Foster Youth

Foster Youth

Aromas-San Juan Unified School District is committed to supporting students in foster care by promoting stability, access to education, and connections to needed resources.

We work in partnership with caregivers, child welfare agencies, and the San Benito County Office of Education to help ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Who Qualifies?

Students in foster care include those who have been placed in out-of-home care by a child welfare agency. This may include placement with:

• Foster families
• Relative caregivers
• Group homes or short-term residential settings

Educational Rights

Students in foster care have specific rights under California law (including AB 490 and Education Code 48853) to support their educational success. These rights include:

• School stability – the right to remain in their school of origin, when in their best interest
• Immediate enrollment in a new school, even without typically required documents
• Timely transfer of records between schools
• Access to academic supports and extracurricular activities
• Partial credit for coursework when changing schools
• Support from a designated Foster Youth Liaison

Support for Students & Caregivers

Our district provides support to help foster youth stay connected and succeed in school. This may include:

• Assistance with enrollment and school transitions
• Coordination with caregivers and social workers
• Academic support and counseling services
• Referrals to community resources

How to Get Help

If you are a caregiver, student, or service provider supporting a foster youth, please contact the District Foster Youth Liaison, Michelle Dougherty, at mdougherty@asjusd.org. 

Additional Useful Resources:

• California Department of Education – Foster Youth Services
• California Foster Youth Education Task Force