Understanding How to Assist Our Rockbrook Families

Homeless  The McKinney Vento Act is a federal law that requires schools both track and assist homeless students.  Every school must maintain a current and accurate list of homeless students. This list is separate from the At Risk list.  Children who are homeless receive services such as free lunch and breakfast.  It is the responsibility of the school to maintain records and ensure services.

Homeless  A family is considered homeless when two criteria are met: 1. They are currently living in a temporary situation. 2. Their current living situation is due to economic hardship. Temporary housing can be anything from a shelter to a motel, or the home of friends or family.

Homeless Steps to take if you suspect that your student is homeless: 1. Ask the student who they live with and where. 2. Check the child’s cum folder for proof of residency (remember children may move after they enroll; this does not have to match what the child is telling you). 3. Tell your counselor right away. This is very important; we must speak with the parent and serve the child quickly. We also complete a district report. 4. Continue to inform the counselor of needs the student may have.

Homeless After you inform the counselor:  The counselor will send home a student residency form for the parent to complete. The answers on this form will determine their status.  If the form indicates homelessness, the counselor will report this to the district and the student will be placed on free lunch and breakfast.  The counselor will submit a homeless report to the district.  If the student has moved, Diann will be informed of the address change. The new address will not prevent the student from attending Rockbrook.  Existing homeless student information will be updated annually, and new homeless students may be added at any time.  The counselor will provide the family with any additional resources that may be needed, such as childcare assistance or health benefit programs.  The counselor may ask the teacher to complete a Food 4 Kids form.  This process does not place the child on the At Risk list. This process simply informs the district that the student is homeless and starts services. The counselor will code the child At Risk for homelessness after the child is confirmed homeless and receiving services.

Thank you!