Mc Kinney Vento Act Anchoring Children and Youth

Mc. Kinney –Vento Act: “Anchoring Children and Youth Who Are Homeless” Sonja House, MSW, Supervisor –Foster/Homeless Educational Services September 23, 2016

Mc. Kinney–Vento Act Key Provisions • • • 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) 2

Anchoring Pertaining to Mc. Kinney-Vento Law • • 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 3

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 4

Mc. Kinney-Vento Law Services Service to Students Service to Districts • • • • • School supplies VTA bus passes Uniforms/clothing for school Tutoring Resource referrals Link to community services Student Advocacy Parent Engagement Train, Inform and Educate Technical Support Professional Development Legislative Updates Quarterly meetings Implementation of laws Conflict Resolution Student Advocacy Link to community services 5

Mc. Kinney-Vento Act-Eligibility Requirements • Any student who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate night-time 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 6

Collaborative Partners • • • 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 7

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! 8

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. nn 4 youth. org 9

SCCOE Contact Information Supervisor-Foster Youth and Homeless Educational Services • Sonja House, MSW • Sonja_house@sccoe. org • 408 -453 -6956 Homeless Youth Specialist • Darius Brown • Darius_brown@sccoe. org • 408 -453 -6928 State Coordinator • Leanne Wheeler • Lwheeler@cde. ca. gov • 1 -866 -856 -8214 10

Is the decision you made in the “best interest” of the child or youth? Thank you ! 11