Texas Child Protection Law Bench Book

August 2015 edition

B. Unique Challenges for Students in Foster Care

Although many children experience educational challenges, students in foster care face additional hurdles, including multiple residential and school changes, missed school days for visits with parents and siblings, court appearances, or therapeutic or other case-related appointments that are only available during school hours, as well as an often-chaotic educational history prior to entering foster care.

Children and youth who are of school-age and in foster care may also find themselves lost in-between child welfare and education – two systems with overlap, but often inadequate ongoing and effective communication. If Texas judicial, child welfare, and education stakeholders coordinate efforts, especially during school transitions, students in foster care are less likely to experience a damaging loss of records, credits, services, and support systems, which can hinder academic success.