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Laurel Public Schools

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Laurel Public Schools
Dedicated to the individual development of each student, every day, without exception

Foster Care Services

Laurel Public Schools is committed to ensuring educational stability and success for students placed in foster care. In partnership with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Child and Family Services Division (CFSD), caregivers, and community agencies, the district works to minimize disruptions in education and provide students with the support they need to succeed.

Students in foster care often experience changes in placement that can interrupt their education. Laurel Public Schools strives to ensure that students remain engaged in school, experience smooth transitions when placement changes occur, and receive appropriate educational supports while maintaining educational stability whenever possible.

In accordance with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), students in foster care have the right to remain in their school of origin when it is determined to be in their best educational interest. Laurel Public Schools collaborates with child welfare agencies to make timely, student-centered decisions regarding school placement and transportation.

The district's Foster Care Point of Contact coordinates services and works closely with school staff, families, foster parents, caseworkers, and community partners to support each student's educational needs.

Services and Supports

Laurel Public Schools may provide support in the following areas:

  • Immediate enrollment when a student enters foster care or changes placement.
  • School stability and best interest determinations.
  • Coordination of transportation to the school of origin when appropriate.
  • Timely transfer of educational records.
  • Assistance with enrollment, scheduling, and school transitions.
  • Coordination between schools, child welfare agencies, and caregivers.
  • Academic monitoring and intervention.
  • Access to special education, Section 504, and related services when eligible.
  • Assistance with school supplies, extracurricular participation, and other educational needs.
  • Collaboration with counselors, social workers, and community agencies to address social-emotional well-being.

Educational Stability

When a student enters foster care or experiences a placement change, Laurel Public Schools works collaboratively with the child welfare agency to determine whether it is in the student's best interest to remain in the school of origin or enroll in a new school. Decisions are based on the student's educational needs, safety, permanency planning, and overall well-being.

If remaining in the school of origin is determined to be in the student's best interest, Laurel Public Schools will work with the child welfare agency to coordinate transportation in accordance with federal and state requirements.

Immediate Enrollment

If enrollment in a new school is determined to be in the student's best interest, Laurel Public Schools will ensure that the student is enrolled immediately, even if records normally required for enrollment are not immediately available. The district will promptly request educational records from the previous school and work with the child welfare agency to obtain any missing documentation.

Collaboration

Supporting students in foster care requires ongoing collaboration among families, foster parents, caseworkers, school personnel, and community agencies. Laurel Public Schools values these partnerships and is committed to providing a coordinated approach that promotes academic success, emotional well-being, and school engagement.

Foster Care Point of Contact

Questions regarding foster care services, school stability, or educational rights may be directed to:

Christina Petersen 

(406) 628-3360 ext. 3311

christina_petersen@laurel.k12.mt.us