The goal of NDE’s Foster Care program is to provide educational stability for students in foster care. This is done by working with child welfare agencies to allow students to remain in their school of origin and to provide immediate enrollment for students when enrolling in a new school, if they do leave their school of origin. To make this happen, the State Foster Care Liaison ensures that LEAs and child welfare agencies carry out procedures for how transportation for students will be funded, arranged, and provided.

The Foster Care program connects to the STIP and statewide goals by prioritizing academic success, social-emotional development, and life-long learning of students in foster care. The State Foster Care Liaison collaborates with District Liaisons to communicate, problem-solve, and share ideas/best practices. The Liaisons also collaborate with community working groups as part of continuous improvement.

The Foster Care program provides support to one of the most vulnerable student groups in Nevada, by providing guidance to local education agencies on various scenarios that involve students in foster care. The State Foster Care Liaison meets regularly with district liaisons to provide direct support and a forum for districts to brainstorm and share solutions. The State Foster Care Liaison shares, connects, and leverages national resources and relationships to support the work of District Liaisons, as well.