Foster Care

On any given day, approximately 17,000 school-aged students in Texas public schools are in foster care. While they represent a small percentage of the total student population, these students face unique challenges that significantly impact their educational experiences. Before entering foster care, many have lived in unstable home environments, experienced trauma, had inconsistent school attendance, or lacked adequate physical and emotional support (Texas Education Agency, 2022).

Support for Foster Children and Youth in Duncanville ISD

Our Student Services Department is dedicated to ensuring that foster children and youth enrolled in Duncanville ISD receive the support needed for educational stability. In collaboration with campus staff and other departments, we facilitate student access to:

• Nutrition Services
• Immediate Enrollment
• Case Management and Support via School Counselors and District Social Workers
• Transitional Planning

These resources aim to provide stability and continuity for foster children and youth, fostering their success in school and beyond.

Federal Law

• Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-351): This federal law directs child welfare agencies to ensure educational stability for children and youth in foster care, including coordination among child welfare and education agencies to support students' educational stability.

State Law

• Texas Education Code (TEC) addressing students in foster care:
  • Data Sharing and Collection: PEIMS requirements for data sharing – TEC § 7.029.
  • Immediate School Enrollment: Students can be immediately enrolled without records – TEC § 25.002(g).
  • School Attendance Stability: Allows students to remain in the school they were enrolled in before entering conservatorship, even if they are placed outside the attendance zone, until they complete the highest grade level offered – TEC § 25.001(g).
  • Excused Absences: Students are excused for court-ordered appointments – TEC § 25.087.
  • Graduation Flexibility: For 11th and 12th graders who transfer and do not meet the new district’s graduation requirements, a diploma can be requested from their former district if they were on track to graduate – TEC § 28.025.
  • Pre-K Eligibility: Free Pre-K eligibility for foster students – TEC § 29.153(b)(6).
  • Accelerated Instruction: Supports at-risk indicators and compensatory education – TEC § 29.081(d)(11).
  • College Tuition Waiver: Free lifetime college tuition and fees waiver activated when a student enrolls in dual credit or a course that offers college credit – TEC § 54.366.
  • Foster Care Liaison Requirement: School districts and open enrollment charter schools must appoint a Foster Care Liaison and notify the Texas Education Agency of the appointment – TEC § 33.904.
  • Transition Assistance: Facilitates support for students transitioning between schools – TEC § 25.007.