Student and Family Support
The McKinney-Vento Act for the Education of Houseless Children and Youth Program ensures that houseless children and youth are provided a free, appropriate public education, despite the lack of a fixed, regular, nighttime, adequate place of residence. A youth is considered unaccompanied if they are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. The state public school admission statute assuring the right of houseless and other children and youth in similar circumstances to enroll in schools is Oregon Revised Statute ORS 339.115 (7).
Notwithstanding Oregon Revised Statute ORS 339.133 (2)(a), a school district shall not exclude from admission a child located in the district solely because the child does not have a fixed place of residence or solely because the child is not under the supervision of a parent, guardian or person in a parental relationship.
Each district McKinney-Vento Liaison must:
- Collaborate with caseworkers, Resource parents, Tribes, and community partners
- Train school staff on their role in supporting students experiencing homelessness;
- and Engage with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) on matters of professional development and technical assistance.
Determining Eligibility
If your family lives in any of the following situations:
- In a shelter
- In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation
- In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station
- Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- Lack of a fixed, regular, nighttime, adequate place of residence
Your school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.
- Receive a free, appropriate public education.
- Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
- Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents.
- Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is your preference and is feasible.
- Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if you request this.
- Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children’s needs.
- If the school district believes that the school you select is not in the best interest of your children, then the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and inform you of your right to appeal its decision.
An unaccompanied youth is defined as a school-aged youth or child who is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.
If you believe you or someone you know meets these requirements, please refer to the McKinney-Vento Contact List to connect with a district liaison in your area.