Working with Students in Foster Care by Laci Meeks https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw Legal and Ethical Principles en-us 2022-06-17 02:33:56 UTC 2025-05-04 08:24:59 UTC hello@padlet.com Working with Students in Foster Care lmeeks12 https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2247966454 I am creating this legal guide as a school counselor to inform other school counselors, teachers, administrators, and other school employees about working with students in foster care in the educational setting. I chose this topic because students in foster care are a very vulnerable population and often times get overlooked due to so many transitions and changes. I had a personal experience with two student this past year in foster care. I feel that from the students moving from one school to another caused the students to lack many of the foundational skills needed to improve the students' academic success. I want educators to have a knowledge of how important it is to help students in foster care so that we can support them and provide the resources needed to gain academic success. I hope that this resource will provide some valuable knowledge and information for other educators to learn more about the law when it comes to foster students and how we can better serve this population so that they can reach their full academic potential. ]]> 2022-07-22 03:18:56 UTC https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2247966454 American School Counseling Association lmeeks12 https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2247991675 School counselors implement a comprehensive school counseling program to meet the needs of all students and also understand that some students may be at higher risk due to certain situations such as being placed in foster care. It is the school counselor's role and duty to support students in foster care through collaboration with other educators to support the individual needs of students in foster care. Also, school counselors must stay informed of the local district and state policies when it comes to serving students in the foster care system (2022, ASCA).

https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-School-Counselor-and-Supporting-Students-in-Fo

Reference:
American School Counseling Association (2022). The school counselor and supporting students in foster care. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-School-Counselor-and-Supporting-Students-in-Fo]]> 2022-07-22 04:05:52 UTC https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2247991675 Education Week lmeeks12 https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248001010 This article describes:

Students in foster care miss a great deal of school compared to other students putting them at risk.
Most states are slow to share data with school districts and child welfare agencies are called for under the Every Student Succeeds Act, most educators do not even know when a family or student is being investigated.
Many schools struggle to know how to handle absenteeism when it comes to home instability or abuse.
Schools are the most common to report abuse which means that is so important for child welfare systems and schools to work closely together in supporting the family.
Outreach to families with students missing school can help to support the families and also decrease the number of students entering foster care.
The Family First Act provides money for state efforts to reduce the number of students entering foster care as well as reimburse mental health care and classes for parenting skills (Spark, 2019).

https://www.edweek.org/leadership/school-changes-can-help-keep-students-in-class-out-of-foster-system/2019/04

Reference:
Sparks, S. (2019, April 6). School can help keep students in class, out of foster system. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/school-changes-can-help-keep-students-in-class-out-of-foster-system/2019/04

]]> 2022-07-22 04:22:37 UTC https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248001010 Edutopia lmeeks12 https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248005708 This article describe:

Students in foster care have experienced some type of trauma in their life such as neglect or physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
By third grade, 83% have already repeated a grade in school.
Only 52% of students in foster care graduate high school compared to 84% of all students.
Teachers can look for signs of trauma in students by fight, flight, or freeze behaviors.
A goal for classroom teachers would be to create an environment with the least amount of trauma triggers.
Giving students a safe environment, an environment that they feel a sense of control in, and a place where they feel connected can help to support students in foster care (Alber, 2019).

https://www.edutopia.org/article/supporting-students-living-foster-care

Reference:
Alber, R. (2019, August 30). Supporting students living in foster care. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/supporting-students-living-foster-care

]]> 2022-07-22 04:30:11 UTC https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248005708 lmeeks12 https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248432704 According to a recent study, one-third of foster students transitioned to a minimum of five schools before they entered the age of 18 causing them to become invisible to educators resulting in missing valuable health and educational information (Foulk & Esposito, 2016). Students in foster care need lots of support to help them transition into new school settings when placed in foster care homes. They need to feel a sense of belonging. Students in foster care often struggle with depression, anxiety, loneliness, and are often absent from school. Through the counseling role, it is important to understand how important laws are in dealing with students in foster care. School counselors have a code of ethics to follow when certain situations arise. I have learned so much valuable information that will help me in my future role as a school counselor. Also, school counselors can serve as advocates for students in foster care by informing teachers of ways that they can support and help students in foster care in the classroom. I think that more emphasis and resources should be put in place for students in foster care. This past school year, I worked with two students in foster care this past year and I feel that these students need more resources to be able to be successful in the school setting. I want to educate others on how to support students in foster care. This is a topic that I feel passionate about and want others to have an understanding about so that we can all work together in supporting and providing the best resources for students in foster care. These students experience trauma and deal with many life changes, so it is important for the school setting to provide the stability needed for students to be successful.

