Frequently Asked Questions

 Caregivers should first work with the special education coordinator at the child’s school to discuss what services are in place and if any revisions need to be made. If a school continues to be noncompliant, the caregiver can request that the DCS specialist or therapist refer the child for services through Raising Special Kids.

You can also contact the Arizona Department of Education for information and support to ensure that Arizona schools are following special education laws.

The Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education can provide assistance to caregivers if they request it.

Children in foster care are automatically qualify for free breakfast and lunch at schools where breakfast and lunch are provided. 

DCS provides you with an educational allowance up to $82.50 per year to cover books, supplies, course fees, etc. You can request the allowance from you DCS specialist.

Many schools and non-profit organizations across the state hold annual backpack and school supply drives at the beginning of the school year. Please check with your local school district for information.

Foster youth who are graduating can be reimbursed up to $220 for graduation-related expenses. You can inquire with the child's specialist for more information.

Arizona Friends of Foster Care Foundation (AFFCF) also assists with graduation expenses. You can apply for a grant for the child https://www.affcf.org/ (link is external).

Most students who are in foster care, aged out of foster care or were adopted from foster care after reaching age 13 should qualifiy for a full Pell Grant after filling out the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid. The amount of aid a student can receive depends on financial need, the cost of attendance at your school, and other factors.

The Arizona Tuition Waiver is available to youth who were in foster care after their 14th birthday. This waiver covers costs after the Pell Grant is applied. To obtain this waiver, you can contact the financial aid office of the Arizona university or college the student plans to attend.

EveryoneOn's Connect2Compete (C2C)program offers affordable computers to low-income populations. Your local internet provider may offer low-cost internet services as well. You can visit:

• https://www.everyoneon.org/ (link is external) for more information

Broadband Now has a guide that covers low-cost or free internet service options for households with low-income or fixed-incomes. You can visit:

• https://broadbandnow.com/guides/low-income-internet (link is external) for more information