Designated District Liaison:
Each School District in Texas is required to appoint at least one employee, to act as a liaison to facilitate the enrollment in and transfer of records of students in the legal custody of Department of Family and Protective Services. Foster care liaisons were to be designated by every Texas school district by December 1, 2011 (TEC § 33.904).
TEA is working to develop a comprehensive list of district liaisons. View this list of names and the contact information of liaisons who have registered with TEA. The list is updated monthly.
TEA Assistance:
Texas Education Agency is providing preliminary guidance and technical assistance to support school foster care liaisons. A designated email for foster care liaison inquiries, fostercareliaison@tea.state.tx.us, has been established. Additionally, a ‘Foster Care Education’ listserv to distribute relevant information and training updates was created. In fall 2012 two-introductory webinar trainings were provided and can be viewed under the Trainings section below.
Appoint a Liaison:
If your districts designated liaison is unknown, please contact your district administration immediately. In the event your district does not have a designated liaison, district administration should assign a liaison(s) immediately. Please register your districts liaison with TEA to receive helpful and up-to-date information related to foster care and education.
What type of school staff would make an ideal School District Foster Care Liaison?
While there are no formal recommendations about who should serve in the liaison role, certain education professionals may be a natural fit considering their skills or job responsibilities.
Specifically, those who:
- Have the authority to champion new district efforts;
- Work with mobile student populations;
- Are familiar with enrollment, records transfer, existing community services, and student supports;
- Understand the unique challenges of students who are in foster care;
- Serve as a high level administrator;
- Are directors and leaders in student support services;
- Are principals and campus leaders; and/or
- Are counselors and counselor administrators.
Conclusion:
There are many statutory requirements in the Texas Education Code to benefit students in foster care. School liaisons are encouraged to become familiar with these provisions and assist their district in establishing practices that improve the educational experience of students in foster care. A Foster Care Education Resource Guide with additional supports, resources, guidance, and suggested duties for liaisons will be published and posted in spring 2013. Return to TEA’s website for updates and information as it become available.
Trainings:
School District Foster Care Liaisons 101 - Guidance For Texas School District Foster Care Liaisons (View the PowerPoint)
School District Foster Care Liaisons 201 - Understanding CPS & Court (View the PowerPoint)