1. The McKinney-Vento Act: Knowing and Implementing the Law
Alleghany County Schools
April 7, 2017
Patricia Lentz, Program Specialist
NC Homeless Education Program
Federal Program Monitoring and Support Division with NCDPI

2. NC Homeless Education Program
NCHEP ensures that all children and youth experiencing homelessness have access to the public education to which they are entitled to under the Federal McKinney-Vento Act.
NCHEP ensures that North Carolina's state policies are in compliance with federal law.
NCHEP oversees all programmatic aspects of the state homeless education program while DPI oversees the fiscal components of the program.
NCHEP reports to NCDPI.
NCHEP is part of the Federal Program and Monitoring Support Division.
LEA: Local Education Agency
In NC charter schools are also considered an LEA.

3. NCHEP Main Responsibilities
Provide technical assistance to LEAs and charter schools on homeless education
Monitor all LEA and charter school homeless education programs for compliance with the McKinney-Vento Act
Host compliance meetings and trainings for homeless liaisons and other school personnel
Handle disputes on enrollment and services provided to homeless students
Collaborate activities for compliance with the Regional Title I Administrators

4. How many students experience homelessness?
Public schools identified 1.2 million McKinney-Vento students in the 2014–2015 school year (SY).
From the SY to SY timeframe:
Identifications increased by 3.5%.
Twenty-one states saw a 10% increase in identifications, with only 5 states seeing a decrease of 10% or more.
Use of hotels/motels increased by almost 19%.
Unaccompanied homeless youth identifications rose by 21%.
In 23 states unaccompanied homeless youth make up % or more of identifications annually.
NCHE, “Federal Data Summary School Years to ,” located at

5. North Carolina Homeless Data
SCHOOL YEAR
STUDENTS IDENTIFIED IN NC GRADES K-12 SY
25,694 SY
27,802 SY
27,369 SY
26,923 SY
26,636 SY
27,000 expected
Between SY and the SY, identifications rose from 12,659 to 18,815.

6. Prosperity Zones SY
North Central Region: 23.31% - 2nd in state for identifications

7. Grade Level Data for 2014-2015 SY
Age/Grade (All)
# Unique Students
Percent of Total Students Reported 1
2479
9.31% 2
2302
8.64% 3
2209
8.29% 4
2037
7.65% 5
1933
7.26% 6
1946
7.31% 7
1926
7.23% 8
1890
7.10% 9
2165
8.13% 10
1603
6.02% 11
1395
5.24% 12
1747
6.56% 13 23
0.09%
3 to 5 Not K
420
1.58%
Kindergarten
2559
9.61%
Ungraded
0.01%
TOTAL**
26636
Lowest # id is high school grades b/t % per grade level =25.95%
19,891 Doubled up students
1,503 Homeless Students that graduated
2,559 Kindergarteners
2,610 Unaccompanied homeless (10% of homeless student pop)
4,618 Students with a disability
1,559 Students Limited English Proficient

8. Causes of Homelessness
Lack of affordable housing
Poverty
Increase in low v. middle wage employment
Health problems
Lack of health insurance
Addiction disorders, Mental health
Domestic violence
Natural and other disasters
Abuse/neglect/family dysfunction (unaccompanied youth)
Resource:
NCHE “Common Signs of Homelessness,” within the “Homeless Liaison Toolkit,” Appendix 12.B, located at

9. Impacts of Homelessness on Children and Youth
Higher incidences of acute and chronic illnesses, depression and anxiety.
Homelessness in early childhood is associated with poor classroom engagement and poor social skills in early elementary school.
The achievement gaps between homeless and low-income elementary students tend to persist, and may even worsen, over time.
A youth who experiences homelessness is 87% more likely to drop out of school.

10. Barriers to Education for Homeless Children and Youth
Poor health, fatigue, hunger
Emotional trauma, depression, anxiety
Stereotypes and lack of awareness
Under-identification
High mobility resulting in lack of school stability and educational continuity
Enrollment requirements (school records, health records, proof of residence, guardianship)
Lack of transportation
Lack of school supplies, clothing, etc.

