Foster Care

On December 10, 2016, President Obama signed new provisions under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The act is the guiding source for educational stability of children in foster care. Changes under ESSA require children placed in foster care to receive immediate enrollment in schools deemed to be in their best interest. Together with districts and child welfare agencies, CCS coordinates enrollment, transfer of records, and transportation. 

On average, Columbus City Schools serve over 1,500 students placed in foster care by agencies throughout the Midwest region. Despite the reason for being foster placed, under ESSA the Columbus City School District supports educating every child while working to address barriers impeding academic success.

Our dedicated Foster Care Liaison assists with:

• Best Interest Determination (BID) to determine appropriate school option
• addressing barriers to attendance and academic success
• obtaining needed documents
• social, emotional and behavioral supports
• IEP/504 support
• transportation
• other supportive services as needed for youth placed in care

If you have a foster placed student in your home or preparing to receive a foster placed student, please contact Ivy Mitchell, Foster Care Liaison at 614-365-5012 or send an email to fostercare@columbus.k12.oh.us.