Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signs law to improve educational outcomes for children in foster care
Phoenix, Ariz. – Late yesterday, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed SB 1205 into law to improve educational outcomes for over 11,000 children in the state’s foster care system. The reform was adopted unanimously by legislators and designed by the Center for the Rights of Abused Children.
“Children in foster care face tremendous obstacles that negatively impact their educational performance,” said Darcy Olsen, CEO of the Center for the Rights of Abused Children. “This bill will give them greater stability in their education and consequently help them succeed now and throughout life.”
Children in foster care require special education services at twice the rate of peers and drop out of school twice as often as the average student. This reform:
Presumes that staying in the child’s school of origin is best, transferring a student only when it is in the child’s best interest;
Requires the best interest determination be made no later than five days after the child enters care;
Ensures that a child receives transportation during and following the best interest determination;
Minimizes inefficiencies when transferring schools by ensuring records are transferred to the new school no later than two days following the best interest determination; and
Allows DCS and ADE or local education agencies to enter necessary agreements to ensure fulfillment of their obligations and establishes a process to resolve disputes.
SB 1205 brings Arizona into compliance with federal law and will improve educational stability and outcomes for children in foster care.
SB 1205 is a significant legislative reform aimed at enhancing the educational stability of children in Arizona's foster care system. The law recognizes the unique challenges faced by these children and seeks to provide a framework that prioritizes their educational needs.
This reform mandates that children remain in their school of origin whenever possible, ensuring that transfers only occur when it is in the child's best interest. With provisions for timely transportation and record transfers, SB 1205 aims to minimize disruptions in the educational journey of foster children.
Key Provisions of the Legislation
The legislation includes several critical provisions designed to support the educational outcomes of children in foster care. These provisions focus on maintaining school stability and ensuring that children receive the support they need during transitions.
Among the key elements are the requirement for a best interest determination to be made within five days of a child entering care and the assurance that necessary transportation is provided. Additionally, the law facilitates efficient communication between the Department of Child Safety (DCS) and local education agencies to ensure compliance and address any disputes that may arise.
Impact on Foster Children and Families
The implementation of SB 1205 is expected to have a profound impact on the lives of over 11,000 children in foster care in Arizona. By prioritizing educational stability, the law aims to improve academic performance and overall well-being for these vulnerable children.
Families involved in the foster care system will benefit from clearer guidelines and support mechanisms that promote the best interests of children. This legislation not only addresses educational challenges but also fosters a more collaborative approach between child welfare and education systems.
Future Steps and Advocacy
As SB 1205 is enacted, ongoing advocacy and monitoring will be essential to ensure its effectiveness. Stakeholders, including the Center for the Rights of Abused Children, will play a crucial role in evaluating the implementation of the law and advocating for necessary adjustments based on feedback from foster children and families.
Future steps may include community outreach programs to educate foster families about the new provisions, as well as collaboration with educational institutions to facilitate smoother transitions for children in care. Continued advocacy will be vital to uphold the rights and educational outcomes of children in the foster care system.
