Foster Care Information
Foster care is a temporary living arrangement for children who need a safe place to live when their parents or guardians cannot safely take care of them. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) or tribal child welfare takes care and custody of these children while a permanent plan is put in place.
Every Student Succeeds Act
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaces No Child Left Behind (NCLB). ESSA encourages schools and educators to innovate and create systems that address local needs. As a part of this work, the Oregon Department of Education remains committed to designing a State Plan that reflects the state’s education priorities.Students in foster care have the right to:
- Remain in their school district and school of origin, for the duration of time in foster care, even when their foster home placement changes and/or they are living outside of their school boundary.
- Immediately enroll in school, with or without all required documents typically needed to enroll.
- Automatic eligibility for free school meals.
- Participate in school-related activities.
- Transportation to their school of origin, as requested by the ODHS caseworker.