(1) Consistent with the provisions for making best interest determinations established in RCW 28A.225.350 and 74.13.560, the department shall provide youth residing in out-of-home care the opportunity to remain enrolled in the school he or she was attending prior to out-of-home placement, unless the safety of the youth is jeopardized, or a relative or other suitable person placement approved by the department is secured for the youth, or it is determined not to be in the youth's best interest to remain enrolled in the school he or she was attending prior to out-of-home placement. If the parties in the dependency case disagree regarding which school the youth should be enrolled in, the youth may remain enrolled in the school of origin until the disagreement is resolved in court, unless the department determines that the youth is in immediate danger by remaining enrolled in the school of origin.
(2) Unless otherwise directed by the court, the educational responsibilities of the department for school-aged youth residing in out-of-home care are the following:
(a) To collaboratively discuss and document school placement options and plan necessary school transfers during the family team decision-making meeting;
(b) To notify the receiving school and the school of origin that a youth residing in foster care is transferring schools;
(c) To request and secure missing academic records or medical records required for school enrollment within ten business days;
(d) To document the request and receipt of academic records in the individual service and safety plan;
(e) To pay any unpaid fees or fines due by the youth to the school or school district;
(f) To notify all legal parties when a school disruption occurs; and
(g) To document factors that contributed to any school disruptions.
[ 2018 c 139 § 5; 2013 c 182 § 6.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2018 c 139: See note following RCW 28A.225.350.
Findings—2013 c 182: See note following RCW 13.34.030.