McKinney-Vento Homeless Act

McKinney-Vento Homeless Act

  • The education provisions of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act (incorporated within No Child Left Behind) ensure educational rights and protections for homeless and unaccompanied children/youth.

    Key Provisions

    Section725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children/youth as individuals lacking a fixed, regular, adequate night-time residence, including. . .

    • children/youth who share housing with others because of loss of housing, economic hardships or a similar reason; live in motels, trailer parks or campgrounds because of lack of alternative adequate accommodations; live in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals

    • children/youth who have primary night-time residence in a place not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodation (e.g., cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations or similar settings)

    • migratory children who live in conditions described above 

    The McKinney-Vento Act (Section 725) specifies and protects the rights of children and youth in homeless situations. Highlights include. . .

    • Immediate Enrollment: No child will be denied access to school because of their immigration status, temporary living situation, emergency placement by Child Protective Services or similar hardship situation. Please fill out the Student Residency and Assistance Questionnaire RESIDENCY FORM HERE and present to campus Registrar or ask campus Registrar for a Residency Form.

    • Choice of Schools: 

      • School the student attended when he/she became homeless (school of origin)

      • School in the zone where the student currently resides

    • Transportation: To and from the school of origin if feasible, in the student's best interest and requested by the parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth.

    • Services: Students may receive emergency clothing, work uniforms, school supplies, personal hygiene items or other supplies and services needed.

    • Dispute Resolution: If problems arise between the school and parents or between districts, the parent shall be referred to the district's homeless liaison and the student must remain in school.

Resources

Shelters for Homeless Students | Families

Covenant House Texas
1111 Lovett Blvd.
Houston, TX 77006
713-523-2231

Bay Area Turning Point(opens external link in new window)
210 S. Walnut
Webster, TX 77598
281-286-2525

Brazoria Women's Shelter
Angleton and Alvin Office
979-849-9553
24-Hour Hotlines:
1-800-243-5788 and 281-585-0902

Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter
(Note: street name change, formerly 419 Dowling)
419 Emancipation Ave.
Houston, TX 77003
713-222-2220

Star of Hope Women and Family Development Center - Cornerstone Community
2575 Reed Rd
Houston, TX 77051
713-222-2220

Family Promise of Clear Creek
1101 S. Egret Bay Blvd., Building B
League City TX 77573
832-932-3963  24-hour hotline