For almost all of my life, I have never had a place to call home. I have questioned why I have to struggle so hard to succeed while others do not have to question whether they will go to college. However, there is one thing I have never questioned: My education. Khadijah Williams, Harvard University Class of For Shelters and Service Providers

Our Agenda Who are unaccompanied homeless youth and how can we identify them? Brief overview of the McKinney-Vento Act Unaccompanied homeless youth and the FAFSA How shelters and service providers can support unaccompanied youth in high school and beyond MV-FAFSA Week “Get Your Ticket to Your Future.”

Getting Started… Poll Do you know what a McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Liaison is? Do you know where to find a list of your local school district liaisons? Do you network with homeless liaisons in your local school districts?

The McKinney-Vento Act and Liaisons The McKinney-Vento Act  Federal education law (NCLB Title X, Part C)  Designed to ensure school access and promote school success for children and youth who are considered “homeless”. Every school district must designate a McKinney- Vento Liaison.  The key to McKinney-Vento Act implementation.  Ensures identification, enrollment, transportation, services, dispute resolution, and awareness.

Who is Considered “Homeless” by the McKinney-Vento Act? Youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including:  Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason  71% of identified homeless students  Where would you go if you couldn’t stay here?  What led you to move in to this situation?

Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, camping grounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations [Motels: 5% of identified homeless students] Living in emergency or transitional shelters [19% of identified homeless students] Living in a public or private place not designed for humans to live Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings Who is Considered “Homeless”? (cont.)

Migratory children living in above circumstances Awaiting foster care placement  Determined based on state and/or local policy  Check with your MV liaison or State Coordinator for guidance This definition may be different from what your agency uses, but it is the federal legal definition for public schools, colleges and universities. Who is Considered “Homeless”? (cont.)

Shelters and other youth service providers are critical members of the team to identify and serve homeless students! Case-by-case eligibility determinations  NCHE’s “Determining Eligibility” brief, available at: Get as much information as possible.  Sensitivity: Avoid the word “homeless”. Consult with a MV liaison. Determining Eligibility

Checking in… Poll Do you know how many youth are experiencing homelessness in your school or community?

How many children and youth experience homelessness? 10-20% of all children and youth living in poverty experience homelessness over the course of a year. Nationwide, 939,903 homeless students identified by public schools in the school year. An increase of 38% since (start of the economic downturn). School districts with McKinney-Vento funds (fewer than one in five) identified 65,317 unaccompanied youth; a 51% increase over three years.

What causes homelessness? Lack of affordable housing  Foreclosures Poverty  Economic recession  Unemployment Health problems Domestic violence Natural and other disasters

What about unaccompanied youth? Youth who are experiencing homelessness and not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. No upper or lower age limit– must be eligible for public education in the state. Nearly one in five youth run away from home before turning 18; 30% of them run three times or more.

What causes homelessness among unaccompanied youth? Family dysfunction  Conflict with step-parents  Conflict over youth’s sexual orientation: 20-40% of unaccompanied youth identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (compared to 3-5% of adults).  Conflict over youth’s pregnancy.  48% of street youth have been pregnant or impregnated someone.  10% of currently homeless female teenagers are pregnant.

What causes homelessness among unaccompanied youth? (cont) Family violence  Studies have found that 20-40% of unaccompanied youth were sexually abused in their homes, while % were physically abused.  Over two-thirds of callers to Runaway Hotline report that at least one of their parents abuses drugs or alcohol.  21 – 53% of homeless youth have a history of out-of- home care through the child welfare system.

What causes homelessness among unaccompanied youth? (cont) Loss of parents  Incarceration, illness, death Forced separation  Lack of space in temporary accommodations  Shelter policies that prohibit adolescent boys  Family cannot afford to care for older youth

“But the student chose to leave home…” McKinney-Vento eligibility is based on where the youth is currently living : Is it fixed, regular and adequate? A youth can be eligible regardless of whether he/she was asked to leave the home or “chose” to leave Often, there is “more than meets the eye” in a youth’s home life.  Are there reasons a youth might not want to reveal the truth about his/her home situation?  Are there reasons a parent might not want to reveal the truth about the home situation?

