FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
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John L. Winn
Commissioner of Education
F. PHILIP HANDY,
Chairman
T. WILLARD FAIR,
Vice Chairman
Members
DONNA G. CALLAWAY
JULIA L. JOHNSON
ROBERTO MARTÍNEZ
PHOEBE RAULERSON
LINDA K. TAYLOR
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Contact Information:
Gria Davison
Bettye Hyle
MEMORANDUM
(850) 922-3727
gdavison@tempest.coedu.usf.edu
TO:
District School Superintendents
bhyle@tempest.coedu.usf.edu
FROM:
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Jeanine Blomberg
K12: 2005-108
DATE:
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August 9, 2005
SUBJECT:
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IMPLEMENTATION OF HB 723 RELATING TO EDUCATION OF
CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE
The purpose of this memorandum is to ensure understanding and compliance of the requirements
related to House Bill (HB) 723, passed by the 2004 Legislature, creating section 39.0016,
Education of abused, neglected, and abandoned children
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S
tudent records and reports; rights of parents and students; notification; penalty.--,
Florida
Statutes, regarding the education of children in foster care. Implementation of these
requirements supports the Department’s goal of providing “Quality Efficient Services” and
increases the quantity and improves the quality of educational outcomes. To view the bill text in
its entirety, see attached Chapter 2004-356, Laws of Florida.
This bill, which was subsequently approved by the Governor and became effective July 1, 2004,
requires an interagency agreement between the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and
the Department of Education (DOE) designed to provide educational access for the purpose of
facilitating the delivery of services or programs to children who are in foster care. The attached
state level agreement must be designed to avoid duplication of services or programs. DCF is
also required to enter into agreements with local district school boards regarding education and
related services for children in foster care. The attached Broward County document is an
example of a local interagency agreement and is provided for your review.
JEANINE BLOMBERG
CHIEF OF STAFF
325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 1514 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-9663 • www.fldoe.org
District School Superintendents
August 9, 2005
Page Two
The legislation stipulates that the provisions outlined establish goals, not rights, and that this
section of law does not require the expenditure of funds to meet these goals except funds
specifically appropriated for such purpose.
School district liaisons and DCF district liaisons have been identified to serve as local contact
persons for the implementation of these requirements. (See attached School District Liaisons
List and DCF District Liaisons List.) We encourage your collaboration with DCF to facilitate
the completion of your local interagency agreement and to ensure the provision of services as
required. DOE and DCF staff will continue to coordinate efforts in developing technical
assistance and related materials to assist efforts at the local level.
A DOE Resource Packet/Tool Kit for each school district liaison is forthcoming. Upon receipt
of the Resource Packet, we encourage school district liaisons to meet with their respective DCF
liaison to review and share this information as appropriate. In addition, a series of quarterly
conference calls will be scheduled with school district liaisons to provide the opportunity to
discuss issues related to implementation, ask questions, and identify anticipated technical
assistance needs to assist local efforts.
Please direct questions or comments via email to Bettye Hyle at bhyle@tempest.coedu.usf.edu,
or Gria Davison at gdavison@termpest.coedu.usf.edu, or by telephone at 850-922-3727.
JB/gdm
Attachments:
Chapter 2004-356, Laws of Florida
DOE/DCF/AWI Interagency Agreement
Broward County Public Schools/DCF Local Interagency Agreement (Example Copy)
School District Liaisons List
DCF District Liaisons List
cc:
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Student Services Directors
Exceptional Student Education Directors
School District Liaisons for Foster Care Education and Related Services
DCF District Liaisons for Foster Care Education
Gay Frizzell, Department of Children and Families