SB 1353 Summary

• Defines "best interests of the child" in education decisions for foster youth to include educational stability and least restrictive educational settings.

• Requires out-of-home placements to prioritize proximity to the child's school of origin and promote educational stability, considering school transfer history and matriculation schedules.

• Adds educational stability as a protected right for foster youth, requiring minimal disruptions to school attendance and establishing procedures to avoid unnecessary mid-year school transfers.

• Mandates health and education summaries be provided to caregivers within 30 days of initial placement and within 48 hours of subsequent placements, including school transfer history and educational progress data.

• Requires case plans to include assurances that placements consider proximity to the child's current school, coordinate with educational agencies to maintain school enrollment, and provide immediate enrollment in new schools when necessary.