Families in Transition (FIT) Federal Program

Table of Contents What is FIT? Who do I refer to FIT? Why would I refer to FIT? How do I refer to FIT? Helpful Observations Hints for Identifying Homeless Students FIT Staff Contacts

What is FIT? Created in response to the McKinney-Vento Act of Congress, Families in Transition provides children and youth who qualify the right to: Stay in their school even if they have to move around. Enroll in a new school without proof of residency, immunizations, school records, or other papers Receive required transportation support to attend school. Go to pre-school programs Have disagreements with the school settled quickly and with assistance from the liaison  FIT can provide students with school supplies, clothing vouchers, laundry services, and more!

Who do I refer to FIT? Students are eligible for Families in Transition based on their housing status after July 1st of the given school year. The federal guidelines for determining eligibility are as follows: Children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence Such As: Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason. Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, camping grounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations. Living in emergency or transitional shelters. Living in a public or private place not designed for humans to live. Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.

Why would I refer to FIT? Educational Rights of Homeless Students: Students in homeless situations have the right to stay in the school they went to before they lost their housing, or to stay at whatever school they were enrolled in last? The McKinney-Vento Act overrules state and local policies and laws? No law can keep you from enrolling in school. Schools must make sure homeless students get the educational and supplemental services they need to succeed? Youth on their own or unaccompanied youth cannot be kept out of school because they do not have a parent or guardian to enroll them. They can enroll themselves! 

How can you refer a student to FIT? Collect information with great care, respect, and sensitivity Share this confidential information with you school site FIT key contact who will ask the family or unaccompanied youth their permission to refer Have your FIT key contact fill out a referral and send the referral form to one of the FIT contacts listed at the end of this presentation.

How might I observe/identify signs that a student may be experiencing homelessness? Lack of Continuity in Education Attendance at many different schools Lack of records needed for enrollment Gaps in skill development   Poor Health/Nutrition Lack of immunizations or records Unmet medical and dental needs Chronic hunger (may hoard food) Fatigue (may sleep in class) Transportation/Attendance Problems Erratic attendance or tardiness Inability to contact parents Numerous absences Avoidance of field trips Poor Hygiene Wearing same clothes for several days Lack of shower facilities or washers Inconsistent grooming Not Ready for Class Lack of basic school supplies Concern for safety of belongings Incomplete or missing homework Social and Behavioral Cues Changes in behavior ”Old” beyond years Protective of parents/younger siblings Poor/short attention span Poor self-esteem Difficulty or avoidance of making friends Difficulty trusting people Reactions Anger about or embarrassment when asked about current address Statements Mention of staying with grandparents, relatives, friends, or in a motel ”I don’t remember the name of my other school” ”We move around a lot” “Our address is new; I can’t remember it” ”We’re going through a bad time right now”

FIT Contacts FIT Advocate @ your School: K-5, School Nurse, Secretary. Principal 6-12, School Nurse, Secretary, Counselor Deb Price Advoate & Adviser Deb.Price@matsuk12.us Phone: 907-864-2615 Yolanda Thomas Advocate & Adviser Yolanda.Thomas@matsuk12.us Phone: 907-761-4330 Katie Rose Coordinator Federal Programs Kathryn.Rose@matsuk12.us Phone: 907-746-9228