Reference:
Foulk, S. M. & Esposito, M. C. K. (2016). Ensuring educational equity for children and youth in foster care. Leadership, 46(1), 30-33 ]]> 2022-07-23 04:14:36 UTC https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248432704 lmeeks12 https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248436408

School counselors must adhere to the legal and ethical principles when it comes to serving as an advocate for students in foster care.

It's important to remember that a child in foster care still has family that they love and care about and to reach out to the child's caseworker before reaching out to a family member to verify if there are no contract restrictions.

Students in foster care are entitled to remain in the same school unless it is not in their best interest.

Building trust between child welfare systems and school is essential in working with students in foster care to improve academic success.

All new school employees must be trained in neglect, child abuse, human trafficking, and sexual abuse as part of new orientation training.

Trainings and resources should be provided about foster care to school districts and campuses and can be coordinated with child welfare and community partners to increase cross-system awareness

Texas law requires the Family Department of Protective Services to enroll a student in foster care within 3 days of being placed.

When a student is transitioned from one school to another, it is important for the schools to work together making sure that all records were transferred.

Local Educational Agencies must maintain confidentiality of information that was shared and only use it to benefit the well being of the student in foster care.

Schools can create a safe and connected environment where students in foster care can build resilience.

Take time to build positive relationships and trust with students in foster care so that they will feel valued and understood.

]]> 2022-07-23 04:30:47 UTC https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248436408 The Texas Education Agency lmeeks12 https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248623456 The Texas Education Agency has created a resource guide to support foster care students and promote success in their education. The Texas Education Agency has collaborated with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the Supreme Court of Texas to develop a resource for educators to address the needs of students in foster care. This guide is a great resource for school counselors to have accessible to learn about more ways that we can be a support system for students in foster care (Foster Care and Student Success, 2022).

https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/2022-fcss-resource-guide.pdf

Reference:
Texas Education Agency (2022). Foster care and student success: Texas systems working together to transform education outcomes of students in foster care. https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/2022-fcss-resource-guide.pdf

]]> 2022-07-23 22:07:16 UTC https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248623456 lmeeks12 https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248667758 Federal Statutory Law:
According to The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), this federal law protects the privacy of student records, however students in foster care; FERPA allows the school to share the records with the state or local child welfare worker without the parents' consent or agreement (FERPA, 34 CFR § 99.31)

Records of students in foster care are able to be shared without parent consent in situations where the child welfare worker needs access.

State Statutory Law:
According to the Texas Education Code, a student placed in foster care shall attend the public schools in the district in which the foster parents live free of charge (25 TEC § 25.001(f)).

This gives the student the support and resources needed in the place where the foster parent lives.

References:
Admission, 25 TEC § 25.001(f).
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 34 CFR § 99.31

]]> 2022-07-24 03:23:44 UTC https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248667758 lmeeks12 https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248688839 Federal Law:
In the United State Supreme Court Case, Smith v. Organization of Foster Families, the foster parents whose foster children had been removed filed suit against the state of New York and the city of New York, stating that the removal procedures violated the child's due process and equal protection.
(Smith v. Organization of Foster Families, 1977)

In the court case, Prince v. Massachusetts, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the government has authority to regulate the treatment of children if the child's welfare is in harm.
(Prince v. Massachusetts, 1944).

