What is the McKinney-Vento Homeless
Assistance Act?
Current McKinney-Vento legislation stems from the
original Act that was signed into law in 1987 and
strengthened by reauthorization in 2002.
McKinney-Vento supports students who are homeless
by providing them with the right to:
•
Go to school, no matter where they live or how
long they have lived there. Students who are
homeless must be given access to the same
public education provided to other students.
•
Continue in the school they attended before
becoming homeless or the school last attended if
that is their choice and feasible. The school
district’s local liaison for homeless education must
assist you, if needed, and offer you the right to
appeal a decision regarding your choice of school
if it goes against your wishes.
•
Receive transportation to the school they
attended before they became homeless or the
school last attended, if a request is made for such
transportation and transportation is feasible.
•
Attend a school and participate in school
programs with students who are not homeless.
Students cannot be separated from the regular
school program due to the fact that they are
homeless.
•
Enroll in school without providing a permanent
address. Schools cannot require proof of
residency that might prevent or delay school
enrollment.
•
Enroll and attend classes in the school of their
choice even while the school and student who is
homeless seek to resolve a dispute over
enrollment.
•
Receive the same special programs and services,
if needed, as provided to all other students served
in these programs.
•
Receive transportation to school and to school
programs.
 
 
 
 
      
 
When is a student eligible for support under
the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance
Act?
 
A student is eligible if they live in any of the
following situations:
•
In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground
•
On the street
•
In an abandoned building, trailer, or other
inadequate accommodations, or
•
Doubled up with friends or relatives because they
cannot find or afford housing
 
Who determines eligibility?
  
When a parent, teacher, counselor, administrator, or
other school employee becomes aware of a student
who will be, or is currently homeless he/she should
contact the school district’s Homeless Liaison at 303-
349-9463. The school district’s Homeless Liaison will
determine whether the student’s current living situation
meets criteria for support under the McKinney-Vento
Homeless Assistance Act. The school district’s
Homeless Liaison will work in concert with the State
Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children
and Youth to determine the most appropriate services
for the child.
 
What is the McKinney-Vento process in
Douglas County Schools?
Once a student’s eligibility for support under the
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is
determined, the district’s Homeless Liaison will:
•
Contact the family to discuss their educational
rights, the McKinney-Vento process, what district t
resources would be appropriate and possible
referrals to community entities.
•
Contact the registrar of the student’s home school
to ensure that the enrollment records reflect the
student’s current living situation.
•
Contact the nutrition services coordinator to
ensure that students eligible for support receive
free and reduced meal services (lunch &
breakfast if possible).
 
 
 
What are the responsibilities of the school t
district and how are they being met?
 
The school district will be responsible for:
Providing access to school and appropriate
services
*
A school district liaison has been appointed and
assists schools in identifying and enrolling
students who are experiencing homelessness
and in helping them access education and
support services.
*
Public notice of the educational rights of
homeless children and youth is posted
throughout the district.
*
Awareness of staff is promoted by trainings for
registrars, counselors, mental health, and the
Directors of Schools.
Reducing school transfers and enhancing
educational stability and continuity
*
Homeless Liaison works collaboratively with
transportation officials to keep students in their
school of origin to the extent feasible, except
when doing so is contrary to the wishes of
parent/guardians.
*
Homeless Liaison ensures the right to attend
school of origin for the entire duration of

 
What other resources are available for youth
who may be experiencing homelessness?
•
 
Douglas County Human Services
303.688.4825
  
Food Stamps, Medicaid, Emergency Assistance,
Energy Assistance, Veterans Services, and
Financial Support
•
 
Tri County Health Department
   
303.663.7650
Immunizations, WIC, Family Planning, Women’s
Wellness
•
 
Douglas Elbert Task Force
303.688.1114
  
Emergency Assistance, Food Bank, Clothing
Bank
•
 
Parker Task Force
303.841.3460
  
Emergency Assistance, Food Bank, Clothing
Bank
•
 
Arapahoe/Douglas Works
303.688.4825 Ext. 5037
  
Employment and job Search Assistance
•
 
Women’s Crisis Center
303.688.8484r
  
Domestic Violence Services for Women and
Children
•
 
Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health
303.797.9346
  
Mental health services provided on a sliding fee
scale
•
 
Doctors Care
303.730.1313
  
Medical care on a sliding fee scale, can include
the Doctor’s Care Program, lab services, hospital
inpatient care and prescriptions.
•
 
Douglas County Housing Partnership
303.814.2965
  
Education, down payment assistance, and
housing referrals
•
 
Air Academy Federal Credit Union
303.688.8500
  
Banking services at reduced fees
•
 
CSU Cooperative Extension
720.733.6930
  
Information and resources for planning low-cost