Lorain – Erie – Huron Counties Fall Training September 23, 2010 National Center for Homeless...

Lorain – Erie – Huron CountiesFall Training

September 23, 2010

National Center for Homeless EducationDiana Bowman, Director

Ph: 336-315-7453E-mail: [email protected]

National Center for Homeless Education – www.serve.org/nche

10% of all children living in poverty (Urban 10% of all children living in poverty (Urban Institute)Institute)

1 in 50 children will experience 1 in 50 children will experience homelessness (NCFH)homelessness (NCFH)

Over 40% of all children who are homeless Over 40% of all children who are homeless are under the age of 5are under the age of 5

Over 956,000 reported enrolled in school Over 956,000 reported enrolled in school 2008-20092008-2009

16,059 reported enrolled in Ohio in 2008-16,059 reported enrolled in Ohio in 2008-20092009


Lack of school stability and educational Lack of school stability and educational continuitycontinuity

Stress, hunger, fatigueStress, hunger, fatigue Enrollment requirements (school records, Enrollment requirements (school records,

immunizations, proof of residence and immunizations, proof of residence and guardianship)guardianship)

Lack of access to programsLack of access to programs Lack of transportationLack of transportation Lack of school supplies, clothing, etc.Lack of school supplies, clothing, etc. Prejudice and misunderstandingPrejudice and misunderstanding


Reauthorized in 2001 as Title X, Part C of ESEAReauthorized in 2001 as Title X, Part C of ESEA

Main themes:Main themes:School accessSchool accessSchool stabilitySchool stabilitySupport for academic successSupport for academic successChild-centered, best interest decision Child-centered, best interest decision

makingmakingCritical role of the local homelessCritical role of the local homeless

liaisonliaisonCurrently under reauthorizationCurrently under reauthorization

For updates: www.naehcy.orgFor updates: www.naehcy.org


Children who Children who lack a fixed, regular, and lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residenceadequate nighttime residence——◦ Sharing the housing of others due to loss of Sharing the housing of others due to loss of

housing, economic hardship, or similar reasonhousing, economic hardship, or similar reason◦ Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, camping Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, camping

grounds due to lack of adequate alternative grounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodationsaccommodations

◦ Living in emergency or transitionalLiving in emergency or transitionalsheltersshelters

◦ Abandoned in hospitalsAbandoned in hospitals


◦Awaiting foster care placementAwaiting foster care placement◦Living in a public or private place not Living in a public or private place not

designed for humans to livedesigned for humans to live◦Living in cars, parks, abandoned Living in cars, parks, abandoned

buildings, substandard housing, bus or buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, etc.train stations, etc.

◦Migratory children living in above Migratory children living in above circumstancescircumstances

◦Unaccompanied youth whoUnaccompanied youth whoare experiencing the above are experiencing the above circumstancescircumstances


When is doubled up not homeless?When is doubled up not homeless?◦ Why did the family move in together? Crisis or by Why did the family move in together? Crisis or by

mutual choice as a plan for mutual benefit?mutual choice as a plan for mutual benefit?◦ How permanent is the living arrangement meant to How permanent is the living arrangement meant to

be?be?◦ Where would the family live if not doubling up?Where would the family live if not doubling up?◦ Is the living situation fixed, regular, and adequate?Is the living situation fixed, regular, and adequate?

Is there time limit on how long a family is Is there time limit on how long a family is considered homeless?considered homeless?◦ Duration of homelessness varies greatlyDuration of homelessness varies greatly◦ Is the living situation fixed, regular, and adequate?Is the living situation fixed, regular, and adequate?

Huh?


Obtain informationObtain information Analyze against the definitionAnalyze against the definition

◦ Does the living situation fit one of the examples?Does the living situation fit one of the examples?◦ Is the living situation fixed, regular, and Is the living situation fixed, regular, and

adequate?adequate? Seek assistance (State Coordinator, NCHE, Seek assistance (State Coordinator, NCHE,

colleagues)colleagues) Guiding principle: case-by-case Guiding principle: case-by-case

determinationdetermination


Tonya Reed brought her two children to enroll Tonya Reed brought her two children to enroll in school. She said she’s just moved back to in school. She said she’s just moved back to her parents’ house.her parents’ house.

