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Homeless Children and Student Services

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Services

Support and Resources for Homeless Families and Youth in Monterey County, California

Introduction

The McKinney-Vento Act aims to ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness have immediate access to educational opportunities. This act recognizes the unique challenges faced by homeless students and mandates local educational agencies to provide supports and resources to remove barriers to education. In Monterey County, the Act is a critical component of our commitment to educational equity for all students.

Eligibility

Who Qualifies? Children and youth who do not have a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence are considered homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act. This includes:

  • Children and families living in shelters, transitional housing, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative accommodations.
  • Children and youth sharing housing due to economic hardship or loss of housing.
  • Unaccompanied minors and runaway children.

Rights Under the Act

Homeless students are entitled to certain rights under the McKinney-Vento Act:

  • Immediate Enrollment: The right to be enrolled in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
  • School of Origin: The right to continue attending their school of origin or enroll in any public school that non-homeless students who live in the same attendance area are eligible to attend.
  • Transportation: The right to transportation to and from the school of origin.

Resources and Support Services

Local Educational Agency Contact:

  • For assistance, please contact the McKinney-Vento liaisons, Brad Smith or Artemisa Delgado, at 831-678-3950.

Support Available Through Schools and the Soledad Family Resource Center:

  • Access to free school meals.
  • Counseling and psychological services.
  • Academic support and tutoring.
  • Food, clothing, hygiene items, and help attaining other needed resources and support.

Additional Local Resources

For further support, the following local resources are available to assist homeless families and youth:

  • Coalition of Homeless Services Providers: Offers comprehensive services to support the homeless in Monterey and San Benito Counties. LINK HERE

 

Watch this short video to learn more about the McKinney-Vento Act

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the McKinney-Vento Act

    What is the McKinney-Vento Act?

    The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. The Act defines homeless children as "individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence."

    Who qualifies as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act?

    Under the Act, children and youth might be considered homeless if they:

    • Share the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.
    • Live in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations.
    • Live in emergency or transitional shelters.
    • Are abandoned in hospitals.
    • 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.
    • Are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.

    What are the educational rights of homeless children and youth under the McKinney-Vento Act?

    Homeless children and youth have the right to:

    • Immediate Enrollment: Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment, such as proof of residency, immunization records, or school records.
    • Attend School of Origin: Continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is their preference and is feasible, or enroll in any public school that non-homeless students who live in the same attendance area are eligible to attend.
    • Transportation to School of Origin: If requested by the parent or guardian, transportation to and from the school of origin must be provided.
    • Access to Educational Services: Access to the same programs and services that are available to all other students, including transportation and supplementary educational services.

    How can I enroll my child in school if we are homeless and have no permanent address?

    Under the McKinney-Vento Act, schools must enroll homeless children and youth immediately, even if they do not have a permanent address or documents typically required for enrollment. Contact the school's McKinney-Vento liaison for assistance with the enrollment process.

    What if my child needs transportation to their school of origin?

    If maintaining your child in their school of origin is in their best interest, you have the right to request transportation to and from the school of origin. This transportation must be provided at no cost to you.

    Who can I contact for help if I believe my child's rights are being violated?

    Every school district is required to have a designated McKinney-Vento liaison to assist homeless families and children. You should contact your school district's McKinney-Vento liaison. If issues cannot be resolved at the school or district level, you may also contact your state's Department of Education for further assistance.

    Are there any other resources available for homeless families?

    Yes, many communities offer additional resources such as food banks, health services, and shelter information. Local schools and McKinney-Vento liaisons often have lists of local resources available for families experiencing homelessness.