Schools and Education

If you have questions about the child/youth in your care and the school or education system, contact Linda Brown.  She is the Oregon Department of Education Foster Care Point of Contact for the entire state.  Email her at linda.brown@state.or.us or phone 503-947-5825.

ESSA: Educational Stability for Students in Foster Care PDF -some facts on foster youth and education as well as an explanation of the new law that requires a foster student to stay in the school of origin unless a judge specifically orders the student to move to the new school. That order can happen at any time during the legal process. 

ESSA: Technical Assistance Manual – A simplified manual which outlines the Federal requirements, Oregon Laws and Interpretations, Department of Education information and Frequently Asked Questions.  A good resource to check before calling Linda Brown, Oregon Department of Education Foster Care Point of Contact. 

DHS-Child Welfare School Notification Form – This is the form you will need for each child in care for their school. 

Foster Student School of Origin Transportation Request

Special Education: A Guide for Parents and Advocates 6Ed. – published by Disability Rights Oregon the guide provides information and answers about special education for children enrolled in Oregon's public schools from kindergarten to 21 years of age. Written in 2012, some of the information may have changed due to new laws.  Check the Technical Assistance Manual for the most general up to date info. 

Special Education Advocacy for Children in Oregon – PDF (of 40 PPT slides) –  describes what advocacy looks like

Policy and Procedures for Special Education : 2007-2008 Section 7. Procedural Safeguards (including process for Education Surrogate).

Non-Regulatory Guidance: Ensuring Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care   (Federal)