State Law:
In the court case, M.D. v. Abbott, decided to require changes to Texas's foster care system. The case filed a federal civil rights suit stating that Texas's foster care system harmed the children through abuse, neglect, and their well-being. Judge ruled in favor of children that Texas must make changes to it's foster care system.
(M.D. v. Abbott, 2020)

References:
M.D. v. Abbott, 19-41015 (2020)
Prince v. Massachusetts, 321 U.S. 158 (1944)
Smith v. Organization of Foster Families for Equality and Reform, 431 U.S. 816 (1977)

]]> 2022-07-24 05:41:38 UTC https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248688839 lmeeks12 https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248690269 According to the Center ISD 2021-2022 Student Handbook, a student in foster care who enrolls after the beginning of the school year will be allowed credit by examination at any time during the school year and the district will assess the available records to determine the credit transfers before the student's enrollment. According the Center ISD 2021-2022 Student Handbook, " a student in the conservatorship of the state who is moved outside the district’s or school’s attendance boundaries—or who is initially placed in the conservatorship of the state and moved outside the district’s or school’s boundaries—is entitled to remain at the school the student was attending prior to the placement or move until the student reaches the highest grade level at that particular school"(Center ISD, 2021, p. 19).

In the Center ISD Student Handbook, there is a section on how to support students in foster care. It explains how credits are transferred and also discusses the best situation possible for the child be successful so that academic success is reached. Emphasis is placed on students in foster care, which will provide the support and resources for students in foster care to exhibit performance in achievement.

Reference:
Center Independent School District (2021). Center Independent School District 2021-2022 Student Handbook.https://www.centerisd.org/upload/page/0073/21-22StudentHandbook.pdf

]]> 2022-07-24 05:52:36 UTC https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248690269 lmeeks12 https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248690388 According to the American School Counselor Association Standard A. 1. (c), school counselors support all students and work to eliminate barriers that hinder student performance and development (ASCA, 2016).

School counselors must create a positive learning environment for students in foster care by working with others to provide the best situation possible so that learning can take place.

School counselors are responsible for working with students in foster care to eliminate bias or barriers that work against them by supporting them and providing resources that will help them succeed in school. Creating a safe and connected environment for students in foster care will help them to trust and build a relationship. When students know that you care about them, then they will want to share information and ask for help.

Reference:
American School Counselor Association. (2016). ASCA ethical standards for school counselors. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/44f30280-ffe8-4b41-9ad8-f15909c3d164/EthicalStandards.pdf

]]> 2022-07-24 05:53:34 UTC https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248690388 lmeeks12 https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248690693 Federal Law:
According the United States Department of Education, Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA), this law holds public schools accountable for how students learn and achieve while also providing an equal opportunity for disadvantaged students (Every Student Succeeds Act, 2015).

Collaboration is essential between education agencies and child welfare agencies.
Collaboration on the best decision making processes between child welfare and education agencies to determine if child should remain in original school if it is child's best interest.

State Law:
According to the Texas Administrative Code, caregivers are responsible for receiving educational information such as report cards and information received from school authorities (749 TAC §749.1893).

It is important for educators at school districts to support the home and school connection by staying in contact with caregivers of students in foster care to provide the support needed.
School counselors can help bridge the gap between the home and school by collaborating and communicating with teachers, caregivers, and welfare child workers.

References:
Every Student Succeeds Act, 20 U.S.C. § 6301. (2015).
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 749. Tex. Admin. Code §749.1893

]]> 2022-07-24 05:56:12 UTC https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248690693 lmeeks12 https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248691382
Federal Law:
Under the Fourteenth Amendment, under the due process clause, parents have rights to make decisions when it comes to the management of their children such as companionship, care, and custody (US Const. amend. XIV)

Parents require the right to a notice and a hearing before children are taken from their parents.

Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act, 2008)

The importance of school stability, maintaining the school in which the school was enrolled.
Coordination between child welfare and education agencies.
All records need to be sent to new school if staying in the same school is not in the child's best interest.

State Law:
The Family Code outlines the bill of rights for foster children in Chapter 263 (263 TFC § 263.008).

The bill of rights are designed to inform foster children their rights within the child welfare system.

The Family Code outlines child welfare services in Chapter in 264 and also explains the educational stability (264 TFC § 264.1072).

