Senate OKs Kallman bill establishing educational teams for children in DCYF care
STATE HOUSE – The Senate yesterday approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Meghan E. Kallman to entitle children in Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) care to a team of educational advocates who will ensure the child’s educational success.
The legislation (2022-S 2545) establishes that each child shall be provided a team of educational advocates who would be required to meet regularly to ensure the success of the child’s educational planning.
“Children in DCYF care absolutely need and deserve ongoing, consistent attention to and communication about their educational needs. This bill is intended to connect every adult who has a hand in their education to help ensure that the child’s success in school is never allowed to fall through the cracks,” said Senator Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence).
The team would include the child’s DCYF caseworker, the principal of his or her school or a representative, the child’s teacher, legal counsel for the school district, the child’s clinician, and educational advocate for the child to be appointed by DCYF, the child’s guardian ad litem, the child’s parent, a court-appointed special advocate for the child if there is one, and the child, when the team determines he or she should attend.
The bill now goes to the House of Representatives.
