(1) Consistent with the provisions for making best interest determinations established in RCW 28A.225.350 and 74.13.560, the department shall provide students who are the subject of a dependency proceeding with the opportunity to remain enrolled in their school of origin, unless the safety of the student is jeopardized, or a relative or other suitable person placement approved by the department is secured for the student, or it is determined not to be in the student's best interest. If the parties in the dependency case disagree regarding which school the student should be enrolled in, the student may remain enrolled in the school of origin until the disagreement is resolved in court, unless the department determines that the student is in immediate danger by remaining enrolled in the school of origin.

(2) Unless otherwise directed by the court, the educational responsibilities of the department for preschool and school-aged students residing in out-of-home care are the following:

(a) To collaboratively discuss and document school placement options and plan necessary school transfers during the family team decision-making meeting;

(b) To notify the receiving school and the school of origin that a youth residing in foster care is transferring schools;

(c) To request and secure missing academic records or medical records required for school enrollment within ten business days;

(d) To document the request and receipt of academic records in the individual service and safety plan;

(e) To pay any unpaid fees or fines due by the student to the school or school district;

(f) To notify all legal parties when a school disruption occurs; and

(g) To document factors that contributed to any school disruptions.

(3) The requirements of the department in subsections (1) and (2) of this section apply also for children who are the subject of a dependency proceeding.

(4) For the purposes of this section, "students who are the subject of a dependency proceeding" means a child or youth who is located in Washington state and the subject of a shelter care or dependency order pursuant to chapter 13.34 RCW.

Effective date—2018 c 139: See note following RCW 28A.225.350.

Findings—2013 c 182: See note following RCW 13.34.030.