The Gwinnett County Public School’s Foster Care Program is wholeheartedly committed to ensuring the academic success and stability of students temporarily under the care of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Understanding the unique challenges faced by these students, the program implements evidence-based strategies to foster academic consistency and empower them to achieve educational outcomes that are on par with, or even exceed, their peers not in foster care.
Identifying and Enrolling Students in Foster Care
For students entering foster care within Gwinnett County, specific procedures are in place to facilitate a smooth transition into the school system. It’s crucial to correctly identify students experiencing foster care to ensure they receive the necessary support. While students may be placed with relatives or fictive kin, formal confirmation of DFCS custody is required for program enrollment. This confirmation should be obtained from the DFCS case manager.
When enrolling a student in foster care, a DFCS worker must present their DFCS identification, a court order verifying the student’s DFCS custody, and the student’s current residence address. If a foster caregiver is enrolling the student, they should provide a valid ID and a Placement Authorization Letter from DFCS. This letter is essential as it includes critical information such as the student’s name, date of birth, foster parent’s name, and the foster home address. This documentation ensures accurate identification and proper enrollment within the Gwinnett County Foster Care Program.
Utilizing the Foster Care Questionnaire (FCQ)
To further support students in foster care and tailor educational support, Gwinnett County Public Schools utilizes the Foster Care Questionnaire (FCQ). Caregivers are requested to complete a new FCQ at the start of each academic year and whenever a student enrolls at a new school. This proactive approach ensures that the school has up-to-date information to best serve the student’s needs.
The FCQ gathers essential details including student identification, current and previous school information, DFCS contact information and county, foster parent contact details, and whether school of origin transportation will be required. The FCQ is conveniently accessible and can be completed online through a dedicated portal, ensuring ease of access for caregivers and efficient information gathering for the school system.
Rights and Support for Students in Foster Care
The Gwinnett County Foster Care Program upholds the rights of students in foster care, ensuring they have equal opportunities and necessary accommodations to thrive academically. These rights are designed to minimize disruption and promote a supportive educational environment. Students in foster care are entitled to:
- Immediate Enrollment: Be enrolled in school immediately, even if vital documents are not readily available at the time of enrollment.
- School of Origin Stability: Maintain enrollment in their school of origin (the school they attended before entering foster care), promoting stability and minimizing educational disruption.
- Zoned School Attendance: Attend the school zoned for their foster family’s current residence, providing an alternative option if remaining at the school of origin is not feasible or in the student’s best interest.
- Placement Change Considerations: Receive careful consideration to minimize school transfers when placement changes occur, prioritizing educational continuity.
- Academic Credit: Receive full credit for all completed coursework, adhering to Gwinnett County Public Schools procedures, ensuring no academic disadvantage due to placement changes.
- Transportation Services: Receive transportation to and from their school of origin if requested by foster parents or DFCS and deemed to be in the student’s “best interest,” and transportation to and from their zoned school.
- Extracurricular Participation & Nutrition: Participate fully in all school-related activities and receive free school meals, ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources.
- Dispute Resolution: Utilize the established dispute resolution process to address any grievances, ensuring a fair and responsive system.
Connecting Families and Schools with Support Resources
The Foster Care Social Worker plays a pivotal role in the Gwinnett County Foster Care Program. Their primary objective is to remove obstacles to school enrollment and champion academic success for every student in foster care. Beyond direct support to schools, the Foster Care Social Worker, in collaboration with school social workers, acts as a crucial link between families and vital community resources.
Furthermore, the Foster Care Social Worker is dedicated to providing ongoing training to families, schools, and community organizations. This training aims to enhance awareness, improve understanding, and cultivate sensitivity towards the specific needs of students in foster care. By fostering collaboration and providing education, the Gwinnett County Foster Care Program strives to create a supportive and informed community around these students, maximizing their potential for educational achievement and overall well-being.
To delve deeper into the resources and initiatives of the Gwinnett County Foster Care Program, please visit the [link provided previously].