11. Brief History of the McKinney-Vento Act
Brief History of the McKinney-Vento Act
1987
The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act is signed into law, requiring states to review and revise residency requirements for the enrollment of homeless children and youth.
1990
The McKinney Act is amended, requiring states to eliminate all enrollment barriers, and provide school access and support for academic success for students experiencing homelessness; McKinney funds may now be used to provide direct educational services for eligible students.
1994
The education portion of the McKinney Act is included in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), adding preschool services, greater parental input, and emphasis on interagency collaboration.
2002
The Act is reauthorized as the McKinney-Vento Act (Title X, Part C of ESEA), strengthening legislative requirements and requiring all school districts to appoint a local liaison to ensure the law is implemented effectively at the local level.
2015
Reauthorized in 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Works hand-in-hand with Title IA and other federal education programs. $85 million authorized funding to SEAs. Largest percentage increase of all federal education programs. Program implementation October 1, 2016.
Stewart B. McKinney – Republican
Bruce Vento – Democrat
More details on the history of the Act can be found in the NCHE Homeless Liaison Toolkit, Appendix 1.A, located at

12. Federal Law
The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law designed to increase the school enrollment, attendance, and success of children and youth who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.

13. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Main themes of the Act:
Identification
School access / enrollment
School stability
Support for academic success
Child-centered, best interest decision making
Subgrant requirements
Role of the local homeless liaison

14. Definition of Homelessness
Individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
Fixed residence: is one that is stationary, permanent and not subject to change.
Regular residence: is one that is used on a regular basis (i.e. nightly)
Adequate residence: is one that is sufficient for meeting both the physical and psychological needs typically met in home environments.
If a living situation does not meet all 3 (fixed, regular and adequate) then the situation is considered homeless.
Decisions should be made on a case-by-case determination.

15. Definition continued…
Sharing a home due to loss of housing
Sharing a home due to economic hardship
Living in motels / hotels
Living in trailer parks
Living in a shelter
Abandoned in hospitals
Children awaiting a foster care placement until 12/10/16
Living in cars
Living in parks
Living in camp grounds
Living in abandoned buildings
Living in substandard housing
Living under bridges
Living at bus/train stations
Migratory children
Unaccompanied homeless youth
DEFINITION
For more complete verbiage on who qualifies as McKinney-Vento, reference may be made to Section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Act located at:
SUBSTANDARD HOUSING
Section 725(2) of the McKinney Vento Act defines “homeless children and youths” as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The term includes – …..
Children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and….
This information is also provided in the US ED Non-Regulatory Guidance document updated March 2017 within Question A-1. This document can be located at: f.

16. “Substandard Housing”
Housing standards may vary by locality
Considerations:
Does the housing lack one of the fundamental utilities such as water, electricity, or heat?
Is the housing infested with vermin or mold?
Does the housing lack a basic functional part such as working kitchen or a working toilet?
Does the housing present unreasonable dangers to adults, children or persons with disabilities?
Each city, county or state may have its own housing codes that further define what may be deemed substandard housing
EHCY Non-Regulatory Guidance, Question A-3 (Available at:
Question A-3: Non-Regulatory Guidance, July 2016 excerpt:
“The inclusion of substandard housing in the definition of homeless children and youths has caused some confusion because standards of adequate housing may vary by locality. In determining whether a child or youth is living in ‘substandard housing,’ an LEA may consider whether the setting in which the family, child, or youth is living lacks one of the fundamental utilities such as water, electricity, or heat; is infested with vermin or mold; lacks a basic functional part such as a working kitchen or a working toilet; or may present unreasonable dangers to adults, children, or persons with disabilities. Each city, county, or State may have its own housing codes that further define the kind of housing that may be deemed substandard.”
URL to Non-Regulatory Guidance.: f.
NC examples found in NC General Statutes (as handout for today’s session).

17. Considerations for Determining Eligibility
Can the student go to the SAME PLACE (fixed) EVERY NIGHT (regular) to sleep in a SAFE AND SUFFICIENT SPACE (adequate)?
To answer….
Step 1: Get the facts
Step 2: Analyze the facts
Does the living situation fit into one of the specific examples of homelessness listed in the law?
Does the living situation fit another type of situation that is not fixed, regular, and adequate?
Step 3: Call district liaison for back-up if you’re not sure of your decision

18. Determining Eligibility
Case-by-case determination.
Get as much information as possible (with sensitivity and discretion).
Look at the MV definition (specific examples in the definition first, then overall definition).
Shared housing considerations:
Where would you go if you couldn’t stay here?
What led you to move in to this situation?
NCHE’s Determining Eligibility brief is available at:

19. Identification Strategies
Avoid using the word "homeless” with school personnel, families, or youth.
Provide awareness activities for school staff (registrars, secretaries, counselors, nurses, teachers, tutors, bus drivers, security officers, drop out prevention specialists, attendance officers, administrators, etc.).
Post outreach materials and posters in all schools and where there is a frequent influx of low-income families and youth in high-risk situations, including motels, campgrounds, libraries, health center, youth services.
NCHEP posters are required in North Carolina.

