The following scenarios are intended to be used for group practice in applying the processes of Virginia’s implementation of the educational stability components of the Fostering Connections Act.
Scenario 1
Tanya is a second grader. The LDSS just took over care of Tanya as the result of a founded CPS case. Tanya is slightly below grade level in reading and on grade level in mathematics. Tanya says she likes school and names several close friends in her class.
What considerations will you address while looking for a foster care placement for Tanya?
Placement Option 1
You find a relative who can act as Tanya’s foster parent who lives in the neighboring town. The home is 20 minutes from Tanya’s current school. You’ve learned from Tanya’s teacher that Tanya is beginning to progress in her reading as a faster rate and the teacher is pleased with this progress. It is February.
Who should be included in the BID? How might this occur?
Review the BID form and offer LDSS and school division perspectives on what should occur.
What would be a likely BID determination?
Placement Option 2
You have been unable to find a placement in the area. Tanya has an uncle in another part of Virginia who is willing to be the foster parent. He lives 250 miles from Tanya’s current school.You’ve learned from Tanya’s teacher that Tanya is beginning to progress in her reading as a faster rate and the teacher is pleased with this progress. It is February.
Who should be included in the BID? How might this occur?
Review the BID form and offer LDSS and school division perspectives on what should occur.
What would be a likely BID determination?
Scenario 2
James is aseventh grader who has been in foster care for 10 months. He has been living with an aunt, but tensions are rising in the household and there have been several altercations between James and his 2 cousins. His aunt has said she is not sure she can continue caring for James. James has been in his current school for three months. The school reports his attendance has been erratic, he was suspended for fighting last month, and is failing English and Social Studies. James says he has one close friend at school and likes his math teacher.
What considerations will you address while looking for a foster care placement for James?
Placement Option 1
You find a placement with a family on the other side of town who can take James. Children in that part of town usually attend a different middle school. The home is 10 miles from his current school placement.
Who should be included in the BID? How might this occur?
Review the BID form and offer LDSS and school division perspectives on what should occur.
What would be a likely BID determination?
Placement Option 2
You find a placement with a family that is 20 miles from James’s current school placement. The home is in a different school division. You have been unable to find a closer placement.
Who should be included in the BID? How might this occur?
Review the BID form and offer LDSS and school division perspectives on what should occur.
What would be a likely BID determination?
Scenario 3
Alex is a tenth grader with disabilities. He is served under the category of emotional disability. Alex has been in foster care for four years and has had multiple placements. Because of the difficulties Alex has had the family members in his current placement, a residential placement is being considered. Alex’s IEP calls for placement in co-taught classes for English and Mathematics and a resource room placement for one period a day.
What considerations will you address while looking for a foster care placement for Alex?
Placement Option 1
A group home in the neighboring town (same school division) has an opening and has the resources to meet Alex’s needs. The home is 10 miles from his current school placement
Who should be included in the BID? How might this occur?
Review the BID form and offer LDSS and school division perspectives on what should occur.
What would be a likely BID determination?
Placement Option 2
You find a residential placement for Alex that is 25 miles from his current school. It is in a different school division. Frequently, youth attend school on the grounds of the placement.
Who should be included in the BID? How might this occur?
Review the BID form and offer LDSS and school division perspectives on what should occur.
What would be a likely BID determination?