Homeless Education Liaison Program (HELP)

• Children and youth have the right to attend school.

• You do not need a permanent address to enroll your child in school.

• Your child cannot be denied school enrollment when school records or other enrollment documentation are not immediately available.

• Children and youth experiencing homelessness can stay in their original school or enroll in any public school that students living in the same attendance area are eligible to attend, according to their best interest.

• Schools must provide you with a written explanation if a dispute occurs. Contact your local Homeless Liaison for assistance in handling a dispute.

• Your child may have the right to transportation services to and from the school or origin; if determined feasible.

• Your child automatically qualifies to participate in free breakfast and lunch programs.

• Your child has the right to participate in extracurricular activities and all federal, state, or local programs for which they are eligible. Transportation may be available for these activities.

• Unaccompanied homeless youth have the same rights (contact the Homeless Education Liaison).

Students who are experiencing homelessness are entitled to a free or reduced lunch and parents do not need to fill out the application form. Upon being identified as experiencing homelessness, the Homeless Education Liaison will notify ACPS’ Food and Nutrition staff.

ACPS is required to assist with providing transportation to and from school for students experiencing homelessness; if they choose to remain at their school of origin. Transportation is arranged by the Homeless Education Liaison and may be by school bus, public transportation, taxi, or gas assistance for parent(s) or guardian(s). It can take up to three to five working days for transportation arrangements to be implemented. Rules and regulations are provided to the parent/guardian/unaccompanied homeless youth once transportation is arranged.

Unaccompanied youth must fit the definitions of both “homeless” and “unaccompanied” in the McKinney-Vento Act. An unaccompanied youth is a child or youth who is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian and who meets the homeless definition including:

• Young people who have run away from home.

• Young people who have been forced to leave their homes.

Unaccompanied homeless youth possible living situations include:

• Living with friends (couch surfing).

• Living in shelters.

• Living in cars, at campgrounds, in abandoned buildings, or on streets.

School may be the only safe, stable environment for unaccompanied youth. Schools can provide the necessary support(s) to ensure continued academic success for these vulnerable students. In addition to academics, schools can offer adult and peer support, meals, referrals to medical and mental health services, sports, clubs, and other activities. Schools should also connect unaccompanied homeless young people to other resources and supports available in the community.

• Virginia's Program for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth: Project Hope VA, William and Mary
• McKinney-Vento Brochure Eng.
• McKinney-Vento Brochure Spanish