Homeless

About Homeless Act: McKinney Vento Act

The McKinney–Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act guarantees a free and appropriate public education for all homeless children and youth. B.E.C. 42 U.S.C. 11431 outlines procedures for deciding school placement, enrolling students, and determining responsibility. Federal and state laws make our responsibility clear.

McKinney-Vento Act Basics At-a-Glance

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, 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

How does McKinney-Vento help these students?

The law makes sure that these students receive a free and suitable public education by removing barriers to school enrollment and full, basic, daily participation in school activities. This includes:

• Immediate enrollment

• Free and Reduced School Lunch

• Help from school with any necessary enrollment documents

• Help from school setting up transportation service

• Help from school with getting basic uniform clothing

• Help from school with basic school supplies

• Help from school with any basic clothing needs

• Help from school with basic high school graduation needs and expenses

Where can I find more information for Pennsylvania?

You can visit the PA Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness website.

What is the McKinney-Vento act?

In 1987, Congress passed the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to aid homeless persons. The term "homeless children and youths" means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.  Children or youth and their families living in a shelter, transitional housing, motel, vehicle, campground, on the street, or doubled up with relatives or friends due to a lack of housing are considered to be homeless.  It is the District’s obligation to ensure that children defined as homeless have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youths. 

The District Homeless Liaison is charged with identifying homeless children, informing parents/guardians of educational rights and related opportunities available, providing parents/guardians with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children, disseminating public notice of educational rights of homeless students, mediating enrollment disputes, informing parents/guardians of transportation options, assisting children and youth who do not have immunizations or medical records, facilitating connections to community resources and referrals, and collaborating with school personnel to ensure that homeless children who are in need of special education and related services are located, identified, and evaluated. 

The Franklin Area School District Homeless Liaison is Mrs. Emily Reiser, Director of Student Support Services

Please contact Mrs. Emily Reiser at 814-346-7528, ext. 1105 or at the Franklin Area SD District Office, 40 Knights Way, Franklin, PA 16323 with any referrals, questions, or concerns regarding the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.