The Department's Educational Stability team works to ensure the enrollment, attendance and opportunity to succeed in school for children and youth in foster care. We collaborate with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) and local school districts to implement the provisions for providing educational stability for students in foster care, as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
For technical assistance, complaints or other questions please contact our Problem Resolution Services staff at 781-338-3700 or compliance@doe.mass.edu .
Chris Pond, DESE Foster Care Point of Contact Email: christine.a.pond@mass.gov
James Morrison, Education Manager Email: james.j.morrison@massmail.state.ma.us
ESSA requires that each school district designate a Foster Care Point of Contact responsible for ensuring the educational stability and rights of students in foster care. Districts should ensure that information about their designated Foster Care Point of Contact is available on the Department's School and District Profiles page through their Directory Administrators.
DCF area office directors will serve as local POCs to work with districts in support of foster care students.
Massachusetts DESE and DCF Joint Guidance Cover Memorandum — January 2018
Massachusetts DESE and DCF Joint Guidance - Educational Stability for Students in Foster Care — January 2018
Massachusetts DESE and DCF Foster Care School Selection Dispute Resolution Process
USED/USHHS Non-Regulatory Guidance: Ensuring Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care — Issued June 2016
Guidance on Homeless and Foster Care Student Data Collection
Guidance on Sharing Educational Records with Social Workers
ESSA: Excerpts Related to Foster Care Enrollment
April 2019 Introduction to a Sample Foster Care Best Interest Determination Worksheet Webinars April 23 and April 29)
February 2018 Foster Care Guidance Webinars (February 6 and February 14)
Additional information about future trainings will be posted here when confirmed.
Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
Sample Best Interest Determination Process and Documentation Worksheet
Last Updated: January 12, 2024
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.