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McKinney-Vento Homeless Policy

 

Make Sure You Know Your Rights

McKinney-Vento Quick References

 
McKinney-Vento Liaison: Joanne Esquilin, [email protected]
ECYEH Regional Office Contact: Morgan Pierre, Regional Coordinator - Office (215) 400-6066
If you are experiencing homelessness and need assistance, please let us know by completing the confidential identification form below:
 
Students experiencing homelessness definition- individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including:
1.  Children and youths who are:
a.     Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
b.     Living in motels, hotels, other temporary locations due to lack of alternative
adequate accommodations;
c.     Living in emergency, transitional or domestic violence shelters; or
d.     Abandoned in hospitals.
2.     Children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
3.     Children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations or similar settings;
4.     Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above; and
5.     School-aged parents living in houses for school-aged parents if they have no other available living accommodations.
Homeless youth are entitled to immediate enrollments and their families are not required to prove residency regarding school enrollment. Included within the definition of homeless children and youth are those who are “awaiting foster care placement” and “unaccompanied homeless youth.” These students should be enrolled without delay, in the district where they are presently residing, or continue their education in the district of prior attendance. See the McKinney-Vento Act, 42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq.

HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH POLICY (MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS ACT)

CHP Schools recognizes the multiplicity of challenges most homeless, displaced, and doubled-up families encounter, and understand our responsibility to resolve some of the issues they face. CHP Schools also realizes the availability of resources in any emergency may make the difference between success and failure in school. The below memorandums are designed to help school personnel access the services provided by the Office of Student Enrollment and Placement and/or CHP Schools for all homeless students. Please disseminate the information to all concerned staff.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Act, now part of the Improving America’s Schools Act (Public Law 103-382) and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, guarantees a free and appropriate public education for homeless/displaced children and youth. BEC 42 U.S.C. & 11301 outlines procedures for deciding school placement, enrolling students, and determining fiscal responsibility. Federal and state laws make our accountability clear. With an estimated 10,000 homeless students currently attending Philadelphia public schools, we must provide appropriate academic support and services.

Resources

Finding Your WayFind Your Way in PA
 
Finding Your Way in PA is a Pennsylvania based mobile and desktop app designed to share services, resources, and information with young people and families, particularly those experiencing homelessness.
 
How to Download:
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