Are the kids eligible for services under MV?Are the kids eligible for services under MV?

What additional information would be What additional information would be helpful in making a determination of helpful in making a determination of eligibility? How would you obtain this eligibility? How would you obtain this information?information?


Outreach is key – posters, key contacts Outreach is key – posters, key contacts (schools, shelters, hotels, motels, (schools, shelters, hotels, motels, campgrounds, churches, social services, campgrounds, churches, social services, law enforcement, food banks, medical law enforcement, food banks, medical clinics, laundromats)clinics, laundromats)

Make schools welcoming environmentsMake schools welcoming environments School staff awarenessSchool staff awareness Residency enrollment formResidency enrollment form School district parent handbookSchool district parent handbook Data collection - see where childrenData collection - see where children

come fromcome from Posters available from NCHE – free in Posters available from NCHE – free in

limited quantitieslimited quantities


Children and youth experiencing homelessness Children and youth experiencing homelessness can, according to their can, according to their best interestbest interest::

enroll in any public school that students enroll in any public school that students living in the same attendance area are living in the same attendance area are eligible to attendeligible to attend

stay in their stay in their school of originschool of origin

School of originSchool of origin — school attended when — school attended when permanently housed or in which last enrolledpermanently housed or in which last enrolled

Best interestBest interest — keep homeless students in — keep homeless students in their school of origin, to the extent feasible, their school of origin, to the extent feasible, unless this is against the parents’ or unless this is against the parents’ or guardians’ wishesguardians’ wishes


Feasibility criteria focus on the best Feasibility criteria focus on the best interest of the studentinterest of the student

Continuity of instructionContinuity of instruction Age of the child or youthAge of the child or youth Safety of the child or youthSafety of the child or youth Length of stay at the shelterLength of stay at the shelter Likely area where family will find permanent Likely area where family will find permanent

housinghousing Student’s need for special instructional programsStudent’s need for special instructional programs Impact of commute on educationImpact of commute on education School placement of siblingsSchool placement of siblings Time remaining in the school yearTime remaining in the school year

2004 Non-Regulatory Guidance, p.142004 Non-Regulatory Guidance, p.14


Students can stay in their school of origin the entire Students can stay in their school of origin the entire time they are homeless, and until the end of any time they are homeless, and until the end of any academic year in which they move into permanent academic year in which they move into permanent housinghousing

If a student becomes homeless in between If a student becomes homeless in between academic years, he or she may continue in the academic years, he or she may continue in the school of origin for the following academic yearschool of origin for the following academic year

If a student is sent to a school other than that If a student is sent to a school other than that requested by a parent or guardian, the district must requested by a parent or guardian, the district must provide a written explanation to the parent or provide a written explanation to the parent or guardian of its decision and the right to appealguardian of its decision and the right to appeal

NCHE’s Guiding the Discussion on School Selection: NCHE’s Guiding the Discussion on School Selection: http://center.serve.org/nche/downloads/briefs/sch_sel_checklishttp://center.serve.org/nche/downloads/briefs/sch_sel_checklist.pdft.pdf


Last December, the Marquez family lost its Last December, the Marquez family lost its housing due to a fire and moved in with friends. housing due to a fire and moved in with friends. Over the summer, the father’s brother let the Over the summer, the father’s brother let the family move into a finished room over his family move into a finished room over his garage. The brother lives in the district garage. The brother lives in the district adjoining the district where the school of origin adjoining the district where the school of origin is located. The parents want their sons, Juan is located. The parents want their sons, Juan and Pedro, to continue in their school of origin.and Pedro, to continue in their school of origin.

Are the boys still eligible under MV?Are the boys still eligible under MV? Should the boys continue in their school of Should the boys continue in their school of

origin? origin? What additional information do you need?What additional information do you need?


