Foster Care Resources and Training
Contact Information
Stacey Klim
Foster Care Program SupervisorSavanna Cavalletto
Foster Care Program SpecialistTools 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 Education Trainings are for Foster Care Liaisons and Foster Care Building Points of Contact. This training session will cover both federal and state legislation that aims to provide educational stability and success for students in foster care, duties of the foster care liaison and building point of contact, along with how and who to work with at DCYF, and best practices to support youth in foster care will be covered. The trainings below are all repeat trainings of the same information, please pick the one that works best for you. If you would like clock hours, please registration on both Zoom and PdEnroller.
- October 22nd from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Zoom Registration | PdEnroller
- October 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Zoom Registration | PdEnroller
McKinney-Vento vs Foster Care
This webinar will focus on the differences and similarities between McKinney-Vento Homeless Education and Foster Care Education programs. We will dive into the key provisions and requirements of each program, examine when these programs overlap, and discuss student scenarios. Bring your questions as there will be time for Q and A.
ETV Training
The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program is a federal grant for dependent youth ages 15 through 20 who are enrolled at least part time at an accredited college, university, vocational, or technical school. Students can use ETV funds for educational and living expenses. Eligible youth may receive up to $5,000 per academic year and $2,000 for Dual Credit (Running Start) students!
Best Interest Determination Training
Best Interest Determination meetings can be complex and extensive. Please join us as we go over the legal provisions and process, format, attendees, and documentation requirements. There will be time for questions and feedback. If you are a new Foster Care Liaison, we encourage you to take this training.
Resources for Foster Care Liaisons
- 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 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
- Program Structure Considerations for Foster Care Services
- 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
- Treehouse Graduation Success and Education Advocacy - What's the Difference?
- 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
- 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 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 School Selection
- 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
Bulletins
- 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
- Bulletin No. 002-20: Regional Education Agreements
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)