References:

Child Welfare Services, 264 TFC § 264.1072).
Foster Children's Bill of Rights, 263 TFC § 263.008.
Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act, Pub. L. No. 110-351 (2008)
U.S. Const. amend. XIV.

]]> 2022-07-24 06:02:33 UTC https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248691382 lmeeks12 https://padlet.com/lmeeks12/l3igioxw8bj11mgw/wish/2248694079 1)Working with Students in Foster Care is very important when it comes to the school counseling role. As a school counselor, it is my duty to provide a safe and welcoming environment for students that are transitioning into foster care. Students in foster care face many different challenges and obstacles that put them at risk for their educational success. These students may be absent many days of school due to being placed in one home and then moving to another. The trauma that they have experienced also puts them at risk for academic failure. These factors cause them to not feel safe and secure. As a result, many students in foster care suffer from mental health issues, anxiety, depression and many other health issues. School counselors and other school staff can help these students to feel comfortable and accepted, so that learning can take place. Schools must utilize different methods to help these students feel safe and secure to support academic excellence for these students. When foster care students travel from one school to another and get placed in foster homes, it puts these students at risk and also creates a barrier and causes a negative impact on their educational success (Levy et al., 2014). As educators, we can all work together to support foster care students and promote academic excellence. It is important for other educators to understand the importance of supporting our students in foster care.

2)Three best practices related to working with students in foster care are:

It is important to identify students who are in foster care, so that the necessary resources can be provided so that they reach their full maximum potential.
Collaborating and working with child welfare workers can help to increase the well-being and development of students in foster care.
Students placed in foster care should be enrolled immediately and placed in the least restrictive educational setting. These students often miss many days of school due to transitions in placement.

3) Students in foster care are already at risk causing them to have trouble in school. Foster care children often feel insecure and unstable due to so many changes in placement and welfare workers often resulting in trusting bonds being broken (Jackson & Cersaroni, 2021). As school counselors forming a relationship with these students and working together with child welfare workers can improve the development and well-being of a child in foster care. Knowing how to support these students and have the necessary training in working with students can help to support their learning environments making them feel confident and resilient. If all educators can work together in supporting students in foster care, we will see these students overcome their challenges and grow up to be life-long learners.

I interviewed Lynne Williams, who is currently an elementary school counselor at Center ISD. We discussed the topic of students in foster care. L. Williams (personal communication, July 18, 2022) explained that this was a topic that she really felt that she may need more training in and had experience with students in foster care but really felt like she needed more information to support them better. She has been a counselor for many years. Students in foster care get left out and are sometimes invisible and to ask the front office workers to please make sure to take a picture of a child welfare worker's ID badge so that documentation would be present in order to know what students are in foster care or dealing with CPS issues (L. Williams, personal communication, July 18, 2022). L. Williams (personal communication, July18, 2022) stated that this would be reliable information so that she could visit with this student to make sure that they were okay and also gather more information about the student so the necessary resources could be provided. L. Williams (personal communication, July 18, 2022) explained that building a relationship with students in foster care was the first step to success and when they feel that they can trust you then they will open up more. These students are also considered at risk, so that knowing which students are in foster care is very valuable information (L. Williams, personal communication, July 18, 2022). L. Williams (personal communication, July 18, 2022) stated that she wished there was a better way to know when a child was in foster care but sometimes she didn't always know, which made her feel that she wasn't able to support the needs of all students she served that were placed in foster care. I definitely feel that this is an issue that many school districts deal with, however; we must all work together to identify students in foster care so that they can receive the support they need. We need to have a better system in identifying our students at risk, especially students in foster care.

References:
Jackson, D. & Cersaroni, C. (2021). Striving for success: Youth formerly in foster care and their ability to lead successful lives. Child Welfare, 99(2), 1-20.

Levy, M. G., Garstka, T. A., Lieberman, A., Thompson, B., Metzenthin, J. & Noble, J. (2014).

The educational experience of youth in foster care. Journal of At-Risk Issues, 18(2), 11-19.

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