The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act: Homeless & Foster Youth

FOSTER YOUTH and Homeless Youth Resources and McKinney-Vento Coordinator

 

  • The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youths as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. this definition also includes:
    • Children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
    • Children and youths who may be living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or shelters;
    • Children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designated for ordinaryily used as a regular sleeping accomodation for human beings;
    • Children and youths who are living in carrs, parks, public spaces, abondoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; or,
    • Migatory children who qualify as homelessbecause they are children who are living in circumstances similar to those listed above.

There are many resources available to access more information on homeless education. Here are just a few:

  • The CDE Resources for Homeless Children and Youths Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/hs/cy/ offers resources related to homeless students' rights to enroll and participate fully in school.
  • The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth Web site at http://www.naehcy.org/ is a membership association that connects educators, parents, advocates, researchers, and service providers to ensure success for children and youths in homeless situations.
  • The National Center for Homeless Education Web site at http://center.serve.org/nche/ operates the U.S. Department of Education's technical assistance and information center for the federal EHCY Program.
  • Kidsdata.org, at http://www.kidsdata.org/, offers data about the health and well-being of children in communities across California, including homelessness.
  • The California Coalition for Youth Web site at http://calyouth.org/ focuses on the needs of disconnected, runaway, and homeless youth through legislation and advocacy. Their Web site offers the latest updates on legislation and policies that address the needs of this key population. In addition, they operate the California Youth Crisis Line, a toll-free, 24-hour, confidential hotline available to youths and young adults ages twelve to twenty-four and to any adult supporting a youth. Whether someone is in crisis or just needs someone to talk to, they can call 800-843-5200. The California Youth Crisis Line is also an immediate, reliable, and free link between youths and local services. Posters, flyers, and wallet cards are available free of charge to LEAs across the state and can be requested through the Web site.

 

College Resources for Foster Youth and Homeless Youth:

 

  • COLLLEGE FINANCIAL AID available for foster youth or former foster youth is known as a Chafee Grant.
    • Financial Aid TV VIDEO explaining what a Chafee Grant is, who is eligible, where a Chafee Grant can beused, how a studnet can apply for a Chafee Grant, the award selection criteria and how the Chafee Grant is disbursed. click here