The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that offers rights and protections to families in difficult or transient living situations.
The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This definition also includes:
- Staying in a shelter (family shelter, domestic violence shelter, youth shelter) or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailer
- Sharing housing with other(s) due to loss of housing, economic hardship, natural disaster, lack of adequate housing, or similar reason
- Living in a car, park, campground, abandoned building, or other inadequate accommodations (i.e. lack of water, electricity, or heat)
- Temporarily living in a motel or hotel due to loss of housing, economic hardship, natural disaster, or similar reason
- A student under the age of 18 and living apart from parent(s) or guardian
Homeless children and youth have the right to receive the following protections and services provided under all federal and state laws as it relates to homeless children, youth, and their families:
- Immediate enrollment in the school they last attended (school of origin) or the local school where they are currently staying, even if they do not have all the documents normally required at time of enrollment.
- Continue to attend their school of origin, if requested by the parent, guardian or educational rights holder and it is in the student’s best interest.
- Transportation assistance to and from their school of origin
- Participate fully in the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children
- Receive free school meals and Title I, Part A support
The Arvin Union School District’s McKinney-Vento team provides homeless children and youth with the support to ensure their rights are upheld and help with educational needs including assistance with food, clothing, or housing.
If you have any questions regarding the McKinney-Vento Act, please feel free to contact us.
Thank you,
Director of Support Services
McKinney-Vento Liaison (Enlace)
(661) 854-6525