Homeless & Foster Youth Information
Resources/Information
SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
Find out how our Bonny Doon School District supports youth and families experiencing homelessness through education and partnerships.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education
What is McKinney-Vento?
McKinney-Vento is a federal law that offers rights and protection to families in difficult or transitional living situations. All children of school age who are homeless are entitled to the same free and appropriate public education that is provided for non-homeless students. Schools are required to remove any barriers, including enrollment, attendance and academic success of homeless students.
McKinney-Vento 101 Short Video:
Who Qualifies for Services? - Definition of Homelessness in Education
The federal government’s legal definition of homelessness based on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is students who lack fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence, which includes:
- Shared housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship or similar reason.
- Living in a car, park, RV park, campsite, or similar location, hotel or motel., homeless shelter or transitional housing.
- Children or youth living in buildings with no water, heat, electricity, plumbing, with infestation, public or private places not designed for regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
- Unaccompanied minors (children and youth under the age of 18, not in the physical custody of a parent or court-appointed guardian).
- Migratory children or youth who qualify as homeless because they are living in similar circumstances as homeless children and youth.
If this describes your family’s living situation, or if you are a student not living with a parent or guardian, please contact your District Homeless Liaison.
Educational Rights of Eligible Children and Youth
Homeless Liaison
Federal legislation requires school districts to have a Homeless Liaison to assist with identification, enrollment and transportation.
School Selection
Students have the right to stay in their “school of origin” for the academic year. A school of origin is defined as the school the child attended when permanently housed or where they were last enrolled.
Enrollment
Students have the right to enroll in school immediately, even if they do not have school records, birth certificates, medical and immunization records or proof of residency.
Academic Achievement
Congress has specified that students in homeless situations should have access to the education they need to ensure they have opportunities to meet the same challenging state academic standards to which all students are held.
Free School Meals
Homeless students are eligible for free meals at school.
Transportation
Homeless students must be provided transportation to and from their school of origin at parent/guardian request. Transportation services include crossing district boundaries or providing special education transport.
Special Programs
Students should also receive the same special programs and services as provided to other children,including GATE, Special Education, migrant education and vocational education. This is to include After School care and afternoon enrichment programs at Bonny Doon School.
The McKinney-Vento Liaison for Bonny Doon School is:
Fiona Campbell
(831) 427 2300
Please contact our liaison for community- based resources and questions.