Agenda My Background Homeless and Highly Mobile Children and Families McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Our Research What we all can do Website

My Background First generation, multiethnic woman Fourth year doctoral student at Loyola University-Chicago Research Interests – Risk and resiliency – At-risk populations – Social justice – Homeless and highly mobile populations

Homeless and Highly Mobile Children and Families Prevalence Families 216,261 people in families were homeless on a single night (Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2014) Youth 194,302 youth and children were homeless on a single night (Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2014)

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act What is it? A Federal mandate that works to promote stability in housing and education for preschool through high school aged students including unaccompanied youth It includes: Liaison Enrollment School Choice Resources Dispute Resolution Transportation

Our Research The original purposes of our research were twofold: – Give voice to homeless families’ needs and experiences – Provide advocacy to assist parents in improving their children’s education Research topics include: – Impact of law on students who are homeless – Overrepresentation in special education of homeless students – Interaction of laws involving students who are – homeless, disabled, and/or who experience multiple placements in the child welfare system – Experiences of families who are homeless and unaccompanied youth

Educational Opportunity: Parent and Youth Perceptions of Major Provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act Focus groups with families and youth from homeless shelters focusing on experiences enrolling in schools while homeless or highly mobile General themes: – Uninformed of their Rights – Transportation Issues – Are Not Always Able to Meet Their Basic Needs – Discipline Issues – Struggle to Integrate into the School Setting – Face Challenges in Completing School

What Can We Do? Are Uninformed of their Rights: Screen and Inform – Use universal screeners, identify at orientation, publically post rights, recruit at homeless/service agencies Limited by Transportation Issues: Identification is important! – Apply for Title 1 funds, address attendance, public transit passes Are Not Always Able to Meet Their Basic Needs: Connect Youth with Resources – Partner with local agencies, develop school homeless plan, screen for trauma, abuse and neglect, provide mental health/ family counseling, obtain parental consent for release of information

What Can We Do?  Need Additional Support from Teachers: Provide Professional Development and Support to Teachers  Conduct Professional Development, address Confidentiality, advocate for modification of school policies for homeless youth  Struggle to Integrate into the School Setting : Provide Options  Alternative School  Face Challenges in Completing School: Creating Choices  Credit retrieval programs, IEPs for homeless students, collaborate with community colleges, GED programs, and Ombudsman programs

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