20. Identification Strategies (cont.)
Coordinate with community service agencies, such as shelters, soup kitchens, law enforcement, legal aid, public assistance and housing agencies, mental health agencies and public health departments.
Coordinate with youth-serving agencies, such as drop-in centers, street outreach, child welfare, juvenile courts, teen parent programs, LGBTQ youth organizations.
Make special efforts to identify preschool children, including asking about siblings of school-aged children.
Use enrollment and withdrawal forms to inquire about living situations.

21. Determining Eligibility: “Doubled-Up”
McKinney-Vento defines “doubled-up” as
“sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason.”
Considerations:
Why did the family move in together? Due to a crisis or by mutual choice as a plan for mutual benefit?
Where would the family live if they weren’t doubled-up?
How permanent is the living arrangement intended to be?
Is the living arrangement fixed, regular, and adequate?
Other questions…
Resource:
NCHE brief, “Determining Eligibility for Rights and Services Under McKinney-Vento Act,” located at

22. North Carolina Homeless Primary Residency 2014-2015 SY
Most LEAs across the country see that about 75% of all cases identified in any given school year have a nighttime residency of “doubled up.”

23. Determining Eligibility: Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
Unaccompanied Youth
Any student not living in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian
Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
Any student not living in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian
Plus….
Meets the definition of homeless
Resources:
NCHE briefs:
“When Legal Guardian Are Not Present; Enrolling Students on Their Own”
“Supporting the Education of Unaccompanied Homeless Students”
Both available from the NCHE briefs page located at
NCHE, “Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Eligibility Flowchart”
Available within the “Homeless Liaison Toolkit,” Appendix 9.A (
Eligibility for McKinney-Vento is based on whether the living situation is fixed, regular, and adequate
No lower age limit, upper age limit is school age defined by the state. For NC the upper age is 21.
No citizenship requirement (Plyler v. Doe)

24. Unaccompanied Homeless Youth in NC
SCHOOL YEAR
STUDENT COUNT SY
2677 SY
2355 SY
2610

25. Unaccompanied Homeless Youth… “On Their Own”
Family conflict or crisis
Parental incarceration, substance abuse, illness, death, etc.
Foster care issues: aging out of the foster care system; running away from a foster care placement
Family homelessness
Being asked to leave the home
Choosing to leave home on their own
Abandoned by family

26. Unaccompanied Homeless Youth…
Special Provisions
Unaccompanied homeless youth do not need a parent/guardian to enroll or have access to services
Local liaison must support the student in making decisions and understanding his/her rights
Homeless liaison will
Assist in enrolling in school
Inform unaccompanied youth of services they are eligible for under McKinney-Vento
Assist in obtaining school/medical records

27. Now that We Know Who Qualifies…
Roles of the Homeless Liaison
What does the McKinney-Vento Act provide?
School Stability
Enrollment
Support for Academic Success
Recent ESSA reauthorization addresses these, and many other aspects of requirements for school districts regarding their homeless education program.

28. Local McKinney-Vento Liaisons
Every LEA must designate a McKinney-Vento liaison able to carry out his/her legal duties (g)(6)
Liaisons must ensure that—
McKinney-Vento students enroll in and have full and equal opportunity to succeed in school.
Children and youth in homeless situations are identified by school personnel through outreach and coordination with other entities and agencies.
Public notice of MV rights is disseminated in locations frequented by parents, guardians, and unaccompanied youth, in a manner and form understandable to them.
Additional information on the role/responsibility of the local homeless liaison can be found in the US Dept. of Educations’ Non-Regulatory Guidance (NRG), Question F-1 (pg. 16). The updated NRG can be located at:

29. McKinney-Vento Liaisons (cont.)
Liaisons must ensure that (cont.)—
School personnel providing McKinney-Vento services receive professional development and other support.
Children, youth and families have access to and receive educational services for which they are eligible, including Head Start, early intervention (IDEA Part C) and other preschool programs.
Children, youth and families receive referrals to health care, dental, mental health, substance abuse, housing and other services.

