FF(LEGAL) - STUDENT WELFARE

Liaison for Students Who Are or Were in Foster Care

Each institution of higher education, including each college district, shall designate at least one employee of the institution to act as a liaison officer for current and incoming students at the institution who are or were formerly in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The liaison officer shall provide to the students information regarding support services and other resources available to the students at the institution and any other relevant information to assist the students. Education Code 51.9356(a)–(b), (d)

Identifying Qualified Students

To the extent allowed by state or federal law, the institution shall identify those students from information provided to the institution in admission or financial aid applications or other available resources. Each semester or other academic term, an institution of higher education shall provide to the institution's liaison officer the names of and information regarding the students. Education Code 51.9356(b)–(c)

Dissemination of Information

Each institution of higher education shall publicize, including through the institution's internet website, social media, electronic mail, or other means of communication used by the institution:

  1. The name of and contact information for the institution's liaison officer; and
  2. Information regarding support services and other resources available at the institution to the students.

Education Code 51.9356(f)

Liaison Training

The liaison officer may participate in any training that enables the officer to carry out the officer's duties and coordinate with liaison officers at other educational institutions. Education Code 51.9356(e)

Support Services Liaison

Each institution of higher education, including each college district, shall designate at least one employee of the institution to act as a liaison officer for current or incoming students at the institution. An institution of higher education may designate the same employee to act as liaison officer as the employee designated under Education Code 51.9356 to act as liaison officer for current and incoming students at the institution who were formerly in the conservatorship of DFPS. Education Code 51.9358(b)–(c)

Dissemination of Information

The liaison officer shall provide to the students comprehensive information regarding support services and other resources available to the students, including:

  1. Resources to access medical and behavioral health coverage and services and public benefit programs, including programs related to food security, affordable housing, and housing subsidies;
  2. Public benefit program case management assistance and counseling;
  3. Parenting and child-care resources;
  4. Employment assistance;
  5. Financial counseling and tax preparation assistance;
  6. Transportation assistance;
  7. Student academic success strategies; and
  8. Any other resources developed by the institution to assist the students.

Education Code 51.9358(b)

Texarkana College

FF(LEGAL)-LJC

UPDATE 38

DATE ISSUED: 5/22/2020