STUDENTS IN TRANSITION

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The Students In Transition program in Fairmont Area Schools helps to support and provide services to students experiencing unstable housing or homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 2001 defines “homeless children and youths” as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.”

Rights of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness:

• Access to a free and appropriate public education

• Receive the same programs and services that are provided to all other children

• Enrollment in a new school without proof of residential status, school records, proof of guardianship or other documents

• Continue in the school they attended before becoming homeless

• Receive transportation to the school they attended before becoming homeless

• Free breakfast and lunch at school

Eligibility

You may be eligible for additional services for you or your child at school, if you live:

• In a shelter

• In a hotel or motel

• With friends or family because you have no home

• In an empty building, in a car, or other unsafe place

• On the street

• In emergency foster care

• With friends and you are 17 years old or younger…

How FAS can help:

• Immediate enrollment

• Transportation

• Free breakfast and lunch at school

• School supplies

• Scholarships for school activities

• Referrals to community resources that include: medical support, food, housing, mental health support, and other resources

• Information about preschool programs

• Access to a school social worker

Contact Us:

April Tordsen, MSN, RN, PHN, Licensed School Nurse

Transition and Fostering Connections Coordinator

(507) 238-4505 | atordsen@fairmont.k12.mn.us