Presentation Transcript

1. Kids Without Homes: A School District Responds

   Compliance Training for District Staff
2. Contact Information Name: Cathyleen Requejo Office Phone: 512-414-3690 Fax: 512-414-0761 Email: crequejo@austinisd.org Homeless Education Liaison 2
3. AISD’s Program Focus: Identify students experiencing homelessness Collaborate with key entities to ensure removal of barriers to attendance and academic success Track attendance and academics and collaborate with campuses to ensure follow up as needed This year's focus: Build capacity of campuses to identify and serve/refer as needed Identify key resources and campus parental support
4. FAQsStudents experiencing homelessness have certain legal rights that may affect registration and transfer procedures. AISD Project HELP (Homeless Education and Learning Program) addresses issues related to enrollment and assists schools with homeless students’ needs. http://www.austinisd.org/project-help/faqs 1. What is the definition of an unaccompanied child? 2. Can homeless students enroll in a school outside their current attendance zone? 3. Can a child who changes addresses after enrollment continue to attend the school where they were initially enrolled? 4. Can schools refuse to enroll a homeless child? 5. What kind of proof is required to show that a child is homeless? 6. Do homeless children need to have their parent or guardian present to enroll in school? 7. If a homeless child does not have records from a previous school, can the school district delay the student’s enrollment until the records are received? 8. Can homeless students be admitted to school without their immunization records? 9. Can schools withhold a student’s records for failure to return a textbook? 10. Can homeless students be assisted with transportation? 11. Are homeless students eligible for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program? 12. Can a homeless student attend any campus he/she chooses? 13. If a campus disputes a homeless student's enrollment, can the campus withdraw the student while the dispute is being resolved? 4
5. Overview Major Topics Poverty and homelessness in our community The McKinney-Vento Act Identification of Homeless Students Possible signs of homelessness Common stressors Ways to work with homeless students 5
6. Poverty and Homelessness in our Community Forty-two percent of homeless children are younger than 6. AP/ March 10, 2009, 10:01 AM http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-201_162-4855602.html 6
7. Even though the economy seems to be slowly improving, there are still many unemployed Americans. As the unemployment rate rises, so does the homeless rate. On any given night in America, more than 640,000 people experience homelessness. Single mothers make up the fastest-growing group of homeless people in the country. Updated 08/01/2011 11:06 AM Smart Living: Homelessness could be closer than you think http://austin.ynn.com/content/279668/smart-living--homelessness-could-be-closer-than-you-think 7
8. The National Center on Family Homelessness said … 1.6 million children were living on the streets of the United States in 2010 or in shelters, motels and doubled-up with other families. That marked a 38 percent jump in child homelessness since 2007. Poverty is most common in families that rely on a single mother’s income. Global Reports May 8, 2012 What's hot, in Short 8
9. Homeless Student Enrollment Data US Dept. of Education Education for Homeless Children and Youth 9
10. Homeless Student Enrollment by Nighttime Residence, SY 10-11 National Technical Assistance Center www.serve.org/nche 10
11. How many people in Texas are homeless? Approximately 79,000 people on any given day are homeless in Texas according to the National Survey Of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients. Also, NSHAPC report they believe in a year's time that approximately 265,000 Texans will experience homelessness. http://www.thn.org/info/static/files/How_many_People_Experience_Homelessness_in_Texas_one_pager_2009.pdf Between the years of 2007 and 2009, the number of homeless students reported to the U.S. Department of Education increased more than 40 percent. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/data/homeless-students2009.html 11
12. In Austin ISD: Keep in mind, homeless students can appear at any time during the school year. 12
13. Causes of Homelessness Deep poverty Lack of affordable housing Foreclosure Eroding work opportunities Stagnant or falling incomes and less secure jobs which offer fewer benefits Health problems Lack of affordable health care Mental illness Drug addiction Domestic violence Post-Traumatic Stress Natural and other disasters Abuse/neglect (unaccompanied youth) Decline in public assistance 13
14. Legal Background The McKinney-Vento Act is the primary federal (U.S) law dealing with the education of children and youth in homeless situations. Addressing the needs of homeless youth is required by law through the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, currently known as the McKinney-Vento Act. This federal law entitles homeless children to a free and appropriate educationand states that schools must eliminate barriers to enrollment, attendance, and success in school for homeless students. http://center.serve.org/nche/downloads/mv_full_text.pdf 14
15. protects the right of homeless childrenand youth to get to, stay in, and be successful in school while they or their families are homeless. Federal Law – The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines and protects the rights of homeless students to enroll in, attend, and succeed in our public schools. says that children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence are homeless. For homeless parents, the law means their children have the right to: Attend their school of choice Enroll immediately without documentation Receive Title I assistance Receive free school meals Focus on School Stability 15
