Education for Homeless Youth (McKinney-Vento)
Laurie Havrisko
Assistant to the Superintendent Student Services/Foster Liaison
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Background
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act and the Pennsylvania's Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (Pennsylvania ECYEH) Program was established to make sure homeless youth have access to a free and appropriate public education while removing barriers that homeless children face.
What is the definition of a “homeless youth” under McKinney-Vento?
“Homeless” is defined as “anyone lacking a fixed, adequate, regular nighttime residence.”
What situations fit this definition?
- Staying in the home of other people due to unavailable housing, financial hardship, eviction or similar circumstances.
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks (in some instances – examples: leaking roof, no heat, etc.), public places, or campgrounds due to unavailable suitable housing options.
- Living in an emergency shelter or transitional housing.
- Unaccompanied (not living in direct care of legal parent or guardian) or runaway youth.
- Refugee and migrant youth.
Please contact the GLSD Homeless Liaison, Jon Mains, to find out what services and supports may be available. His contact information is available at the top of the page.
For more information, see the resources below:
- Pennsylvania Department of Education Homeless Education
- The U.S. Department of Education Fact Sheet (PDF)
Resources
Helplines
Crisis Text Line
- Crisis support, including support for anxiety, depression, bullying, self-harm, and loneliness.
- Available 24/7 every day of the year from anywhere in the United States
- Text: HOME to 741741
Safe2Say Something
- 1-844-SAF2SAY (723-2729)
- Submit an anonymous tip online
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Crisis support and suicide prevention for people of all ages.
- Available 24/7 every day of the year.
- Available in Spanish and for those who are hard of hearing.
- 1-888-234-7243
- 1-888-628-9454 (en espanol)
- 1-800-799-4889 (deaf or hard of hearing)
Domestic Violence Hotline
- Support for all people experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.
- Available 24/7 every day of the year.
- Available in Spanish and for those who are hard of hearing.
- 1-800-799-7233
- 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
- Text "START" to 88788
Sexual Assault Hotline
- Sexual assault support for people of all ages.
- Available 24/7 every day of the year.
- Available in Spanish and for those hard of hearing.
- 1-800-656-4673
- 1-800-810-7440 (deaf or hard of hearing)
National Runaway Safeline
- 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
- NRS Crisis Email Services