LEAs must provide homeless students with LEAs must provide homeless students with transportation to and from their school of origin, transportation to and from their school of origin, at a parent’s or guardian’s request (or at the at a parent’s or guardian’s request (or at the liaison’s request for unaccompanied youth)liaison’s request for unaccompanied youth)

If the student’s temporary residence and the If the student’s temporary residence and the school of origin are in the same LEA, that LEA school of origin are in the same LEA, that LEA must provide or arrange transportationmust provide or arrange transportation

If the student is living outside of the school of If the student is living outside of the school of origin’s LEA, the LEA where the student is living origin’s LEA, the LEA where the student is living and the school of origin’s LEA must determine and the school of origin’s LEA must determine how to divide the responsibility and cost, or they how to divide the responsibility and cost, or they must share the responsibility and cost equallymust share the responsibility and cost equally


What are some strategies your school district What are some strategies your school district uses to arrange transportation to and from uses to arrange transportation to and from the school of origin expeditiously?the school of origin expeditiously?

How do you manage cross district How do you manage cross district transportation?transportation?

Think of one out-of-the box idea that would Think of one out-of-the box idea that would address a challenge for providing address a challenge for providing transportation for homeless children and transportation for homeless children and youth.youth.


Homeless children and youth have the right to Homeless children and youth have the right to enroll in school immediately, even if they do not enroll in school immediately, even if they do not have required documents, such as school or have required documents, such as school or medical records, proof of residency, proof of medical records, proof of residency, proof of guardianship, or other documentsguardianship, or other documents

If a student does not have immunizations, or If a student does not have immunizations, or immunization or medical records, the liaison must immunization or medical records, the liaison must assist in obtaining them, and the student must be assist in obtaining them, and the student must be enrolled in the interimenrolled in the interim

The terms “enroll” and “enrollment” The terms “enroll” and “enrollment” include attending classes and include attending classes and participating fully in school activities.participating fully in school activities.


Enrolling schools must obtain school records, Enrolling schools must obtain school records, but students must be enrolled in school while but students must be enrolled in school while records are obtainedrecords are obtained

Schools must make records available when a Schools must make records available when a child or youth enters a new school or districtchild or youth enters a new school or district

SEAs and LEAs must develop, review, and SEAs and LEAs must develop, review, and revise policies to remove barriers to the revise policies to remove barriers to the enrollment and retention of homeless children enrollment and retention of homeless children and youthand youth

Federal law supersedes state and local laws Federal law supersedes state and local laws where there is a conflict [U.S. Constitution, where there is a conflict [U.S. Constitution, Article VI]Article VI]


When a dispute arises, the parent or guardian When a dispute arises, the parent or guardian must be provided with a written explanation of must be provided with a written explanation of the school’s decision, including the right to the school’s decision, including the right to appealappeal

When a dispute over enrollment arises, the When a dispute over enrollment arises, the student must be admitted immediately to the student must be admitted immediately to the school of choice while the dispute is being school of choice while the dispute is being resolvedresolved

The school must refer the student, parent, or The school must refer the student, parent, or guardian to the local liaisonguardian to the local liaison

The liaison will implement the State’s dispute The liaison will implement the State’s dispute resolution processresolution process


Mobility – loss of what is familiarMobility – loss of what is familiar Hunger, stress, fatigueHunger, stress, fatigue Lack of clothing and suppliesLack of clothing and supplies Lack of educational continuityLack of educational continuity Behind in schoolBehind in school Lack of creditsLack of credits StigmatizationStigmatization Non-identificationNon-identification No appropriate place to do homeworkNo appropriate place to do homework


Ensure basic needs are metEnsure basic needs are met Orient the child to class routinesOrient the child to class routines Connect the child with a “buddy”Connect the child with a “buddy” Enroll the child in extra curricular activitiesEnroll the child in extra curricular activities Arrange supplemental instructionArrange supplemental instruction Provide opportunities to make up creditsProvide opportunities to make up credits Make every day countMake every day count Be aware of “warning signs” of possible Be aware of “warning signs” of possible

homelessnesshomelessness Provide opportunities to do homework in Provide opportunities to do homework in

schoolschool


Definition: a youth who meets the definition of Definition: a youth who meets the definition of homeless and is not in the physical custody of homeless and is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardiana parent or guardian


Are all unaccompanied youth considered Are all unaccompanied youth considered homeless?homeless?

