Youth in Care/Foster Care Liaison
Public school districts must post the name and contact information of their appointed Youth in Care/Foster Care Liaison.
District 15's Youth in Care/Foster Care Liaison:
This person can be contacted to help with best interest determinations, confirm the school of origin, and plan for transportation.
School obligations for students in care:
- Immediate enrollment: Students who are in care with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) must be enrolled immediately and fully participate in school.
- No delays: A student's enrollment should not be delayed by enrollment practices that are more restrictive than state or federal law.
- Support and stability: Schools are responsible for providing educational information and support to students in care, including a stable educational plan.
- Educational records: Schools must send all student records, including report cards, progress reports, and any relevant information about the student's education, to the new district.
- Participation: Students in care have the right to participate in school, religious, cultural, and other activities, as outlined in the Youth in Care Bill of Rights, which outlines the fundamental rights of young people in out-of-home care, ensuring they are treated with respect, safety, and have a voice in their own lives.
- Support for students with an IEP: If a student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) (a legal document and customized plan for public school students in the U.S. who need special education services due to a disability), the sending school must send the necessary forms and all student records to the new district within two days of receiving a request.