16. Who are homeless children and youth? "Children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence," including, but not limited to: Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason ("doubled up"). Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, camping grounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations. Living in emergency or transitional shelters. Abandoned in hospitals. Awaitingfoster care placement. Living in a public or private place not designed for humans to live. Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, etc. Migratory children living in the above circumstances. 16
17. Why do homeless children and youth need a federal law to protect their right to an education? Homeless children and youth face lots of barriers in trying to enroll, remain, and be successful in school, including: Enrollment requirements(school records, health records, proof of residence and guardianship). High mobilityresulting in a lack of school stability and educational continuity. Lack of transportation. Lack of school supplies, clothing, etc. Poor health, fatigue, hunger, anxiety/trauma. Invisibility (lack of awareness). Prejudice and misunderstanding. For unaccompanied youth (youth who do not live with their parents or a guardian): lack of adult guardian; need for employment; credit accrual policies; concerns of capture by authorities. 17
18. What education rights does a child have when he or she is experiencing homelessness? Immediate enrollment in school- Without proof of residency, immunization, or school records; Even if no parent or guardian is available. Choice of schools- To remain at the last school before losing housing; To attend a new school. Prompt resolution of placement disputes- School district Homeless Education Liaison must assist family in resolving placement disputes. Transportation to school- At the request of a parent, guardian, or school liaison; To the same extent as students in permanent housing. Needed school services- Equal access to free public education, including public pre-school; Equal access to all educational programs and services. Free and reduced-price meals; 18
19. How quickly must children and youth experiencing homelessness be enrolled in school? Schools must enroll a child or youth experiencing homelessness immediately, even if the child or youth is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment. [§722(1)] Is there an age limit on who is eligible for McKinney-Vento services? No, the law does not specify an age range. McKinney-Vento applies to all school-aged children and youth. 19
20. How can schools verify that students are experiencing homelessness? School districts are encouraged to use their SRQ. If questions regarding homeless status based upon the definition of the law exist, schools should contact their local homeless education liaison. Social workers, parent support specialists, social service specialists, or dropout prevention specialists, may visit the current residence to make a determination. However, students must be enrolled while this verification is in progress. SRQ. Student Residency Questionnaire – A form used by most school districts to help determine whether or not students qualify as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act. 20
21. Is there someone in my child's school district who can help us and who is responsible for making sure the school follows the McKinney-Vento Act? Yes.  Every school district is required by the law to designate a "liaison."  The liaison's responsibilities include: Ensuring that children and youth in homeless situations are identified through school and community. Ensuring that homeless students enroll in and have full and equal opportunity to succeed in school. Making referrals for health, mental health, and other services, and ensure that homeless children receive Head Start and pre-school programs administered by school districts. Informing parents, guardians, and youth of educational and parent involvement opportunities. Posting public notices of educational rights of homeless students. Resolving disputes. Informing parents, guardians, and youth of transportation services, including to the school of origin. Collaborating and coordinating with community and school personnel. 21
22. What about "unaccompanied youth" - homeless teenagers who do not live with their parents and have no adult guardian? Is the school required to enroll the child? Yes. Proof of guardianship cannot be a barrier to enrollment. Some students may not be able to live with their family, and others are not permitted by their parents or guardians to live at home.The local liaison should be contacted to assist unaccompanied youth who wish to enroll in school and to coordinate needed services with other agencies. [§722(g)(6)] 22
23. What if a parent and a school disagree about school selection or enrollment in school? The child mustbe immediately enrolled into the school in which enrollment is sought. The school must provide the student/parents a written explanation of the school's enrollment decision, along with their right to appeal that decision. The child and her parents must be immediately referred to the district's liaison to begin the dispute resolution process. A student should be allowed to remain in the school of origin for the duration of homelessness. 42 U.S.C § 11432(g)(3)(A)(i). A student may choose to enroll in any public school that non-homeless students are eligible to attend in their attendance area. 42 U.S.C § 11432(g)(3)(A)(ii). 23
