Homeless and Foster Care

Liaison: Sarah Wanjura (979) 732-5704 ext 501

The McKinney-Vento Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Act (Section 725) specifies and protects the rights of children and youth in homeless situations. Highlights include:

Immediate Enrollment - The right to be enrolled immediately in school, without immunization or academic records, and birth certificate, regardless of district policy.
Transportation - Students in highly mobile or homeless situations are entitled to transportation to and from the school of origin, if it is feasible, in the student's best interest, and requested by the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth.
Services - Students experiencing homelessness are entitled to the same programs and services that are available to other children in the District, such as gifted and talented education, special education, vocational education, English Language Learner services, and tutoring. Students are automatically eligible for Title I services and Districts must set aside funds as necessary to provide services.

Foster Care

When children can't live safely at home and no appropriate non-custodial parent, relative, or close family friend is willing and able to care for them, the court can give temporary legal possession to CPS. CPS temporarily places these children in foster care. Foster care settings include:

Foster family homes
Foster family group homes
Residential group care facilities
Facilities overseen by another state agency

Foster care is meant to be temporary until a permanent living arrangement is found. However, it can become permanent usually when a foster parent adopts or accepts permanent managing conservatorship of a child.

Documents Needed to Enroll a Student in Foster Care

Birth Certificate or other proof of identity
Copy of previous school records
Proof of immunizations
Placement Authorization form (2085)
Copy of child’s school records