How about emancipated youth? Youth How about emancipated youth? Youth doubled up without parents? Couch-surfing?doubled up without parents? Couch-surfing?

Even youth who chose to leave their home?Even youth who chose to leave their home?◦ Is the youth living in a situation that is not fixed, Is the youth living in a situation that is not fixed,

regular, and adequate?regular, and adequate?◦ Focus on the living situation, not the cause.Focus on the living situation, not the cause.◦ In many cases, there’s more than meets the eye In many cases, there’s more than meets the eye

to the youth’s situation at home.to the youth’s situation at home.

Huh?


Liaisons must help unaccompanied youth Liaisons must help unaccompanied youth choose and enroll in a school, after choose and enroll in a school, after considering the youth’s wishes, and inform considering the youth’s wishes, and inform the youth of his or her appeal rightsthe youth of his or her appeal rights

School personnel must be madeSchool personnel must be madeaware of the specific needs of aware of the specific needs of runaway and homeless youthrunaway and homeless youth


Chris, a sixteen-year-old, has just come to your Chris, a sixteen-year-old, has just come to your school to enroll. He said he left home because he school to enroll. He said he left home because he can’t get along with his stepfather and is staying can’t get along with his stepfather and is staying with a friend. His mother says he has a perfectly with a friend. His mother says he has a perfectly good home and the school should not enroll him.good home and the school should not enroll him.

Should you enroll him?Should you enroll him?

How should schools help unaccompanied How should schools help unaccompanied homeless youth? Educational needs? Beyond homeless youth? Educational needs? Beyond education?education?


Train staff who work with youth (enrollment Train staff who work with youth (enrollment staff, secretaries, guidance counselors, staff, secretaries, guidance counselors, principals, and teachers) on the definition, principals, and teachers) on the definition, rights, and needs of unaccompanied youthrights, and needs of unaccompanied youth

Develop caretaker forms, self-enrollment, Develop caretaker forms, self-enrollment, and other forms to replace typical proof of and other forms to replace typical proof of guardianshipguardianship

Become familiar with state and local Become familiar with state and local policies related to unaccompanied youthpolicies related to unaccompanied youth


Provide opportunities to enroll in diverse Provide opportunities to enroll in diverse learning opportunities, yet don’t assume learning opportunities, yet don’t assume youth need alternative learning programsyouth need alternative learning programs

Provide a “safe place” to store belongingsProvide a “safe place” to store belongings Provide a trained mentorProvide a trained mentor Permit exceptions to school policies on class Permit exceptions to school policies on class

schedules, tardiness, absences, and creditsschedules, tardiness, absences, and credits Assist with credit accrual and recovery; Assist with credit accrual and recovery;

provide opportunities to make up creditsprovide opportunities to make up credits


Homeless youth may be designated as Homeless youth may be designated as Independent Students in order to apply for Independent Students in order to apply for federal financial aid without parental federal financial aid without parental information (Cost Reduction and Access Act of information (Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007)2007)◦ VerificationVerification

Local LiaisonsLocal Liaisons RHYA Shelter ProvidersRHYA Shelter Providers Third PartiesThird Parties Financial Aid Administrators – must use MV definitionFinancial Aid Administrators – must use MV definition

Fee waivers for ACT Fee waivers for ACT Summary of Homeless Access Provisions: Summary of Homeless Access Provisions:

www.naehcy.org/dl/avg1011summary.doc www.naehcy.org/dl/avg1011summary.doc


Liaisons must ensure that families and Liaisons must ensure that families and children have access to Head Start, Even children have access to Head Start, Even Start, and other public preschool programs Start, and other public preschool programs administered by the LEAadministered by the LEA

Head Start legislation requires that Head Start legislation requires that homeless children are prioritized for homeless children are prioritized for enrollmentenrollment