24. If a child or youth is living with an older sibling or relative, should he or she be considered homeless? Each situation should be considered individually. While such student may meet the definition of unaccompanied youth, to be considered homeless under the law, a determination of whether the living arrangement is fixed, regular, and adequate also must be made. If the living arrangement is due to economic hardship or the child or youth is a runaway or not permitted to return home, then it would be considered a “homeless” situation. If the living arrangement is for convenience, then the setting would not be considered homeless. 24
25. Can Title I funds be used to address the educational needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness? Yes. According to the NCLB Act, children and youth experiencing homelessness automatically qualify for Title I, Part A services, whether students attend schoolwide, targeted assistance, or non-Title I schools. Title I mustcoordinate services in order to promote the academic achievement of students experiencing homelessness. [Title I, §1112(a)(1)] 25
26. May homeless children and youth attending non-Title I schools be served under Title I? Yes. Title I, Part A funds mustbe reservedto provide comparable to homeless children who attend schools that do not receive Title I funding. Funds may be used to provideeducationally related support services to children in shelters, such as referrals, supplies, and/or tutoring. 26
27. Student Withdrawal – AISD Procedure for Student Withdrawal A parent or guardianwishing to withdraw a minor student shall present a signed request stating the reason for the withdrawal. A student who is 18 or older may request withdrawal without a parent’s or guardian’s signature. 27
28. Texas Education Code Chapter 25 of the Texas Education Code specifies that a student who is homeless is entitled to admission in any Texas school district. The entire Code is available online at: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.25.htm 28
29. Possible signs of homelessness Attendance at many schools Inability to pay fees Gaps in skill development Unmet medical and dental needs, skin rashes Chronic hunger Erratic attendance and tardiness Poor hygiene Loss of books and other supplies on a regular basis Difficulty trusting people Anxiety late in the school day Exhibiting anger or embarrassment when asked about current address Sleeping in class History of attending many different schools Consistent lack of preparation for class Hostility and anger or extremes in behavior Needy behavior Resistance to parting with personal possessions Inadequate seasonal clothing Difficulty in reaching a parent by phone 29
30. Common stressors America’s Youngest Outcasts: State Report Card on Child Homelessness, a report by the National Center on Family Homelessness, offers a snapshot view of child homelessness in America and a summary of the unique needs of homeless children. The report claims that homeless children “endure a lack of safety, comfort, privacy, reassuring routines, adequate health care, uninterrupted schooling, sustaining relationships, and a sense of community. These factors combine to create a life-altering experience that inflicts profound and lasting scars.” http://cflhomeless.wordpress.com/2010/03/31/how-many-children-are-homeless-in-america/ Transient / unstable lifestyle Living in crowded conditions Poor sleeping accommodations Frequently changing schools Inadequate personal hygiene Inadequate seasonal clothing Shabby or unclean clothing Poor health / nutrition Physical abuse 30
31. Stressful and Chaotic Childhoods Chaotic childhoods have serious implications on the physical health of people. Dr. Alan Kazdin, professor of psychology at Yale University, said adults with stressful childhoods display higher rates of cancer, liver disease, respiratory disease and other conditions. Faces of Homelessness – 2077 Homeless children in Nashville – June 9, 2010 31
32. Every time a child has to change schools, his or her education is disrupted. According to the Institute for Children and Poverty, homeless children are nine timesmore likely to repeat a grade, four timesmore likely to drop out of school, and three times more likely to be placed in special education programs than their housed peers. Institute for Children and Poverty. “Miles To Go: The Flip Side of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act”, 2003. Available at http://www.icpny.org/PDF/reports/MilestoGo.pdf?Submit1=Free+Download. 32
33. Ways to work with homeless students Closely monitor reasons for absences to uncover needs. Provide school supplies. Be observant of medical an other needs and help with referrals for assistance. Assist in the resolution of transportation issues. Consider homeless situations when making assignments - students needing a place to study or complete projects. Respond to stresses with practical solutions. Conduct tutoring sessions in a variety of locations. Make the student and parent feel welcome. 33
34. What homeless children need most of all is a home. While they are experiencing homelessness, however, it is essential that children remain in school. School is one of the few stable, secure places in the lives of homeless children and youth -- a place where they can acquire the skills needed to help them escape poverty. 34
35. Could you – or someone you know --experience … a natural disaster? a job cut-back or layoff? loss of sole wage-earner’s income? a negative change to current lifestyle? loss of health coverage and other benefits? wages that don’t keep up with rising housing costs and taxes? being routinely behind on paying bills? high balances on credit cards? inadequate health-care benefits for a family member needing long term care? a family member’s addiction? 35
36. AISD Services Available for Homeless Students

