Foster & Homeless Services

Every child deserves stability, safety, and a school that is in their corner — no matter their living situation. FBUSD is committed to ensuring that students experiencing foster care placement or housing instability have full access to their education, the support of caring adults, and the resources they need to succeed.

If your family is going through a difficult time, please reach out. We are here to help — without judgment.

Our Liaison

FBUSD has a designated liaison who serves as the primary point of contact for foster youth and students experiencing homelessness. The liaison works directly with students, families, and school staff to remove barriers to enrollment, ensure continuity of education, and connect families to community resources.

Carolyn Carine, J.D. & M.Ed.
Director of Special Programs - Foster/Homeless Youth Liaison
ccarine@fbusd.us
(707) 961-2850

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for support, please reach out anyway. Our liaison is here to help you figure out next steps.

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Services for Students in Foster Care
Services for Students Experiencing Homelessness

Services for Students in Foster Care

Students who are in foster care face unique challenges that can disrupt their schooling — including school changes, placement transitions, and the emotional toll of navigating the child welfare system. FBUSD is committed to protecting the educational stability of every foster youth.

Foster youth at FBUSD have the right to:

Immediate enrollment — Foster youth can enroll in school immediately, even without the records normally required, such as immunization records or proof of residency.
School stability — Students may remain in their school of origin when it is in their best interest, even if they move to a new placement outside the school's attendance area.
Transportation — FBUSD will work to provide or arrange transportation to support school stability.
Partial credit — Students who transfer schools will receive partial credit for coursework completed at their previous school.
Priority enrollment — Foster youth receive priority enrollment in FBUSD programs, including after school programs.
Designated support — Every foster youth is assigned an educational liaison who serves as their advocate and point of contact.

Services for Students Experiencing Homelessness

Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and California state law, students experiencing homelessness have guaranteed rights to enroll in and attend school — and FBUSD is committed to upholding those rights fully.

Who qualifies?

Students may qualify for homeless education services if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes students and families who are:

Staying in a shelter, motel, or campground due to lack of housing
Doubled up — sharing the housing of others due to economic hardship or loss of housing
Living in a car, park, abandoned building, or other place not meant for sleeping
Living in transitional or emergency housing

You do not need to be living on the street to qualify. If your family is in an unstable housing situation, please contact our liaison.
Students experiencing homelessness have the right to:

Immediate enrollment — without needing to provide proof of residency, immunization records, birth certificates, or other documents typically required for enrollment
School of origin — students may continue attending the school they were enrolled in before losing housing, even if they have moved away from that area
Free transportation — to their school of origin or a new school, whichever is in the student's best interest
Free meals — students experiencing homelessness automatically qualify for free school meals
Equal access to all school programs, activities, and services — including special education, counseling, extracurriculars, and after school programs
Privacy — a student's homeless status is kept confidential

Additional Resources

McKinney-Vento Eligibility Questionnaire - English
McKinney-Vento Eligibility Questionnaire - Spanish
Resources for Homeless Children and Youth — CA Department of Education
Information on student rights, enrollment, and support for families experiencing homelessness in California
Family Resources
Additional community resources available to FBUSD families

Contact Information for Homeless Education

Blythe Post
(707) 467-5104
bpost@mcoe.us

Contact Us

FBUSD District Office
312 S. Lincoln St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 961-2850

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