The McKinney-Vento Assistance Act provides certain rights and protections for families experiencing homelessness. According to McKinney-Vento, anyone who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence is homeless.

Homelessness includes anyone:

• Living in an emergency shelter
• Abandoned in hospitals or awaiting foster care
• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or campgrounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations
• Living in cars, parks, public spaces, bus or train stations or similar settings
• "Doubled up" living with friends or family due to the loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason
• "Unaccompanied youth", under the age of 18, living without a parent or guardian
• Migratory children living in these conditions

Homeless children have the right to attend school where they live or continue school where they became homeless, and receive transportation free. They have a right to receive free breakfast and lunch programs.

Homeless Liaison

The homeless liaison will ensure that:

• Homeless students are voluntarily identified by school personnel and through coordination with other entities and agencies.
• Homeless students enroll in and have a full and equal opportunity to succeed in schools in the district.
• Homeless families, students receive educational services for which they are eligible and referrals to other appropriate services.
• The parents or guardians of a homeless student and any unaccompanied homeless youth is informed of the educational and related opportunities available to them and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of the student/youth.
• Public notice of the educational rights of homeless students is disseminated in such public places as schools, meal sites, shelters and other locations frequented by low-income families.
• The homeless liaison assures that compliance with all policies and procedures and mediates enrollment disputes.
• The parents or guardians of a homeless student or youth, and unaccompanied youth, are informed of all transportation services, including transportation to the school of origin.
• Assistance is provided to students who do not have immunizations, or immunization or medical records, to obtain necessary immunizations, or immunization or medical records.
• Students are not segregated on the basis of their status as homeless.
• Programs for homeless students are coordinated with other federal and local programs.

Contact

For further information, or to make a referral regarding services for families experiencing homelessness, please call:

Dannielle Kern

Shiocton School Counselor K-6, AODA Coordinator & Homeless Liaison

dkern@shiocton.k12.wi.us

920-986-3351 X762

If you need further assistance, call the National Center for Homeless Education at the toll-free HelpLine: 1-800-308-2145