37. Identification of Students – Purpose of SRQ and Role of Project Help

    Each campus ensures students receive an Student Residency Questionnaire(SRQ) at enrollment, withdrawal, times of crisis Project HELP utilizes SRQs to ensure immediate follow up and documentation (for reporting purposes) Collaborators (i.e., emergency Shelter, local service providers like Caritas, Travis County Emergency Services and Foundation Communities Organization) refer families/students Project HELP distributes posters and brochures at fairs, service provider meetings and to all campuses so families/students can understand and self refer if necessary Project HELP provides training to campus personnel and AISD Administration 37

38. Collaboration

    ECHO--(End Community Homelessness Organization) Project HELP participates to build awareness and address barriers CapCityKids Non Profit provides school supplies, basic needs assistance (rental/motel); funds for certified shelter tutors; bus passes; instructor Emergency Shelters -- we can call and refer AISD families/students (Salvation Army; Austin Children's Shelter; SafePlace, etc.) AISD campus Child Study Team -- we can refer student for assessment and wrap around support AISD Food Service -- Project HELP refers eligible students for free meals AISD Transportation -- Project HELP and AISD Transportation Contact persons work together to ensure AISD bus transportation to school of origin AISD Management and Information Systems -- MIS provides Project HELP critical reports for grants and community awareness 38

39. Tracking of Students

    Project HELP's data base (PHELP) is linked to AISD TEAMS data. This assures effective documentation of key grant reporting information (services received, demographics, and academics, comparison reports --retention, graduation, attendance). NEW THIS YEAR-- Weekly reports will be utilized to review academics and attendance, of individual students, by campus. 39
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41. Additional Information

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42. Citywide Services LifeWorks is Austin’s only non-profit organization to provide a continuum of services to youth and families, addressing critical needs to achieve lasting, positive change. http://blogs.utexas.edu/housing/2009/11/04/lifeworks-shelter-for-homeless-children/ (The Capital City Fund for Education) is a non-profit organization created to help children facing homelessness beat the odds and get a quality education. CapCity Kids develops innovative programs and provides direct resources to help these students stay in school. CapCity Kids provides a five step approach to help homeless children become effective citizens. http://www.forefrontaustin.com/feature/5-steps-help-homeless-children-become-effective-citizens Front Steps and the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH), offers a wide variety of services and programs for homeless individuals.Working to End Homelessness in Austinhttp://www.frontsteps.org/resources-home.html Dedicated to planning, prioritizing, and developing strategies to end homelessness in Austin/Travis County, TX. http://www.austinecho.org/ http://www.austinfoodbank.org/ 42
43. Public Notice Available in English & Spanish from: http://www.serve.org/nche/products.php 43
44. Hard Times Generation: Families living in cars Scott Pelley brings "60 Minutes" cameras back to central Florida to document another form of family homelessness: kids and their parents forced to live in cars. Watch the segment at: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57330802/hard-times-generation-families-living-in-cars/ Note: Two weeks after Scott Pelley's report aired, "60 Minutes" viewers have sent in or promised more than $1 million to help homeless families in central Florida. Extra: Finding Strength while Homeless http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7358651n&tag=contentBody;storyMediaBox 44
45. One in 45 Kids Homeless in US From scrubbing floors to Ivy League: Homeless student to go to dream college By Vivian Kuo, CNN updated 9:14 AM EDT, Fri June 8, 2012 http://www.newser.com/story/135297/one-in-45-kids-homeless-in-us.html http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/07/us/from-janitor-to-harvard/index.html 45
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47. http://center.serve.org/nche/ 47
48. Dallas Homeless Education in the News http://center.serve.org/nche/news.php El Paso 48
49. http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo/ 49
50. Final Thought “…Through it all, school is probably the only thing that has kept me going. I know that every day that I walk in those doors, I can stop thinking about my problems for the next six hours and concentrate on what is most important to me. Without the support of my school system, I would not be as well off as I am today. School keeps me motivated to move on, and encourages me to find a better life for myself.” Carrie Arnold, LeTendre Scholar, 2002 50