Scenario: Jeremy Jeremy was kicked out of his house in his junior year of high school. He’d had problems getting along with his stepmom for some time and the level of conflict had gotten out of control. He went to live with his friend, Kevin, but Kevin’s parents said Jeremy can only stay there until the end of the semester. According to McKinney-Vento, is Jeremy an unaccompanied homeless youth? Other questions?

Liaisons ✓ Eligibility ✓ School stability School enrollment Support for success Back to Our Agenda: McKinney-Vento Act overview

Research on School Mobility Demonstration project in WA showed that school stability for homeless students increased assessment scores and grades. Mobility also hurts non-mobile students; study found average test scores for non-mobile students were significantly lower in high schools with high student mobility rates. Mobility lowers graduation rates significantly, even controlling for other factors.

Students can remain in their school of origin while homeless, despite moves. After they find permanent housing, students can complete the school year in their school of origin. Remaining in the school of origin is based on the student’s best interest.  An individualized assessment, with the parents and/or youth, considering academic needs, mobility, time of year, safety, age, placement of siblings, impact of commute on education. McKinney-Vento and School Stability

The school district(s) must provide or arrange transportation to the school of origin.  If crossing district lines, the 2 districts share the cost and responsibility.  School bus, gas vouchers, public transportation, other appropriate arrangements School Stability (cont.)

Children and youth who are homeless must be enrolled immediately in any school open to other children living in the same neighborhood. Immediate enrollment includes attending classes and participating fully in all school activities (including sports and clubs)  If students miss deadlines, do not meet residency requirements or cannot pay fees due to homelessness, those deadlines, requirements and fees must be waived. School Enrollment

Immediate enrollment in school applies even if the student is lacking school records, immunizations, or other documents. Immediate enrollment in school applies even if no parent or guardian is present.  If you do not know how youth can enroll in your school without a parent or guardian, ask your MV liaison. The McKinney-Vento Act supersedes any conflicting state or local policies. School Enrollment (cont.)

Students experiencing homelessness are automatically eligible for free school meals. Students experiencing homelessness are automatically eligible for Title IA services.  Regardless of what school they attend.  School districts must reserve a portion of Title IA funds to serve homeless youth. Support for Success

Georgetown University Study: By 2018 only a third of all jobs will be available to high school graduates or dropouts. Education largely determines income:  Bachelor’s: average $49,435/year  HS graduate: average $26,001/year Do you know someone who overcame poverty or homelessness to attend college? Support for Success (cont.) Beyond High School

Are you ready for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid? Back to Our Agenda Again

Financial Aid and FAFSA Basics Families are expected to contribute to higher education costs. For dependent students, filling out the FAFSA requires income and asset information for both the student and the parent, and a parent signature. For independent students, no parental signature or income and asset information is needed.

Independent Status for Unaccompanied Youth Unaccompanied homeless youth and self-supporting youth at risk of homelessness are automatically considered independent students.  They can apply for aid without parental signature or consideration of parental income.  Status must be verified in the school year when the application is submitted, by:  MV liaison,  RHYA-funded shelter director or designee,  HUD-funded shelter director or designee, OR  College Financial Aid Administrator (FAA)

Independent Status for Unaccompanied Youth (cont.) “Unaccompanied homeless youth” for the FAFSA uses the McKinney-Vento definition.  Includes a homeless student fleeing an abusive parent, even if the parent would provide housing and support. “At risk of homelessness”: when a student’s housing may cease to be fixed, regular, and adequate.

