Supporting Children Who are Homeless

The Brandywine School District follows the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. These federal laws help students remain enrolled in the school they have been attending even though they might no longer be living in its feeder pattern. They are also guaranteed transportation to and from school.  Under the laws, students can enroll in a public school even though they don’t have the documents and immunizations required to register.

A student who is homeless is one who lacks a regular and safe place to sleep at night.  Homeless students may be

• Staying with friends or family due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason (example: evicted, loss of job, etc.).
• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds.
• Living in a shelter or emergency housing.
• Abandoned in hospitals.
• Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, or bus or train stations.
• Students who migrate with their family during the year and meet any of the descriptions above.

To learn if your family is eligible for services, please contact District McKinney-Vento Liaison Lorraine McLaren, MSW, LCSW