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Displaced Student & Family Assistance

Homeless Students & McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney–Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act guarantees a free and appropriate public education for all homeless children and youth.  “Homeless” is defined as anyone lacking a fixed, adequate, regular nighttime residence. The law makes sure that these students receive a free and suitable public education by removing barriers to school enrollment and daily participation in school activities. If you are experiencing homelessness or feel you qualify as homeless based on the definition listed above, please contact the Central Dauphin School District homeless liaison for more information and to discuss your situation to determine if you qualify for additional support/services. The Central Dauphin School District homeless Liaison can be reached at 717-545-4703,  x70509.

Displaced Student and Family Assistance

McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001, is the primary piece of federal legislation dealing with the education of children and youth in displaced situations. Its key themes are school access and stability, support for educational success, and child-centered decision-making. Each school district has a Homeless Liaison who is responsible for explaining these rights.

Overview

The main purpose of this initiative is to make sure displaced youth have access to an appropriate education while removing barriers that may inhibit that regular access. The goal is to maintain displaced children in school with a focus on creating consistency. Pennsylvania’s Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program provides assistance to minimize the impact of displaced students on education. Keeping kids in their school of origin when possible and coordinating educational services are a few ways to help displaced students receive all of the benefits of the educational system. Working with the schools, shelters and individual families, the school support team and the Homeless Liaison help minimize disruptions. They assist students and families with enrollment, to ensure immediate registration into our schools. They also can assist in acquiring any other support services, such as transportation, health care and dental care.

What is the Definition of a Homeless/Displaced Child?

A Child may be considered homeless/displaced if he or she is: ·

  • Living (with or without parents) in a public or private place not designated as a regular sleeping accommodation, such as a vehicle, park, hotel, motel, street, campground, etc.
  • Living (with or without parents) in a homeless or domestic violence shelter
  • Living (with or without parents) with relatives or friends due to lack of housing (doubled up)
  • A runaway or a child or youth who has been forced out of the home by parents or other caretakers, or has no formal custody papers while parents/guardians are in jail or hospital (unaccompanied youth)
  • A child of a migrant family who lacks adequate housing
  • A school-aged unwed mother or expectant mother living in houses for unwed mothers when she has no other accommodations

If you feel your student or family may be experiencing one of the above situations or you would like additional information, please contact the Department of Pupil Services or the district Homeless Liaison.