Sep
28

McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that was signed into law 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.

Student Rights:

  • You have the right to immediate public school enrollment and attendance, even without a permanent address. The terms “enroll” and “enrollment” including attending classes and participating fully in school activities.
  • You can not 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 – 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
  • Awaiting foster care placement
  • Not enrolled in school due to any of these reasons

McKinney-Vento Statistics

  • Approximately 1 in 10 students in the Medford School District are considered homeless by McKinney-Vento definitions (Medford Schools 2009).
  • There are more than 1200 homeless youth in Medford (Medford Schools 2009). Contrary to some beliefs, most homeless youth are NOT runaways. Most of the 1200 youth are still living with their parent or guardian – the whole family is homeless.
  • Medford has the second highest homeless youth population in Oregon and has the highest population per capita (ODE 2009). There are more than 11,000 homeless students enrolled in Oregon public schools (ODE 2008).
  • Maslow Project had more than 800 walk-in visits in the first year of service (children, teens, and parents). 170 individual youth found their way in for resources. In our second year, we had more than 1,800 walk-in visits.