and responsibilities. Participants will receive updates on new and existing guidance, trauma informed care methods, and access to valuable tools and resources to support their work with students in foster care. This training also offers an opportunity to strengthen knowledge and practices that promote educational stability and success for foster care students.
Monday, October 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, October 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Foster Care Building Point of Contact Training
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Join the OSPI Foster Care Team for the Foster Care Building Point of Contact Training, designed for foster care building points of contact at any stage of their role. Participants will gain a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, key legislation, and the resources available to support students in foster care. This session also highlights the importance of collaboration and working as a team with your foster care liaison to ensure students experience stability, support, and success in their education.
Wednesday, September 30th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Friday, October 23rd from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Best Interest Determination Meetings for Students in Foster Care Training
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Best Interest Determinations Meetings (BIDM) are required when a foster care student has a home placement change. These meetings are focused on the best interests of the student and their school of origin rights. This training, presented by the OSPI Foster Care team, will focus on the fundamentals of the meeting, highlight the BIDM Toolkit, review scenarios, and allow time for questions from attendees.
Monday, November 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 2nd from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Resources
- Foster Care Resources
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- 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 FAQ
- 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
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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.
- Foster Care Back to School Checklist
- Supporting Students After They Leave Foster Care
- Statewide and Local Resources to support Foster Care Students
- Federal and State Post-Secondary Resources for Foster Care Students
- Foster Care Guidance for Secretaries and Registrars
- 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
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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
- Supporting Students After They Leave Foster Care
- 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
- Federal and State Postsecondary Resources for Foster Care Students
- Best Interest Determination Toolkit
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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: School of Origin
- 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 Interest Determination: Follow-up Checklist
- Best Practices: Considerations for Best Interest Determination Meeting
- Best Practices: Foster Care and Immediate Enrollment
- Example: Email for Scheduling of Best Interest Determination
- Example: Best Interest Determination Meeting Agenda
- Example: Best Interest Determination Tracking Database
- Infographic: Best Interest Determination Meeting
- Infographic: Best Interest Determination Format and Participants
- Foster Care Transportation offers an overview of transportation requirements, contacts, and frequently asked questions.
- Best Interest Determination Training Presentation Slides 2025-26
Bulletins
Program updates and guidance from OSPI.
Partner Organizations
Below you can explore the different state and national organizations that OSPI partners with to offer foster care support and resources.