Homeless Youth
Services for Homeless Students
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures the rights and protections for students experiencing homelessness.
Addison Northwest School District is committed to supporting all of our families. If your family is experiencing homelessness or you want to refer a student who may be experiencing homelessness, please contact a school staff member or the ANWSD Homeless Liaison for support."Homeless" is defined as "anyone lacking a fixed, adequate, regular nighttime residence". Examples include:
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In an emergency shelter or transitional housing.
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In a motel, hotel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation.
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In a car, park, abandoned building, or public place due to unavailable suitable housing options.
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Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship.
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Unaccompanied (not living in direct care of a legal parent or guardian) or runaway youth.
Under the legislation, eligible children have the right to:
- Receive a free, appropriate public education
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Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
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Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled).
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Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested.
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Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to the children's needs.
*If the school district believes that the school selected is not in the best interest of the child, then the district must provide a written explanation of its position and inform the family of its right to appeal the decision.