30. McKinney-Vento Liaisons (cont.)
Liaisons must ensure that (cont.)—
Disputes are resolved and assistance to access transportation is provided.
Unaccompanied youth are enrolled in school and that procedures are implemented to identify and remove barriers that prevent them from receiving credit for full or partial coursework satisfactorily completed at a prior school, in accordance with State, local, and school policies.
Liaisons must participate in professional development and technical assistance as determined appropriate by the State Coordinator.
11432(g)(1)(F)(ii)

31. Key Rights of Homeless Students
Immediate enrollment even when records are not present
Remain in the school of origin, if in the student’s best interest
Receive transportation to and from the school of origin
Support for academic success

32. School Stability: School of Origin vs. School of Residence
Each LEA shall, according to each child’s or youth’s best interest:
Continue the student’s education in the school of origin for the duration of homelessness, and until the end of the academic year in which the student becomes permanently housed; OR
Enroll in any public school that housed students living where the student is living are eligible to attend.
11432(g)(3)(A)
Students can continue at school of origin until the end of the academic year in which permanent housing is obtained.
Students may continue at school of origin in subsequent years of identification IF it is determined to be in their “best interest.”

33. School Stability (cont.)
Applies when students lose housing during the year or during the summer (g)(3)(A)(i)(I)
School of origin:
School attended when permanently housed or school in which last enrolled, including a preschool.
The designated receiving school at the next grade level for feeder school patterns, when the student completes the final grade level served by the school of origin (g)(3)(I)

34. School Stability (cont.)
In determining best interest, the LEA shall:
Presume that keeping the student in the school of origin is in the student’s best interest.
Unless contrary to the request of the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth.
Consider student-centered factors, including the impact of mobility on achievement, education, health, and safety.
Give priority to the parent’s/guardian’s request.
Give priority to the youth’s request (in the case of an unaccompanied youth) (g)(3)(B)(i)-(ii)
Student-centered factors can include, but may not be limited to:
Age of the student
Distance of the commute and the impact it may have on the student’s education
Personal safety issues
Need for special educational services
Length of anticipated stay in a temporary shelter or other temporary location
Time remaining in the school year
There is no time or distance limit on transporting students to school of origin; consider the unique situation of the student and how the transportation will affect his/her education.

35. School Stability (cont.)
If the LEA determines that it is not in the student’s best interest to attend the school of origin or the school requested by the parent, guardian or youth, the LEA must provide a written explanation of the reasons for its determination, in a manner and form understandable to such parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth, including information regarding the right to appeal (g)(3)(B)(iii)
Written Notice of Decision template available in the Homeless Liaison Toolkit. Work with your local homeless liaison regarding the usage of this document and the dispute process. Districts can utilize a local process, if expeditious, but the student must be served as homeless during that process. More details contained in the dispute resolution portion of this presentation.

36. Key Provisions of Transportation
LEAs must provide transportation to and from the school of origin, including until the end of the year when the student obtains permanent housing, at a parent’s or guardian’s request (or at the liaison’s request for unaccompanied youth).
If staying in the same LEA, that LEA must provide or arrange transportation to the school of origin.
If crossing LEA lines, both LEAs must determine how to divide the responsibility and share the cost, or they must share the cost equally (g)(1)(J)(iii)
LEAs also must provide students in homeless situations with transportation services comparable to those provided to other students (g)(4)(A)
LEAs must eliminate barriers to the identification, enrollment and retention of students experiencing homelessness (including transportation barriers) (g)(1)(I)
Charter schools also have responsibilities on transportation. For specifics refer to the NCHE brief titled, “Serving Homeless Children and Youth in Charter Schools.” NCHE briefs page is located at

37. Transportation Strategies
Develop close ties among local liaisons, school staff, pupil transportation staff, and shelter workers.
Use school buses (including special education, magnet school and other buses).
Develop formal or informal agreements with school districts where homeless children cross district lines.
Use public transit where feasible.
Use approved carpools, van or taxi services.
Reimburse parents and youth for gas.
Pursue inter-agency solutions.

