Kids Without Homes: A School District Responds Wichita Falls ISD Homeless Education Training

Contact Information Name: Debbie Gonzalez, LBSW Office Phone: (940) x Homeless Education Coordinator / School Social Worker Federal Programs Director Jan Banner Office Phone: (940) x

The younger the child, the more likely he or she is to live in poverty. Percentage of Texas Children Living in Poverty Troubling Statistics

Homeless Statistics in Wichita Falls Number of students identified as living in a Homeless situation in : 306 Number of students identified as living in a homeless situation in : 515

Number of students identified as living in a homeless situation in: Number of students identified as living in a homeless situation in

Stereotypes of Homelessness

Why do people become homeless? Poverty Lack of affordable housing Loss of job Economic hardships

Who is homeless? Who is homeless? The Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Says that children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence are homeless.

The McKinney-Vento Act The definition of homeless children and youth includes “unaccompanied youth” not living with a parent or legal guardian.

Who is homeless?? Families living in doubled-up situationsFamilies living in doubled-up situations Families living in a hotel/motelFamilies living in a hotel/motel Families or Children living in shelters-Faith Mission, Children’s Home, Teen Shelter, First StepFamilies or Children living in shelters-Faith Mission, Children’s Home, Teen Shelter, First Step Families moving from place to placeFamilies moving from place to place Unaccompanied youthUnaccompanied youth

Who is homeless? Who is homeless? Families staying in locations not designed for ordinary sleeping accommodations such as a car or the parkFamilies staying in locations not designed for ordinary sleeping accommodations such as a car or the park Children who have been informally placed outside their home, not living with a biological parent.Children who have been informally placed outside their home, not living with a biological parent.

Life is difficult for our homeless students Increasing Awareness Transient / unstable lifestyle Living in crowded conditions Frequently changing schools Inadequate personal hygiene Shabby or unclean clothing Poor health / nutrition Emotional and social difficulties Stress Factors include :

Federal Law defines and protects the rights of homeless students to enroll in, attend, and succeed in our public schools The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

Texas Education Code specifies that a student who is homeless is entitled to admission in any Texas school district Chapter 25 of the Texas Education Code

The McKinney-Vento Act Educational Stability What you must know about the law: Transportation Immediate Enrollment

The McKinney-Vento Act Immediate Enrollment Key Provisions of the Law Choice of Schools Transportation Services Dispute Resolution

Making a Difference Direct Assistance Indirect Assistance Ways You Can Assist Our Students in Homeless Situations

Identifying students in homeless situations The law requires all school districts to identify students in homeless situations. Identifying students in homeless situations is also an important way to create greater awareness of homelessness in the school district and community. Identification

Student Residency Questionnaires (SRQ) SRQ’s are designed to assist with identification of students who might be in homeless situations. All students, OLD and NEW, must fill out an SRQ form.

Identification As we all know, living situations may change several times for some of our kids during the school year. School Staff are the eyes and ears when it comes to Identification. When you hear that a living situation might have changed, go talk to your campuses homeless contact.

Assisting our Homeless Students Professional development Identification Immediate assistance Continuing care Expanding outreach Effective communications can make a difference!You

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