Families In Transition
This program provides assistance to families meeting criteria for the McKinney-Vento Act implemented to ensure all students the right to an education regardless of their living situation.
The term “homeless children and youth” is defined as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes children and youth who are:
- sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, campgrounds, or similar settings
- living in emergency or transitional housing
- living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, or substandard housing
Our department staff work in collaboration with campus staff and other departments to facilitate student access to:
- Nutrition Services
- Enrollment (Immediately)
- Transportation Assistance (School of Origin)
- Student Case Management
- School-Wide Programs
- Transition Planning
LAWS AND GUIDANCE
FEDERAL LAW - MCKINNEY VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT
This federal legislation was originally authorized in 1987 and most recently re-authorized in December 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This legislation ensures children and youth experiencing homelessness have immediate and equal access to public education
STATE LAW – TEXAS EDUCATION CODE
All Texas public schools, charter schools, and education services centers, collectively known as local education agencies (LEAs), must follow federal rules concerning the education of homeless students. Texas Education Code (TEC) §§ 25.001, 25.002, and 29.153 address educational rights for homeless students.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How is homeless defined under McKinney-Vento?
What living situation is considered homeless under McKinney-Vento?
Homeless children and youth who are:
- sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds
- living in emergency or transitional shelters
- living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, or substandard housing
What are the student's rights under McKinney-Vento?
- Receive a free, appropriate public education
- Enroll in school immediately even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment
- Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers important documents
- Enroll in the local school or continue attending their school of origin, if preferred
- Receive transportation to and from school of origin, if requested
- Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other children, according to your children’s needs
How are students and families identified at LISD?
How long are students and families eligible to receive services?
How can students and families be referred for homeless assistance?
Resources For Families In Transition