38. School Enrollment
When remaining in the school of origin is not in the student’s best interest or what the parent, guardian or youth requests: (g)(3)(C)(i)
McKinney-Vento students are entitled to immediate enrollment in any public school that students living in the same attendance area are eligible to attend; even if:
Students do not have required documents, such as school records, records of immunization and other required health records, proof of residency, guardianship, or other documents; or
Students have missed application or enrollment deadlines during any period of homelessness.
The terms “enroll” and “enrollment” include attending classes and participating fully in school activities a(1)
“…proof of residency…”
LEA does not have to make home visits to “confirm” homelessness. See “Confirming Eligibility for McKinney-Vento Services: Do’s and Don’ts for Local Liaisons,” (page 2, section “Do put good policies and procedures in place,” bullet 3).
Having school officials visit the place where the student is staying can be threatening to homeless families and youth, who may fear discrimination or negative social service intervention, and to host families, who may be putting their own housing at risk by sheltering others. When these visits are necessary due to doubts about McKinney-Vento eligibility, send school or school district staff members who are trained on the McKinney- Vento Act and homelessness. It is important for visitors to talk to families and youth about why they are visiting, ensure them that information will be kept confidential, and conduct only the minimal investigation necessary to verify the living situation.
“…immediate enrollment in any public school that students living in the same attendance area are eligible to attend…”
This includes charter schools/magnet schools, even if application deadlines have been missed.
“…”enroll” and “enrollment” include …participating fully in school activities.”
*This includes extra-curricular activities offered through the school.
*Program fees and deadlines can be waived.
*McKinney-Vento subgrant and/or Title I, Part A set-aside funds can be used to assist with program fees; however, these funds cannot
be used for uniforms or other supplies needed for participation.

39. School Enrollment (cont.)
SEAs and LEAs must develop, review, and revise policies to remove barriers to the identification, enrollment and retention of children and youth in homeless situations, including barriers due to outstanding fees or fines, or absences (g)(1)(I)
If a student does not have immunizations, or immunization or other health records or screenings, the liaison must immediately assist in obtaining them; the student must be enrolled in the interim (g)(3)(C)(iii)
Enrolling schools must obtain school records from the previous school, and students must be enrolled in school while records are obtained (g)(3)(C)(ii)
Schools must maintain McKinney-Vento students’ records so they are available quickly (g)(3)(D)

40. Immediate Enrollment Strategies
Request all records from the previous school immediately, including immunization records.
Parental signature is not required for transfer students.
The vast majority of students have been enrolled in school before and have received immunizations.
Speak with parents and youth about the classes the student was in, previous coursework and special needs.
Call the counselor, teachers or principal at the previous school for information.
Ensure enrollment staff on every campus are aware of the law and procedures.

41. Unaccompanied Homeless Youth… Enrollment Strategies
Three common methods for enrolling unaccompanied homeless youth
The unaccompanied homeless youth enrolls himself/herself.
A caregiver enrolls the unaccompanied homeless youth.
The local liaison enrolls the unaccompanied homeless youth.
School districts cannot:
Require a caregiver to obtain legal guardianship.
Discontinue enrollment due to lack of responsible adult or inability to produce guardianship or other paperwork.
These methods also apply for unaccompanied homeless youth who wish to participate in extra-curricular activities

42. Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Strategies
Develop clear policies for enrolling unaccompanied youth immediately, whether youth enroll themselves, liaisons do enrollment, caretakers enroll youth in their care, or another procedure is in place.
Offer youth an adult and peer mentor.
Establish systems to monitor youth’s attendance and performance, and let youth know you’ll be checking up on them.
Help youth participate fully in school (clubs, sports, homework help, etc.)
Build trust! Be patient, and ensure discretion and confidentiality when working with youth.

43. Enrollment in Preschool
State McKinney-Vento plans must describe procedures that ensure that homeless children have access to public preschool programs administered by the SEA or LEAs (g)(1)(F)(i)
Preschools are included in the school of origin definition (g)(3)(I)
Liaisons must ensure access to Head Start, early intervention (IDEA Part C), and other preschool programs administered by the LEA (g)(6)(A)(iii)
Preschool students must be included in annual data collection.
Preschool students enrolled in LEA preschool programs.
Preschool siblings (not attending LEA preschool program) of identified students.
Additionally, school-aged, but out of school siblings of identified students must also be included in the annual data collection.

44. Preschool Enrollment Strategies
Facilitate enrollment: include homelessness in needs assessments and priorities; put McKinney-Vento families at the top of waiting lists; provide enrollment forms on-site at shelters and motels.
Expedite records by working together: joint release forms; share records within a family.
Develop joint/streamlined procedures and forms: joint intake forms; provide uninterrupted services as children move.
Work with families and providers to meet school of origin and comparable transportation requirements appropriately for young children.
Cross-train preschool, school, and service providers.

