School Services » Homeless Youth Program

Homeless Youth Program

SCHOOL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Director:  Dr. Mayra A. Lozano 
Tina Porter, LCSW, PPSC
District Social Worker
District Foster & Homeless Youth Liaison
562-926-5566 Ext 21119
 
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento Act) (42 United States Code § 11431-11435) is federal legislation that ensures the educational rights and protections of children and youth experiencing homelessness. 
 
ABCUSD GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
  • ABCUSD  will ensure that homeless students have access to the same free, appropriate public education, including public preschools, as provided to other children and youth.
  • ABCUSD supports young people’s housing stability as a means to ensuring a focus on school and positive educational outcomes.  
  • ABCUSD believes that students' access to quality education will increase long-term income and safety nets needed to exit homelessness.
  • ABC Unified will ensure compliance with federal and state laws and protect students' educational rights. 
HOMELESS DEFINITION:
The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This definition also includes:
 
  • Children and youth who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
  • Children and youth who may be living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, shelters
  • Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings
  • Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings, or
  • Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are children who are living in similar circumstances listed above
 
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS (Los Angeles County Office of Education, n.d.)
Your child(ren) may have the right to: 
  1. Immediate enrollment in the school they last attended (school of origin) or the local school where you are currently staying, even if you do not have all the required documents at the time of enrollment. 
  2. Continue to attend their school of origin, if requested by you and it is in the best interest. 
  3. Receive transportation to and from their school of origin, the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children, including free meals and Title I. 
  4. Receive the full protections and services provided under all federal and state laws relating to homeless children, youth, and their families.

The Mental Health Professional at your child's school is the school's Homeless Youth Liaison.

All ABC Students have access to other caring adults at their schools, including School Counselors, Teachers, Administrators, Nurses, and other school staff.  If you need support, reach out to a staff member!  

***Youth can always call or text the California Youth Crisis Line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800- 843-5200.  Visit this website for more information:  California Youth Crisis Line