Homeless Youth
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Contact: Amanda Hersey, District Homeless Liaison, 729-9961 ext. 1014
Core Rights of Homeless Students
MSAD No. 75 follows the provisions of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (McV), aiming to minimize educational disruptions experienced by homeless students.
Under McV, 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?
According to McV, “homeless” can be defined as an individual who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, and includes:
- Living in shelters and transitional housing
- Doubling Up: in housing of others due to economic hardship, loss of housing, or similar reason
- Living in a motel or hotel due to lack of other adequate alternative
- Unsheltered/inadequately sheltered – living in campgrounds, parks, cars, other places not meant to be housing, substandard housing
Unaccompanied homeless youth (UHY) are those living in the above situations who are not physically staying with their parent/legal guardian.
Migrant youth living in the above situations are also homeless.
There is no minimum age or maximum age, and no maximum length of time.
Need Help? Dial 211
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.