HB 3010, to allow foster children in need to access scholarships of up to $10,000 to attend a private school
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Key Findings
- HB 3010 would create a state-funded educational scholarship program for needy foster children.
- Currently, state lawmakers generally bar foster children from accessing services provided by private schools, even when that would be in the best interest of the child.
- Washington has about 10,000 children in foster care. About 2,167 of these children have no home to return to and are awaiting adoption.
- Foster children’s education is often disrupted by changing residences, changing schools, lack of stable adult relationships, and being assigned to a low-performing school.
- Spending public money in private schools is common. A number of state programs already direct public funds for special education and for children needing a supportive learning environment.
- HB 3010 would allow foster children to access up to $10,000 to use for education at a private a school, with the approval of a state social worker.
- HB 3010 would serve the public interest by ensuring that all children have access to stability, learning consistency and personalized care that meets their educational needs.
Choice scholarships would serve the public interest by reducing costs and securing a better future for foster children
Introduction
HB 3010, introduced in 2018 by Rep. Paul Graves and seven co-sponsors, would create a state-funded educational scholarship program for needy foster children. This bill would provide needy children and youth in foster care the choice of attending a private school, if a state caseworker finds the scholarship would serve the best interests of the child.
Currently, state lawmakers generally bar foster children and foster youth from accessing services provided by private schools, even in cases when such services would be in the best educational interests of the child.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) classifies foster children as having especially severe health and education needs:
“Overall, 30% to 80% of children come into foster care with at least 1 medical problem, and one-third have a chronic medical condition.
“Children in foster care are more likely to change schools during the school year, be in special education, and have a history of grade retention. Adolescents in foster care have poor educational outcomes: high school dropout rates are nearly 3 times higher than those among other low-income children, and just over 50% graduate from high school, many with an equivalency diploma.
“Overall, 6% of foster care alumni have at least some college education, but only 1% to 2% graduate with a 4-year degree.”
This Legislative Memo summarizes the provisions and policy goals of HB 3010, assesses its public benefits, and examines how this proposed policy change would benefit foster children and serve the public interest by increasing educational opportunities and protecting some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Download the full Legislative Memo