District Homeless and Foster Youth Liaison
Toney Henry
If your child is a foster youth or experiencing homelessness, our school district is here to help. We have a variety of resources designed with the utmost care and empathy, aiming to provide essential support and resources to our most vulnerable students. Our district recognizes the unique challenges faced by homeless and foster youth, and we are committed to ensuring their academic success and overall well-being. Through collaborative efforts with community organizations and dedicated staff members, we are able to provide access to a variety of resources.
If you or your child needs assistance with foster/homeless information or resources, please contact your school site principal.
As a homeless/ foster youth, you have the right to immediate enrollment, even if you are lacking documentation or have outstanding fees/fines.
As a homeless/ foster youth, you have the right to attend your school of origin the entire time you are classified as homeless/foster.
As a homeless/ foster youth, you have the right to attend your school without fear of stigmatization or segregation based on your foster/homelessness status.
As a homeless/ foster youth, you have equal access to all school programs, and priority access to before and after school programs.
As a homeless/ foster youth, you have access to a liaison to help you receive referrals to to health care, dental, mental health, substance abuse, housing, and other services.
As a homeless/ foster youth, you have equal access to your school's transportation services.
Homelessness Defined
Children can be considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, which are defined as:
A fixed residence is one that is stationary, permanent, and not subject to change
A regular residence is one that is used on a normal, standard, and consistent basis
An adequate residence is one that is sufficient for meeting both the physical and psychological needs typically met in home environments
Examples of homelessness include children and youth living in:
Shared housing due to economic hardship
Motels or hotels
Public or private places not designed for sleeping
Trailer parks or campgrounds
Cars, parks, and abandoned buildings
All shelters, including emergency or transitional shelters
Migratory children who qualify as homeless
Abandoned in hospitals
Unaccompanied youth - An “unaccompanied homeless youth” (UHY) is a youth that is not in the custody of their parent or guardian and meets the definition of homelessness
Living in substandard living conditions – considerations include health and safety concerns, number of occupants per square foot, the age of occupants, and state and local building codes