FAMILIES IN TRANSITION
FAMILIES IN TRANSITION
Homeless Liaison
Christina Gresham
361-771-4213
cgresham@ganadoisd.net
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.
Federal Register - National Archives
National Center for Homeless Education
Dept. of Education - Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness
Dept. of Education Non-regulatory Guidance
STUDENTS AND PARENTS RIGHTS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How is homeless defined under McKinney-Vento?
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, the term “homeless children and youths” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
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 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 within our district?
Students are identified via school enrollment process according to their living situation or circumstances. SOS department staff identify families and assess to determine eligibility on a case by case basis.
How long are students and families eligible to receive services?
Once it is determined that a student/family meets the homeless definition under McKinney-Vento families are eligible to receive services through the Families in Transition program. They remain eligible for the remainder of the year and eligibility is re-assessed every year to continue participation in the program.
Who are the designated staff on campuses providing services to students/families through the Families in Transition Program?
SOS department staff are assigned to campuses and they work in collaboration with campus staff and other departments to provide supports/services as needed. SOS staff campus assignments for Elementary, Junior High, and High School can be found in our Families in Transition page.
How can students and families be referred for homeless assistance?
Referrals to our Families in Transition program can be made by phone or email.
Phone: 361-771-4213
Email: cgresham@ganadoisd.net
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES IN TRANSITION
TIPS FOR EDUCATORS AND SCHOOL STAFF
Identification Tool for School Staff - Sample Identification tool that will provide increased awareness of possible indicators and risk factors of students and families experiencing homelessness.