45. Liability and Reporting
Following federal law and providing appropriate services are evidence of reasonable care and can help shield the school from liability.
Violating federal law and denying services are evidence of negligence.
MV requires eliminating barriers to enrollment and retention in school.
Schools must enroll youth immediately. School is the safest and best place for youth.
Educators are mandated to report suspected abuse and/or neglect on a case-by-case basis.
Homelessness alone is not abuse/neglect.
Talk with the young person.

46. Dispute Resolution
If a dispute arises over eligibility, school selection or enrollment in
a school:
The student shall be immediately enrolled in the school in which enrollment is sought, pending resolution of the dispute (including all available appeals).
The parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth must be provided a written explanation of decisions made by the school, LEA or SEA, and how to appeal them.
The parent, guardian or youth must be referred to the liaison, who must carry out the dispute resolution process as expeditiously as possible.
The liaison shall ensure unaccompanied youth are immediately enrolled pending resolution of the dispute.
11432(g)(3)(E)

47. Avoiding Disputes
Designate and train appropriate liaisons and school-based contacts (g)(1)(J)(ii), (iv); 11432(g)(6)(A)(ix)
Rectify concerns raised during monitoring.
States are now required to monitor LEAs (f)(5)
Develop and implement good local policies on identification, enrollment, retention; barriers due to fees, fines, and absences; credit accrual; full participation in academic and extra-curricular activities; enrollment of unaccompanied youth; school stability; transportation; privacy; inter-district collaboration.

48. Support for Academic Success: Participation and Credit Accrual
States must have procedures to eliminate barriers to academic and extracurricular activities, including magnet school, summer school, career and technical education, advanced placement, online learning, and charter school programs (g)(1)(F)(iii)
States must have procedures to identify and remove barriers that prevent youth from receiving appropriate credit for full or partial coursework satisfactorily completed while attending a prior school, in accordance with State, local, and school policies (g)(1)(F)(ii)
Liaisons must implement those procedures (g)(6)(A)(x)
NCHE Brief titled, “Maximizing Credit Accrual and Recovery for Homeless Students” is a good resource for strategies.
NAEHCY has web pages on “higher education” and “unaccompanied youth” which have great resources toward ensuring academic success for homeless students, especially unaccompanied homeless youth. Keep in mind that official TA can only come from NCHEP or NCHE.

49. Support for Academic Success: Access to Higher Education
All McKinney-Vento youth must be able to receive assistance from counselors to advise such youths, and prepare and improve the readiness of such youths for college (g)(1)(K)
Liaisons must ensure unaccompanied youth are informed of their status as independent students and may obtain assistance from the liaison to receive verification of that status (g)(6)(A)(x)(III)
Same resources from previous slide are applicable here.
Best Practice: Issue a Verification Letter on all UHY seniors annually. Must have official liaison’s signature to be valid.

50. Higher Education: The FAFSA
Youth who meet the definition of “independent student” can complete the FAFSA without parental income information or signature.
Unaccompanied homeless youth are automatically considered independent students.
Must be determined to be unaccompanied and homeless after July 1 of the current academic year. (i.e SY letter would use July 1, 2016)
Youth who are unaccompanied, at risk of homelessness, and self-supporting are also automatically considered independent students.
Must be determined as such during the school year in which the application is submitted.

51. The FAFSA (cont.) Determination must be made by:
a McKinney-Vento Act school district liaison,
a HUD homeless assistance program director or their designee,
a Runaway and Homeless Youth Act program director or their designee, or
a financial aid administrator.
Youth who have been in foster care at any time after age 13 are also automatically independent.
More information and sample letters are available at:
District Liaison can identify up to one year after graduating IF they have personal knowledge of the student’s circumstance (i.e. working with remaining siblings still in the LEA, or during the summer immediately after graduating)

52. Support for Academic Success: Coordination with Other Laws/Programs
LEAs must coordinate McKinney-Vento and special education services within the LEA, and with other involved LEAs (g)(5)(D)
Information about a McKinney-Vento student’s living situation is a student education record subject to FERPA (g)(3)(G)
Local liaisons are authorized to affirm that students meet the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) definition of homelessness, to qualify them for HUD homeless assistance programs (g)(6)(D)

53. Support for Academic Success: School Meals
McKinney-Vento students are automatically eligible for free school meals.
USDA policy permits liaisons and shelter directors to obtain free school meals for students immediately by providing a list of names of students experiencing homelessness with effective dates.

54. General Resources North Carolina Homeless Education Program
National Center on Homeless Education
Alexander County Homeless Liaison
Teresa Smeeks
, Ext. 205

55. Questions