• default_title1st Annual Foster Care School Contact Orientation had 96 school representatives.
• default_title1st Annual School District Employee Foster Parent Recruitment Campaign generated 80% of recruitment calls in a county-wide, mass media campaign.
• default_titleA School Stability Data Sampling proved that 75% of foster youth did not have any school changes; 16% had one school change and 9% had two or more school changes.
• default_titleImplementation of Uninterrupted Scholars which allowed more immediate communication between child welfare agencies and the School District to share appropriate student records in a time efficient manner.
• default_titleStudent Intervention Services had collaborated with Department of Children and Families to bring district-wide awareness to foster care youth being at risk of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC).
• default_titleFoster Care Liaison received court documents identifying school-aged students removed from their parents and schools were informed within 48 hours.
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The state agencies listed below have signed an agreement to better meet the needs of children in foster care. The School District approved the Interagency Agreement (Children in DCF Care) which includes:

• default_titleThe School District of Palm Beach County
• default_titleAgency for Persons with Disabilities, State of Florida, Area 9
• default_titleDepartment of Children and Families (DCF), Circuit 15
• default_titleFlorida Department of Juvenile Justice, Circuit IS
• default_titleChildNet, Inc
• default_titleWorkforce Alliance
• default_titleEarly Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County
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The Agreement coordinated responsibilities for furnishing educational and vocational services and supports for children known to DCF. These children include those being served through ChildNet, the lead agency, while remaining in their own homes and those who have been placed with a foster family or boarding home, group home, and/or child care institution.

• default_titleAssist with school registration and update schools of subsequent DCM changes
• default_titleObtain consent forms or court order releases to receive student records
• default_titleAttend any school-based educational meetings (i.e., School Based Team) to support academic success.
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DCF has generated a state-wide School Registration Information Form (often referred to as the "Salmon Form" because hard copies are printed on salmon colored paper) that will provide school personnel with crucial contact information, special student needs, and court order status, as well as a list of the adults authorized to pick up the student from school.

The school staff listed below will receive a list of foster care youth to help them assist these students:

• default_titleAssistant Principals (regarding discipline)
• default_titleSchool Based Team leaders (with a School Based Team Initial Referral)
• default_titleESE Coordinators (when applicable)
• default_titleGuidance Counselors
• default_titleSchool Food Service Managers (to verify free lunch enrollment)
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Foster care is 24-hour care provided by the child welfare system for children who need to move out of their own homes temporarily. If your child moves into foster care, he/she may live in one or more different types of placements, such as the following:

• default_titleKinship care (placement with relatives)
• default_titleEmergency shelter
• default_titleFoster family home
• default_titleTherapeutic foster home
• default_titleGroup home
• default_titleResidential treatment center, or
• default_titleIndependent living arrangement for older youth
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• default_titleWhy would my child be placed in foster care?
• default_titleWhat do the terms safety, permanency, and well-being mean in the child welfare system?
• default_titleWhat does “safety” mean for me and my child?
• default_titleHow is it decided where my child will be placed?
• default_titleWho are the people who will take care of my child?
• default_titleWhat hearings will be held after my child is placed in foster care?
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For more information contact the School District Foster Care Liaison, Laura Shoemaker, Student Intervention Services: Laura.Shoemaker@palmbeachschools.org or call (561) 494-1449 or PX 81449.