1. Families in Transition (FIT)
Federal Program

2. 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

3. 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!

4. 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.

5. 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! 

6. 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.

7. 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”

8. FIT Contacts
FIT your School: K-5, School Nurse, Secretary. Principal 6-12, School Nurse, Secretary, Counselor Deb Price Advoate & Adviser Phone: Yolanda Thomas Advocate & Adviser Phone: Katie Rose Coordinator Federal Programs Phone: