Homeless Youth and Family Supports
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Contact: Amanda Hersey, District McKinney Vento Liaison
[email protected] or 729-9961 ext. 1014
Core Rights of Homeless Students
MSAD No. 75 follows the provisions of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, aiming to minimize educational disruptions experienced by homeless students.
Under McKinney-Vento, homeless students are guaranteed the right to a free, appropriate, public education. When students become homeless, they can remain enrolled in the schools they have been attending, although they might no longer meet residency requirements. McKinney-Vento also guarantees homeless students the right to enroll in a public school even if they lack the typically required documents and immunizations. In addition, homeless students are guaranteed the transportation they need to attend school
Who Is Homeless?
In accordance to McKinney-Vento, “homeless” can be defined as an individual who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, and includes:
- Sharing housing due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or campgrounds due to lack of alternative adequate housing
- Living in emergency or transitional housing
- Abandoned in hospitals
- Having a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, regular sleeping accommodations
- Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations
- Migratory students meeting the descriptions above
Unaccompanied homeless youth are those living in the above situations who are not physically staying with their parent/legal guardian.
There is no minimum age or maximum age, and no maximum length of time.
McKinney Vento Eligibility Form
McKinney Vento Transportation Request Form
Need Help? Dial 211
211 Maine is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people of all ages across Maine to local services. Dial 211 if you or someone you know needs help with:
- Housing
- Transportation
- Employment and Education
- Finances
- Family Support and Mental Health
- And More!
Additional Resources
More Information on Homelessness
Education of Homeless Students - Maine Department of Education
Dispute Resolution Process
A homeless youth and / or their family have the right to dispute enrollment decisions made by MSAD No. 75. For more information contact Amanda Hersey, district McKinney-Vento Liaison at [email protected] or 729-9961 ext. 1014