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
    .--, and amending section 1002.22,
    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

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