HB1746 Summary

• School boards must appoint at least one employee as a liaison to facilitate enrollment and transfer of records for students in Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) custody, with deadline moved from 2017-2018 to 2022-2023 school year.

• Liaison responsibilities include streamlining foster care enrollment, tracking student data, ensuring access to school nutrition programs, coordinating record transfers, and coordinating with child welfare partners.

• School liaisons must inform DCFS Office of Education and Transition Services of parent-teacher conferences and other meetings involving students in DCFS custody, and allow caseworkers to attend at their option.

• School districts must provide DCFS Office of Education and Transition Services copies of student academic progress reports, health notices, school event notices, and calendars upon request, similar to requirements for divorced parents.

• Special education evaluation processes and student record access procedures are amended to include DCFS Office of Education and Transition Services alongside parents in conferences, notifications, and record inspection rights.