Independent Status for Unaccompanied Youth (cont.) The FAFSA contains 3 questions specifically about unaccompanied youth.  One for those verified by MV liaison; one for those verified by RHYA shelters; one for those verified by HUD shelters For students without a verification:  Check “yes” to the question indicating where they can get a verification and contact that party to seek a verification.  Seek a determination by the college FAA. Sample verification letters are available at

How Is It Working? Data Total Number of Applicants for Independent Status - 19,490,665 Total Number of Applicants who indicated a homeless circumstance - 47,204 (.24% of total independent applicants)  Determined by MV Liaison: 16,331 applicants  Determined by HUD provider: 12,288 applicants  Determined by RHYA provider: 18,390 applicants

Scenario: Amber Amber had to leave home the summer before her senior year in high school, when her mom was incarcerated. Amber’s father has never been a part of her life. Amber has been staying with different relatives since then, but none has been willing to assume legal guardianship or provide financial support. She’s now starting to apply for colleges and is concerned about having enough money to attend. She doesn’t think she ever met a homeless liaison in her high school. According to McKinney-Vento, is Amber an unaccompanied homeless youth? How could you help Amber graduate from high school and get financial aid for college?

How shelters and service providers can support unaccompanied youth in high school and beyond. Our Agenda Again: Let’s Get Practical.

Contact your local high schools or state Homeless Education Coordinator.  What efforts are already underway to support homeless students in high schools you work with?  Network with local homeless education liaisons.  How can you participate?  Can your local Continuum of Care participate? Strategies for Shelters and Service Providers

 Put up a posters in your agency on McKinney-Vento rights and Higher Education.  Enlist youth to help spread the word.  Provide training and awareness activities on the education definition of homeless and students’ education rights for all case managers and outreach workers Strategies for Shelters and Service Providers (cont.)

 As a standard part of the intake process, provide parents and youth with information about the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program and the unaccompanied youth exception to the FAFSA.  Designate one staff member as your education contact or advocate. Strategies for Shelters and Service Providers (cont.)

Help students cope with the physical stresses of homelessness.  Provide a place for them to store belongings.  Help them access showers and laundry facilities.  Help arrange a quiet place for them to study and rest before and after school. Strategies for Shelters and Service Providers (cont.)

Get in touch with other local agencies that may serve homeless youth.  Shelters, drop-in centers, street outreach  Soup kitchens, food banks  Boys & Girls clubs  Child welfare, law enforcement  Teen parent programs  Gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender youth organizations Strategies for Shelters and Service Providers (cont.)

Help youth make the most of high school.  Position higher education as a realistic goal and start planning early.  Encourage and support participation in college access programs (Upward Bound, Talent Search, GEAR UP, Early/Middle College High School, etc.).  Encourage and support participation in extra- curricular activities.  Assist with credit accrual and recovery. Strategies for Shelters and Service Providers (cont.)

Help youth prepare for college admissions.  Help youth search for scholarships.   Help youth with the FAFSA and financial planning for college.  SAT/ACT fee waivers  Consider community college as a cost-effective step toward a 4-year degree.  Help youth advocate with FAAs, if necessary. Strategies for Shelters and Service Providers (cont.)

Coordinate or participate in a MV-FAFSA Week in your community. “Get Your Ticket to Your Future!”  Assist with the identification of McKinney-Vento students.  Ensure that homelessness will not keep youth out of college.  Ensure that ALL eligible students complete the FAFSA as unaccompanied homeless youth. Strategies for Shelters and Service Providers (cont.)

Ready-made packets are available on NAEHCY’s “Unaccompanied Youth Toolkits” website  Sample script for counselors  Sample letters for seniors  “FAFSA Tips for Shelters and Service Providers” tip sheet  “McKinney-Vento ID Checklist” for shelters and service providers  Links to sample FAFSA verification letters and in-depth information about independent students, homelessness, and the FAFSA  Implementation support from NCHE and NAEHCY McKinney-Vento FAFSA Week “Get Your Ticket to Your Future!”

What will be your first steps to support unaccompanied youth in your community? How Will You Get Started?

National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) National Center for Homeless Education or For support and information

College Goal Sunday Office of Postsecondary Education Runaway Switchboard For support and information (cont.)