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Student and Family Support (SFS)

Educational Stability for Students in Foster Care

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).

State-level Contacts

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

District/Local DCF Foster Care Point of Contact Lists

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.

Guidance

Regulations and Laws

Trainings, Meetings & Orientations

Additional information about future trainings will be posted here when confirmed.

Related Resources

Last Updated: January 26, 2024

 
Contact Us

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149

Voice: (781) 338-3000
TTY: (800) 439-2370

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