McKinney –Vento Act:
“Anchoring Children and Youth Who
Are Homeless”
Sonja House, MSW, Supervisor –Foster/Homeless Educational Services
September 23, 2016
McKinney–Vento Act Key Provisions
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Immediate enrollment without documents
School stability
Transportation to school of origin
Eliminate barriers
Unaccompanied youth=immediate enrollment
Non judgment
No discrimination
District Liaison assigned to every school district
Dispute Resolution Process
Technical support to Districts countywide (specific to SCCOE)
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Anchoring Pertaining to McKinney-Vento
Law
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Immediate enrollment
Ensure school policies and procedures are fair
Resource Referrals
Communicate with sensitivity and understanding
Create a safe, confidential environment
Address the social-emotional needs
Support families to remove barriers
Provide ongoing support to districts
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District Liaison Responsibilities
• Every school district must designate a liaison for
students in homeless situations
– Ensure students are identified, enrolled, and have
full opportunity to succeed in school
– Link with educational services, including preschool,
post-secondary education and health services
– Inform parents, guardians and youth of education,
transportation and parent involvement
opportunities
– Post public notice of educational rights
– Resolve disputes
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McKinney-Vento Law Services
Service to Students
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School supplies
VTA bus passes
Uniforms/clothing for school
Tutoring
Resource referrals
Link to community services
Student Advocacy
Parent Engagement
Service to Districts
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Train, Inform and Educate
Technical Support
Professional Development
Legislative Updates
Quarterly meetings
Implementation of laws
Conflict Resolution
Student Advocacy
Link to community services
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McKinney-Vento Act-Eligibility
Requirements
• Any student who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence . Includes:
– Shared housing due to loss of housing or economic
hardships
– Living in an unstable environment such as cars, parks, substandard housing, hotels or motels
– Primary night-time residence is a public or private place
not designed for regular sleeping accommodations for a
human being
– Students awaiting foster care placement
– Migratory children living in the above circumstances
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Collaborative Partners
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School Districts
Service Provider Network (SPN)
Second Harvest Food Bank
K to College Agency
County of Santa Clara-Office of Supportive Housing
City of San Jose-Homelessness Response Team
Opportunity Youth Program
My New Red Shoes
Stand Up for Kids
– The Village
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Important Take -A-Ways
Districts:
Enroll children and youth experiencing homelessness
immediately!
If you turn away a child or youth, you may be sending them into
a dangerous situation and breaking the law.
Community, Districts, Agencies:
Safety first!
Sensitivity is critical!
Confidentiality is your legal obligation and essential!
We all play a pivotal role in keeping children and youth safe!
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National Resources
• National Association for the Education of Homeless Children
and Youth http://www.naechcy.org
• National Center on Homeless Education
http://www.serve.org/nche
• National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty
http://www.nlchp.org
• National Network for Youth
http://www.nn4youth.org
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SCCOE Contact Information
Supervisor-Foster Youth and Homeless Educational Services
• Sonja House, MSW
• [email protected]
• 408-453-6956
Homeless Youth Specialist
• Darius Brown
• [email protected]
• 408-453-6928
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State Coordinator
• Leanne Wheeler
[email protected]
• 1-866-856-8214
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Is the decision you made in
the “best interest” of the
child or youth?
Thank you !
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