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The McKinney-Vento Act is federal legislation that has been in effect since 1987 to support children and youth experiencing homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Act defines children and youth who are homeless as 'individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.' The act ensures homeless children and youth enroll and succeed in school.
STUDENTS LIVING IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS MAY BE ENTITLED TO ADDITIONAL SUPPORT:
- Hotels, motels, cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations.
- Transitional housing, emergency or domestic violence shelters.
- Doubled up with other families or relatives due to loss of housing or affordable housing.
- Without the support or in the physical custody of parents/guardians.
STUDENTS LIVING IN HOMELESS SITUATIONS HAVE THE RIGHT TO:
- Continue at the school they attended (referred to as the school of origin) before they became homeless, or the school in which they were last enrolled.
- Get help with school enrollment, even if they lack normally required documents, such as immunization records or proof of residence.
- Get transportation to and from their school of origin.
- Free school meals.
- Get help with school fees including field trips, physical education fees, lab fees and other school fees.
- Get help obtaining extra academic supports and school supplies.
- Get help connecting to social service agencies in the community.
Enrollment Rights & Services
To access services, please speak with the school counselor or McKinney-Vento building designee. If unavailable, please contact the McKinney-Vento Family Support Liaison Jackie Summers at 360-580-6740.
