The caseworker is responsible for requesting a child’s records from the former school or preschool program within five days after DCFS has assumed custody of the child. According to the Illinois School Code, the former school has 10 days after receipt of the request to send the child’s school record to the new school. If the child is receiving special education services, the caseworker must also see that the child’s most recent Individualized Educational Program (IEP) is made available to the new school.

Caregivers will need to obtain the following minimum information from the caseworker in order to enroll their foster child within two days of placement:

• DCFS 906 form;  
• certified copy of the child’s birth certificate; 
• transcript from former school; 
• ISBE Student Transfer form from previous school; 
• immunization records; 
• proof of dental and vision exams; 
• a copy of IEP if child is in special education; and 
• a copy of the medical card.

Addressing Adjustment/Emotional Problems Early 

When a child is having difficulty adjusting within your family or at school, problems can occur in attendance, schoolwork or homework, or behavior at school. Don’t wait! Request assessments for the youth from the caseworker if the child’s adjustment or emotional problems appear to be causing him/her any type of problem at school.

Section 6, Page 15