Who Are Children Experiencing Homelessness?

Legal Basis McKinney-Vento Act (education subtitle) –42 U.S.C. § et seq. Homeless definition –42 U.S. C. § 11434a et seq. A copy of the law & USED Guidance:

Homeless Definition Lacks a fixed, regular, & adequate nighttime residence Includes: Doubled-up Motels, hotels, trailer parks, campgrounds Emergency or transitional shelters Abandoned in hospitals Awaiting foster care

Homeless Definition Public places not meant for habitation Cars, parks, bus or train stations Abandoned buildings, substandard housing Migratory children in above situations Unaccompanied youth in above situations

Liaisons Must Post notice of rights –Where students receive services Ensure students are identified –Through coordination with school personnel & community agencies –For services within the school program & community

Team Effort Enrollment Staff Student Services Staff Teachers Special Education Personnel Truancy/Attendance Officers Transportation Staff Cafeteria Staff

Team Effort Shelters Soup Kitchens & Food Banks Transitional Living Programs Street Outreach Teams & Drop-in Centers Community Action Agencies Welfare & Housing Departments Homeless Coalitions/Continuums of Care (CoCs) Public Health Departments Faith-based Organizations Low-cost Motels

Common Signs: Academic Attendance at many different schools Lack of personal records needed to enroll Inability to pay fees Gaps in skill development Mistaken diagnosis of abilities Poor organizational skills Poor ability to conceptualize

Common Signs: Health Lack of immunizations or immuniza­tion records Unmet medical & dental needs Increased vulnerability to colds & flu Sleeping in class

Common Signs: Attendance Erratic attendance & tardiness Numerous absences Lack of participation in after-school activities Absences on days when students bring treats or special projects are due

Common Signs: Space Issues Lack of shower facilities, washers, etc. Wearing same clothes for several days Inconsistent grooming Consistent lack of preparation for school Incomplete or missing homework Unable to complete special projects

Common Signs: Behavioral Refuse invitations from classmates Constantly lose supplies, homework Worry about safety of possessions Parents avoid school Parentification Anxiety late in the school day or year Marked change in behavior Difficulty trusting

Enrollment Questionnaires Can be used to screen for eligibility May be incorporated into eligibility questionnaires for multiple programs Any that suggest homelessness can be directed to the liaison center.serve.org/nche/downloads/toolkit2/app3a.docx

Other Enrollment Tips Keep a list of shelters & low cost motels near the registration desk that can be discreetly checked against enrollment forms Host cooperative enrollment events with Head Start & other similar community agencies Provide information during Kindergarten enrollment

Tips: Beyond Enrollment Provide regular trainings on recognizing common signs Involve school personnel & community agencies in the identification process Make personal contacts with staff at motels, low-cost health facili­ties, police stations, & other public ser­vice facilities

Tips: Beyond Enrollment Assist with attendance reviews Engage youth in awareness activities Review mailing labels & transportation logs Use the district website

Tips: Youth Administer surveys to youth Accept referrals from other students Provide outreach to areas where students might congregate Incorporate homelessness into lessons Hold a school convocation on homelessness

General Tips Keep an eye out for social cues Offer to talk to families privately Avoid the “H” word Get to the concern beyond the stigma Tailor information to audience Consider MOUs, release forms, newsletters

Additional Considerations Homelessness can last a day or many years. Identifying a student as homeless is not the same as making a school placement determination. Transportation services must be offered to homeless students.

Additional Considerations Extra-curricular transportation must be comparable to what is offered to other students. Unaccompanied homeless youth are a legally recognized subpopulation with full rights under the law. Districts & states are required to revise & remove barriers for homeless students.

Additional Considerations In addition to general enrollment, students have the right to: Title I services Free school meals Vocational education Special education Early childhood education Any other program offered by the district, such as alternative education

NCHE Resources Identifying Students in Homeless Situations center.serve.org/nche/downloads/briefs/identification.pdf Determining Eligibility center.serve.org/nche/downloads/briefs/det_elig.pdf Chapter 3 of the Liaison Toolkit center.serve.org/nche/downloads/toolkit2/ch3.pdf

For More Information NCHE Website  NCHE Helpline  or Kenya Haynes, State Coordinator  or