The Roosevelt County Human Services Department (HSD) takes 10-year-old Corey Sanders into physical custody on October 24. Jeanne Carter, the primary caseworker, searches diligently for a relative or a foster home in Corey’s own school district that would be a good match for Corey, but she cannot find a relative or a home with an opening. She finds a foster home in the neighboring school district, takes Corey to the home and initiates court proceedings.

At the same time, Jeanne gives the principal of Prairie View Elementary, Corey’s school, a consent for disclosure of school records signed by Mr. Sanders, Corey’s father, and requests information that will help her make a judgment about the appropriateness of Corey’s current educational setting and a determination as to whether Corey’s best interests will be served if he changes schools.

The principal assigns Corey’s teacher, Sally Fischer, and the school counselor, Ben Rhodes, to meet with Jeanne Carter, and the three of them discuss Corey’s situation. They take into account his academic progress, level of engagement in school and social connection to the school.

Jeanne Carter also talks with Corey, who tells her he likes Ms. Fischer a lot and is clearly very upset by the idea of changing schools.

Jeanne concurs that it is not in Corey’s best interests to transfer schools: he is doing well, is engaged in the school community and is supported in a variety of ways at Prairie View.