Lancaster School District

Lancaster School District is committed to providing support for the students in foster care in the district.  California’s Foster Youth Bill of Rights (found in Welfare and Institutions Code Section 16001.9), as well as state educational and extended care legislation indicates the following:

School of Origin Stability:  Students in foster care are able to remain in their School of Origin while in foster care.  This means they have the right to stay in the school they were attending right before being placed in foster care.  School of Origin also includes any school they have attended within the past 15 months where they feel a strong connection.  This law ensures educational stability for students in foster care.  

Immediate Enrollment: Students in foster care must be enrolled immediately.  Their enrollment cannot be delayed due to the need for immunizations, proof of residency, academic transcripts, or other educational records.  

AB490 Foster Liaison: Every school district is required to have an AB490 Foster Liaison to bridge the communication between social workers, caregivers, educational rights holders, and schools.  The AB490 Foster Liaison contact information is indicated on this page.

Exemption from Extra Fees: Students in foster care are not required to pay for sports, lab, or extracurricular fees.  This ensures equal access to academic instruction and enrichment activities.  

Absence Protections: Students in foster care will not receive disciplinary action or be counted truant for any absence directly related to court appearances, mandated therapy, or placement changes.  

To learn more about rights provided to foster youth, please refer to the Foster Youth Rights Handbook.