Who Is the Educational Liaison?

Every school district must designate a foster youth educational liaison (EC §48853.5(b)). This person is responsible for ensuring that foster youth receive the educational services and supports they are entitled to under California law.

Required Duties

The educational liaison must:

1. Ensure proper enrollment — Facilitate immediate enrollment without delays
2. Assist with school transfers — Ensure records are transferred within 2 business days
3. Monitor school stability — Participate in best interest determinations when placement changes occur
4. Facilitate transportation — Coordinate transportation to the school of origin when needed
5. Ensure partial credits — Verify that foster youth receive appropriate credit for prior coursework
6. Notify of graduation rights — Inform eligible students of AB 167/216 exemptions
7. Track and report data — Monitor academic progress, attendance, and discipline data for foster youth
8. Coordinate with child welfare — Communicate with social workers, caregivers, and CASA volunteers

Coordination with Deans & Counselors

The liaison works closely with school staff to:

• Share information (within confidentiality requirements) about student needs
• Provide training on foster youth rights and best practices
• Resolve disputes about enrollment, credits, or placement
• Connect students with resources — Tutoring, mentoring, mental health services, basic needs

Best Practices

• Build relationships with local child welfare agencies and courts
• Maintain a roster of foster youth at each school (confidentially)
• Conduct regular check-ins with foster youth
• Attend IEP meetings for foster youth with disabilities
• Advocate at the district level for policies and resources supporting foster youth
• Track LCAP goals related to foster youth outcomes