1. McKinney –Vento Act: “Anchoring Children and Youth Who Are Homeless”
Sonja House, MSW, Supervisor –Foster/Homeless Educational Services
September 23, 2016

2. McKinney–Vento Act Key Provisions
Immediate enrollment without documents
School stability
Transportation to school of origin
Eliminate barriers
Unaccompanied youth=immediate enrollment
Non judgment
No discrimination
District Liaison assigned to every school district
Dispute Resolution Process
Technical support to Districts countywide (specific to SCCOE)

3. Anchoring Pertaining to McKinney-Vento Law
Immediate enrollment
Ensure school policies and procedures are fair
Resource Referrals
Communicate with sensitivity and understanding
Create a safe, confidential environment
Address the social-emotional needs
Support families to remove barriers
Provide ongoing support to districts

4. District Liaison Responsibilities
Every school district must designate a liaison for students in homeless situations
Ensure students are identified, enrolled, and have full opportunity to succeed in school
Link with educational services, including preschool, post-secondary education and health services
Inform parents, guardians and youth of education, transportation and parent involvement opportunities
Post public notice of educational rights
Resolve disputes

5. McKinney-Vento Law Services
Service to Students
Service to Districts
School supplies
VTA bus passes
Uniforms/clothing for school
Tutoring
Resource referrals
Link to community services
Student Advocacy
Parent Engagement
Train, Inform and Educate
Technical Support
Professional Development
Legislative Updates
Quarterly meetings
Implementation of laws
Conflict Resolution
Student Advocacy
Link to community services

6. McKinney-Vento Act-Eligibility Requirements
Any student who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence . Includes:
Shared housing due to loss of housing or economic hardships
Living in an unstable environment such as cars, parks, sub-standard housing, hotels or motels
Primary night-time residence is a public or private place not designed for regular sleeping accommodations for a human being
Students awaiting foster care placement
Migratory children living in the above circumstances

7. Collaborative Partners
School Districts
Service Provider Network (SPN)
Second Harvest Food Bank
K to College Agency
County of Santa Clara-Office of Supportive Housing
City of San Jose-Homelessness Response Team
Opportunity Youth Program
My New Red Shoes
Stand Up for Kids
The Village

8. Important Take -A-Ways
Districts: Enroll children and youth experiencing homelessness immediately! If you turn away a child or youth, you may be sending them into a dangerous situation and breaking the law. Community, Districts, Agencies: Safety first! Sensitivity is critical! Confidentiality is your legal obligation and essential! We all play a pivotal role in keeping children and youth safe!

9. National Resources
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
National Center on Homeless Education
National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty
National Network for Youth

10. SCCOE Contact Information
Supervisor-Foster Youth and Homeless Educational Services
Sonja House, MSW
Homeless Youth Specialist
Darius Brown
State Coordinator
Leanne Wheeler

11. Is the decision you made in the “best interest” of the child or youth
Is the decision you made in the “best interest” of the child or youth? Thank you !