Homeless Education/Foster Care
Homeless Education/Foster Care
The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law guaranteeing all children and youth the right to an equal education, regardless of their living situation. Protection under the McKinney-Vento Act extends to those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
This definition includes students:
- Sharing housing with friends, relatives, etc. due to the loss of housing, natural disaster, hardship, etc.
- Living in a motel, trailer park, or campground due to the lack of alternative accommodations
- Living somewhere not designed for human occupation
- In shelters or substandard housing
- In the above situation and not in the custody of an adult guardian
Those covered by the law have the right to:
- Immediate enrollment, regardless of documentation, immunizations, etc.
- Automatic eligibility for free/reduced lunch
- Transportation to their school of origin (consistency in education)
- Comparable education to all other students
Resources
National Center for Homeless Education
Oregon Department of Education: McKinney-Vento
Oregon Department of Education: Foster Care
Local Resources
If you or your family are experiencing homelessness or are under sheltered contact the ARK Project.