Jan
17

McKinney Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that was signed into effect  in 1987. Part of the act ensures that homeless children have access to education, including transportation assistance and registration at school. This act ensures that homeless students have certain rights.

Following is a list of students’ rights:

  • You have the right to immediate public school enrollment and attendance, even without a permanent address. The terms “enroll” and “enrollment” include attending classes and participating fully in school activities.
  • You cannot be denied school enrollment just because you do not have school records or other documents or a parent to enroll you.
  • Homeless children and youth are entitled to enrollment at their school of origin, provided it is in the best interest of the student, requested by parents and feasible. The school of origin is the school last attended by the homeless child or youth at the onset of homelessness. Just because you moved, doesn’t mean you must move schools.
  • Homeless children are automatically eligible for free school meals.
  • You can get help – talk to your teacher, school counselor, dean or principal.

If you are in any of the following situations – with or without a parent or guardian – you may need our help.

  • Living in Motels/Hotels
  • Living in Campgrounds, parks or unsheltered
  • Couch Surfing
  • Not living with your parent or guardian
  • In an emergency or transitional shelter
  • Doubled up with friends or relatives
  • In car or trailer
  • Moved 3 or more times in a year due to unstable housing
  • Not enrolled in school due to any of these reasons

McKinney-Vento Statistics:

  • Approximately 1 out of 10 students enrolled in Medford Schools is considered homeless by McKinney-Vento definition (Medford Schools 2011).
  • There are over 1400 homeless youth in Medford (Medford Schools 2011).
  • Contrary to some beliefs, most homeless youth are NOT runaways. Most of the 1400 youth are still living with their parent or guardian – the whole family is homeless.
  • Of the 10 Oregon school districts with the highest number of homeless youth, Medford has the highest rate of youth homelessness per capita (ODE 2011).