HOMELESS CHILDREN
A homeless child is one who lacks a “fixed, regular and adequate nighttime place of abode.” In general, children or youth living in welfare hotels, transitional housing, shelters, the streets, cars, abandoned buildings, and other inadequate accommodations are considered homeless. This includes the following groups:
Children in Shelters
Doubled-up Children
Living with another family due to lack of a permanent residence.
Migratory Children
If accommodations are not fit for habitation.
Runaways
Children who have run away from home and live in a shelter or inadequate
accommodations, even if parents are willing to provide a home.Throwaways
Children whose parents or guardians will not permit them to live at home
THE MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT
What Are Their Rights?
The Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program, as part of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act ensure homeless children the right to:
A free, appropriate public education
Choose either to stay in the school or origin or attend the school nearest their shelter or temporary home
Immediate enrollment even when medical records cannot be produced at time of enrollment
Receive assistance with transportation, if needed.
A priority to pre-school programs
If you have any questions or need assistance contact your Lead Area Homeless Liaison
Megan Clark or Amber Behrends
(217) 268-4963
If you need further assistance, call the National Center for Homeless Education at the toll-free helpline number:
(866) 862-2562
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth