03/04 - What Csws Need to Include in Court Reports Regarding a Child's Education

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WHAT CSWs NEED TO INCLUDE IN COURT REPORTS REGARDING A CHILD’S EDUCATION

The Court and DCFS have joined other agencies to work collaboratively to ensure stable school placement and meaningful opportunities for foster children to meet state academic achievement standards to which all students are held. In light of this, the Dependency Court Judges will be asking numerous questions regarding a child’s education at every hearing. The following information should be clearly detailed in all Jurisdictional/Disposition, all types of Status Review, and WIC 366.26 hearing reports (a simple yes or no to a question is not sufficient):

 The Court will inquire at each regular hearing for all children:  Is the child in school?  Is the child attending daily / all classes?  Does the child have basic literacy skills?  What is the academic improvement in the past 6 months?  Does the child have a place to do homework daily? Who helps?  Is the child participating in extra curricular activities?  Has the child experienced suspension, expulsion, or an involuntary transfer?  Does the child have a library card?

 Rationale for transferring the child from the school of origin.

 Rationale for child transferring to or remaining in a nonpublic school (NPS).

 Identify who has educational rights?  Provide explanations for: Who has educational rights?

 If information related to the Judge’s checklist is not available, provide an explanation of the efforts made to obtain the information.

 Attach the current school records for grades, attendance, and an IEP or 504 Plan (if appropriate). ISSUE NO: 04-10 DATE: 03/04 Revisions for the Procedural Guide regarding court reports and education are forth coming.

If you have any questions regarding this release please e-mail your question to:

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