McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Program

IF YOUR FAMILY LIVES IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS: 

• Temporary or Transitional home 
• Motels, shelters, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds
• State Care or Custody
• Cars, parks, public places, abandoned buildings, substandard buildings, or similar settings
• Doubled up with other people due to loss if housing or economic hardship
• Are considered an unaccompanied youth (youth not in physical custody of a parent or guardian)

Your school aged children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

Your eligible children have a right to:

• Receive a free and appropriate public education
• Either remain in their school of origin or  attend school where they are temporarily residing
• Students who choose to remain in their school of origin have the right to remain there until they get permanent housing; When they get permanent housing they have the right to stay in their school of origin until the end of that school year if they choose. At the start of the next school year they will be required to enroll in the school in the city that they permanently reside. 
• Receive transportation for up to one hour in each direction to and from the school of origin
• Receive educational services according to your child’s needs, including special education services if your child has a Individualized Education Program 
• Participate fully in all school sponsored events and programs.
• Be enrolled immediately in the free lunch program (and breakfast if offered)
• Enroll immediately even if you are unable to produce records usually required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, medical records, or proof of residency. 
• Additional information regarding the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Program may be found on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website. 

If you believe your children may be eligible, contact the local liaison to find out what services and supports may be available. There also may be supports available for your preschool-age children.