At iQ Academy Los Angeles (IQLA), we wholeheartedly embrace our commitment to nurturing the distinct educational, emotional, and social needs of all students, including those who are unhoused or in foster care. We recognize that these hardships can create additional stress and anxiety, which may impact a child's ability to concentrate on their studies. To ensure no student is left unsupported, iQConnect collaborates with school administration, teachers, and families to build a comprehensive system of support that caters to the unique requirements of each student and family. Our goal is to create a safe and inclusive learning environment where every individual can flourish academically, emotionally, and socially.
A child in foster care is defined as any child who has been removed from the custody of their parent(s)/guardian(s) by the juvenile court and placed in a group home or foster home. The child is under the direct supervision of a county probation officer or social worker. Foster Youth can also include children who are receiving family maintenance services; they may be living in the home and still receiving court-appointed support from a social worker. In these instances, custody has not been returned to parents and the child remains a Foster Youth.
Educational Rights of Foster Youth
In accordance with AB 490 foster youth have the right to:
Remain in their school of origin for the duration of the school year.
Immediately enroll in school even if they are missing records normally needed for school enrollment.
If already enrolled at the time of Foster Placement, the right to request a Best Interest Determination meeting to discuss the school placement options to meet the student's needs.
Attend a regular, mainstream school unless they have an IEP requiring a different educational placement, or the person with educational rights determines that it is in the child's best interest to attend a different educational program or remain in his/her school of origin.
Have their school records transferred in a timely manner.
Have their grades protected. A youth's grades cannot be lowered due to absences caused by a change in placement, attendance at a court hearing, or court-ordered activity.
Receive partial credits. Schools must award foster students credit for full or partial coursework satisfactorily completed at another public school, a juvenile court school, or a non-public, non-sectarian school.
Receive a review of eligibility for graduation under state minimum requirements.
A student that is defined as unhoused, or homeless, is a child without a regular, fixed, and adequate nighttime residence. The child may live in a shelter, a temporary home, a motel, a car, a campground, or on the street. Children experiencing homelessness may also be living temporarily with relatives or friends because of the loss of permanent housing.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures that children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to the same free, appropriate educational programs as other children and youth. This federal law mandates the elimination of educational barriers facing children and youth experiencing homelessness, to increase school stability and protect students from discrimination. Under this legislation, children and youth experiencing homelessness are entitled to have access to the same educational experience and resources as all students.
Educational Rights of Unhoused Youth:
Immediate enrollment in school even if they are unable to provide records - such as proof of residence, immunizations, birth certificate, or school transcripts and other school records. After enrollment, our schools will work with you to collect necessary documents or provide alternate documentation as appropriate.
The ability to continue in the school that the student attended before becoming homeless (school of origin).
The ability to attend the same local public schools that any other student living in the same area is entitled to attend.
Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of required school records or documents.
Enroll and attend classes even while the school and parent/student seek to resolve a dispute over enrollment.
Participate in all school-related activities and support services.
Homeless & Foster Youth Liaison
For questions about supports for Unhoused or Foster Youth, please reach out to:
Erin Wiebe
erwiebe@iqcala.com
2-1-1 is a free phone number and online database that connects Californians quickly and effectively to existing health and human service programs, joblessness support, and disaster response information in their communities. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and in 150 different languages.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requires each county to have a Continuum of Care Contact.
Outreach, intake and assessment
Transitional housing with supportive services
Permanent & permanent supportive housing with services if needed
No Kid Hungry provides information for nearby locations serving free meals for children.
LA Community Alliance combats food insecurity and homelessness in Los Angeles by empowering underserved residents with healthy food, life skills classes, and essential clothing.
Health care based on your household income, you may qualify for up-front tax credits when you enroll in health insurance in California through the Covered California Health Exchange.
We have a PDF with updated Internet in English and Spanish.
If a family participates in a government assistance program they could be eligible for a free Safelink Wireless phone and free monthly minutes.
This program is limited to one phone per household, no credit report is necessary, no contracts are required and there will never be an invoice or bill.
Check the eligibility requirements on-line at https://www.safelinkwireless.com/en/#!/aboutLifeline