Bill > S95

This bill aims to ensure that children in foster care can continue their education without disruption. It proposes to amend existing laws to allow school-aged children removed from their homes under Chapter 119, which deals with child protection and foster care, to remain in their original school, known as the "school of origin," even if they are placed with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or another custodian. This right to stay in their current school applies even if they are moved to a new placement. However, if the child's custodian, in consultation with the child and the school, decides it's not in the child's best interest to stay in the school of origin, the child will be immediately enrolled in a new school, and the custodian must inform the child's attorney and the school of origin of this decision. If the DCF is the custodian and decides to enroll the child in a school closer to their new placement, they must provide written notice to the child's attorney detailing the reasons for this decision. Additionally, the bill mandates that when placing a child in foster care, the DCF must consider the child's current educational setting and proximity to their school, and coordinate with local education agencies to keep the child in their current school or ensure immediate enrollment in a new school with all educational records transferred if staying is not in the child's best interest.