HB 1058-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that the educational attainment of children in foster care is significantly lower than that of children not in foster care.

Finds that many factors influence educational outcomes for children in foster care, including the disruption of the educational process because of repeatedly changing schools.

Recognizes and encourages the ongoing efforts of the department of social and health services and the office of the superintendent of public instruction to improve educational attainment of children in foster care.

Declares an intent that efforts continue such as recruiting foster homes in school districts with high rates of foster care placements, the development and dissemination of informational materials regarding the challenges faced by children in foster care, and the expansion to other school districts of best practices identified in pilot projects.

Declares that it is the policy of the state of Washington that, whenever practical and in the best interest of the child, children placed into foster care shall remain enrolled in the schools they were attending at the time they entered foster care.

Requires the department to establish an oversight committee composed of staff from the children's administration of the department, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, and advocacy agencies to develop strategies for maintaining foster children in the schools they were attending at the time they entered foster care.

Directs the department to work with the administrative office of the courts to develop protocols to ensure that educational stability is addressed during the shelter care hearing.

Requires the department to perform the tasks provided in this act based on available resources.