Supporting Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

In addition to the rights that every McKinney-Vento eligible student is afforded, unaccompanied homeless youth (UHY) are eligible for the following protections:

• The right to be enrolled in school independently.  

  • • This allows the UHY to enroll in school without a parent/guardian present. They may come to enroll in school alone, with a temporary caregiver present, or enroll with the help of a liaison. This also allows them to participate in the full school program without a parent/guardian. This includes anything that would typically require a parent/guardian signature (e.g. permission slips, report cards, etc.) 

• The right to the prioritization of their wishes for school placement decisions

  • • This allows the UHY to choose between remaining enrolled in their school of origin or transferring to their school of residence. Their preference must be prioritized in a best interest determination, even when it contradicts that of a parent/legal guardian. 

• The right to receive full/partial credit for all satisfactorily completed work from prior school districts or participate in credit recovery programs as needed to ensure they stay on track for the next grade level and graduation.

  • • UHY may also be eligible for Act 1 protections if they have experienced a school placement change as a result of their homelessness or other eligible life event. 

• The right to be informed of their independent status and receive verification for the completion of a FAFSA application. 

  • • This allows eligible UHY to complete the FAFSA application without their parent/guardian's financial information. See the section below for more information.

• Unaccompanied Youth Caregiver Form

  • Unaccompanied Youth Caregiver Form (Spanish)

    • This form can be completed by an adult caregiver of an UHY who wishes to be an active participant in the student's education. This form may not be required. 

• Unaccompanied Youth Enrollment Form 

  • • This form may serve to support the identification of UHY and may be filled out by an adult caregiver of an UHY or potential UHY. This form may not be required for enrollment. 

• Verification of Independent Student Status for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

  • • This sample form can be used to provide verification of a student's independent status for the completion of a FAFSA application. This form may be modified as needed. 

• Informational Flyer for Unaccompanied Youth

• Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, (Homeless Liaison Toolkit pgs. 15-22)

• Determining Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Flow Chart

• An Interview Checklist for Supporting School Selection: Unaccompanied Youth, SchoolHouse Connection

• Unaccompanied Homeless Youth: Requirements and Best Practices Concerning IDEA and FERPA, ECYEH Region 2

• Supporting the Education of Unaccompanied Students Experiencing Homelessness, NCHE

• Surrogate Parents and Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Under the Individuals with Disabilities Act, NAEHCY

Unaccompanied Homeless Youth have the right to be informed of their independent status and receive verification for the completion of a FAFSA application. This allows eligible UHY to complete the FAFSA application without their parent/guardian's financial information.

• Sample Verification of Independent Student Status for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

• Sample Email Template for Informing UHY About the FAFSA Protections, SchoolHouse Connection

• FAFSA Simplification Act Summary, SchoolHouse Connection