This Texas Supreme Court Children's Commission Tool Kit (2024) provides a checklist with information on how the court can better “engage youth” as a best practice, generally, and regarding school, specifically, at statutory hearings. (p. 87) Under well-being issues, education and educational decisions are addressed. Id. There is also a section on Child’s Attorney Issues, which addresses school placement and school success, postsecondary education, and special education. (p. 130) It includes specific questions to ask the youth (and relevant foster care and education contacts) regarding school, academic classes, extracurricular activities, transportation, challenges, supports, and “a personal graduation plan.” Id.

This ABA factsheet (2019) provides tips on how attorneys can meaningfully engage youth in foster care case planning and court hearings. The information is based on the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Brain Frames resources, which utilize adolescent brain research to help child welfare professionals create positive interactions with youth in foster care. It is essential for attorneys to listen to what youth want in order to support school stability, youth-driven case planning and decision making, and advocacy regarding academic services and extracurricular activities. Moreover, attorneys should educate their youth clients about extended foster care, high school graduation, and post-secondary opportunities. 

This Child Welfare Information Gateway factsheet (2021) provides information about how youth can engage with the child welfare system and advocate for themselves and others. It includes specific suggestions for active youth engagement and participation in case planning, including educational aspects. Youth are encouraged to set expectations and build a relationship with their caseworker, as well as collect contact information from all planning team members. Youth can ask for what they need or want to know, request options, write letters, help set meeting agendas, make their case plan personal, utilize their support network, attend court hearings, ask for legal documents, and create a transition plan. (See pages 4-6.)

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