EDUCATIONAL STABILITY FOR YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE
In October 7, 2008, the federal government signed into law the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act (P.L. 110-351). This act requires all states to arrange for children and youth in foster care to remain in their “school of origin” to ensure educational stability unless it is determined to be in a child’s best interest to go to the new district where the Resource Family Home is located. New Jersey responded to this charge by passing the Education Stability Law on September 9, 2010, which established a system that supports the act. The Department of Children & Family (DCF), Department of Education (DOE) and Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) work together to implement this law.
For children, changing schools can affect their ability to thrive academically, socially, behaviorally and psychologically. This is especially true for children in resource family homes. For these children – who often suffer the lingering effects of abuse or neglect and the trauma of being removed from their homes and families – school can often be the most stable part of their lives.
Related Laws
Training Materials
Additional Resources
- Office of Student Transportation
- Link to DCF Site on Ed Stability
- Link to School Stability Flyer for Schools
- Link to Ed Stability DCF Liaison Directory
- Link to School Registration Flyer
- School Stability for Children in Resource Home Care - Information for Parents
- Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Educational Stability Law
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