BILL NUMBER: S3988
SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to written notifi-
cation to schools of a student's placement in foster care
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to notify the Principal or designated school
official of the initial school enrollment of a child in foster care.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1: The social services law is amended by adding a new section
405.
Section 2: This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day
after it shall have become a law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
A study done by the NYS Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for
Children shows that children in foster care generally do not perform as
well in school as other children. Quite often, these children must deal
with frequent changes in school placements which lead to delays in
school enrollment, gaps in attendance, and overall poor academic
performance. In addition, the study points out that school success for
children involves more than just academics. School success must also
involve a child's social, emotional, and physical well-being and safety.
Children in foster care are often distracted by worries, fears, and a
sense of loss associated with separation from their family and placement
in foster care. Children who have adult and peer relations in school are
more likely to view their schools as a supportive and safe haven. It is
therefore essential that school officials be notified whenever a child
in foster care enters their school. By notifying designated school offi-
cials about a new student's foster care status, officials will be better
able to manage the needs of children in foster care and ensure that
these children receive the services they need to be healthy and success-
ful individuals.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S5700 -Referred to Children and Families
2021-22: S4750 - Referred to Children and Families
2019-20: S.4597 - Referred to Children and Families
2017-18: S.5727 - Referred to Children and Families
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it
shall have become a law.