MV and IDEA staff must coordinate on Child MV and IDEA staff must coordinate on Child Find activitiesFind activities

Identification tip: When enrolling school-aged Identification tip: When enrolling school-aged children, ask about younger siblings who children, ask about younger siblings who may be eligible for preschool programsmay be eligible for preschool programs


Students experiencing homelessness must have Students experiencing homelessness must have access to all educational services for which they are access to all educational services for which they are eligible (MV)eligible (MV)

IDEA requires timely assessment, inclusion, and IDEA requires timely assessment, inclusion, and continuity of services for homeless children and continuity of services for homeless children and youth who have disabilitiesyouth who have disabilities

Undocumented children and youth are covered by Undocumented children and youth are covered by the McKinney-Vento Act just as other students the McKinney-Vento Act just as other students (Plyler vs. Doe 1982)(Plyler vs. Doe 1982)

US Department of Agriculture: Liaisons and shelter US Department of Agriculture: Liaisons and shelter directors can secure free school meals for students directors can secure free school meals for students by providing student names and effective datesby providing student names and effective dates


Homeless children and youth are automatically Homeless children and youth are automatically eligible for Title IA serviceseligible for Title IA services

Title I programs must reserve (set aside) funds Title I programs must reserve (set aside) funds to serve homeless studentsto serve homeless students

Services to homeless students in both Title I Services to homeless students in both Title I and non-Title I schools that are comparable to and non-Title I schools that are comparable to services provided to non-homeless students in services provided to non-homeless students in Title I schoolsTitle I schools

Services not ordinarily provided to Title I Services not ordinarily provided to Title I students can be offered to homeless students if students can be offered to homeless students if those services are not available from other those services are not available from other sourcessources


Instructional servicesInstructional services Tutoring programs in sheltersTutoring programs in shelters EyeglassesEyeglasses Counseling servicesCounseling services Extended learning timeExtended learning time School uniformsSchool uniforms Student fees for educational activitiesStudent fees for educational activitiesNotNot for: for: Transportation to and from the school of originTransportation to and from the school of origin Prom dressesProm dresses Rent and utilities for familiesRent and utilities for families


IdentificationIdentification AwarenessAwareness EnrollmentEnrollment Linking with servicesLinking with services Informing parents/youth of educational Informing parents/youth of educational

rightsrights Resolve disputesResolve disputes Collaborate with programs and agenciesCollaborate with programs and agencies Assist unaccompanied youthAssist unaccompanied youth


Helps withHelps with Understanding your communityUnderstanding your community Identifying needsIdentifying needs

◦ Determining Title I Homeless Set Aside amount Determining Title I Homeless Set Aside amount Making the case for additional fundingMaking the case for additional funding Prioritizing your activities and timePrioritizing your activities and time Creating a foundation for collaborationCreating a foundation for collaboration

Educating Homeless Children and Youth: Conducting Needs Educating Homeless Children and Youth: Conducting Needs Assessments and Evaluating Services A Guide for SEAs, Assessments and Evaluating Services A Guide for SEAs, LEAs, and Local Schools: LEAs, and Local Schools: www.serve.org/nche/ibt/sc_eval.php www.serve.org/nche/ibt/sc_eval.php


NCHE website: NCHE website: www.serve.org/nchewww.serve.org/nche NCHE helpline: 800-308-2145 or NCHE helpline: 800-308-2145 or

[email protected]@serve.org Other national organizations:Other national organizations:

NAEHCY (NAEHCY (www.naehcy.orgwww.naehcy.org))NLCHP (NLCHP (www.nlchp.orgwww.nlchp.org))

A Unique Professional Development A Unique Professional Development OpportunityOpportunity

NAEHCY’s 22NAEHCY’s 22thth Annual Conference Annual ConferenceNovember 6-9, 2010 – Houston, TXNovember 6-9, 2010 – Houston, TX

http://www.naehcy.orghttp://www.naehcy.org

Lorain – Erie – Huron Counties Fall Training September 23, 2010 National Center for Homeless...

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