| McKinney-Vento Act |
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Is My Family in Transition? - Definition of Homeless |
According to the federal McKinney-Vento Act reauthorized in 2002, a family is considered in transition (or homeless) if they and/or their children:
• Lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence
• Share the housing of others due to financial hardship
• Live in motels, hotels, trailer parks, camping grounds, substandard housing due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations
• Living in emergency or transitional shelters
• Abandoned in hospitals
• Awaiting foster care placement
• Living in a public or private place not designed for humans to live
• Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, etc.
• Migratory children living in above circumstances
The definition does not include any person imprisoned, detained, or in the custody of the state.
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Families in Transition: Your Child's Rights |
Every child has a right to a free and appropriate public education. Florida Statute s.1003.21 requires that all children attend school regularly until they are 16 years old. Children in transition who fit the federal definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act (1987) have the right to:
*Immediate school enrollment and attendance, even without birth records, school records, immunizations, and/or health physicals (Florida Statute s.1003.22)
*Remain at their school of origin or a school a parent chooses, to the extent possible
*Transportation to and from school
*Help for prompt resolutions about school placement including special education, bilingual education, gifted, and remedial programs
*Receive free breakfast and lunch for the remainder of the school year |
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What Other Support Services Can My Child Receive? |
In addition to school services that are required under your child's rights, he or she also is eligible to receive:
*Free school supplies and backpacks
*Emergency clothing and/or school uniforms, when possible
*Free tutorial services at select sites
*Free educational materials and literacy resources
*Transportation assistance (bus passes and gas cards)
*Referrals to community health and social service providers
*Waiver of school related fees, when possible
*Pre-K information and referrals |
Legal Briefs |
For more information on the McKinney-Vento Act please see the following web pages.
*McKinney-Vento Issue Briefs (National Center For Homeless Education )
*The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
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