Sidney Public Schools

McKinney-Vento Information-Montana OPI

Serving Students Experiencing Homelessness

McKinney-Vento Law

Who is Homeless/Family in Tranition?

• Individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence
• Includes:

         a.         Children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing,

                          economic hardship, or similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or

                          camping grounds due to the lack of alternative accommodations; are living in emergency

                          or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care

                          placement;

               b.        Children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private

                           place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human

                           beings;

               c.        Children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings,

                          substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and

               d.        Migratory children who qualify as homeless for the purposes of this subtitle.

               e.        Youth on their own.

               f.         Pertains to youth up to 18 years or when they graduate and up to 21 years old if the youth

                           is a special education student.

                                              General Characteristics of Homeless Children and Youth

                          ·         Lack of continuity of education. A child may lose 4 – 6 months of academic progress

                                    with each move to a new school. School stability and continuity of instruction are

                                    linked to school success including achievement, promotion, and graduation.

                          ·         Poor health and nutrition. Homeless students are entitled to free meals at

                                    school. When the family is “doubling up” with another family, the host family’s size

                                    and income are not taken into consideration when a student’s homeless or free meal

                                    status is determined.

                         ·         Transportation and attendance problems.

                         ·         Poor hygiene.

                         ·         Lack of personal space after school.

                         ·         Incomplete or missing homework (no place to work or keep supplies).

                        *         Social or behavioral concerns.

                                                                                   Schools Must Have: 

                    ·         A welcoming environment and an easy student enrollment process.

                    ·        Teachers who are aware of the subtle signs of students’ various needs and an efficient system to refer students to student support services

                             or another problem solving group for assessment and support. This includes an appreciation of the effects of students on the move and accommodations.

                     ·        A school climate that contributes to all students feeling connected.

                     ·         Cultural awareness and inclusion.

                     ·         Appropriate response to children experiencing trauma. This includes a constant, predictable environment, validation and support as students

                              develop coping skills and problem solving to manage change and establish their “new normal”.

                     ·         Commitment of the school and community to support high school graduation for all students.

                     ·         Be aware that some families and youth are fleeing abusive relationships. Be discreet about family contact information. Precautions should be

                               considered regarding the bus stop, before/after school drop-off and pick up procedures, etc. This must be done in a way that also protects

                               divulging information that the child/youth is homeless.

                     ·         An action plan with students (suggested).

• A posted notice at each school as well as information to provide to families regarding homelessness in places where homeless families congregate in schools, typically the office.  The information must include that students are welcome at school and may enroll in their school of origin.    The student must be admitted even if parents cannot provide an address of residence.

• Designate a homeless liaison and appoint person in each school.
  

Area contact information for homeless support and resources:

Richland County Food Bank: 123 W. Main Street   406-433-8142

Richland County Health Department: 1201 W. Holly, #1   406-433-2207

Sidney Health Center: 216 14th Ave. SW   406-488-2100

Richland County Drivers Licensing: 201 W. Main   406-433-2378

Richland County Library: 121 3rd Ave. NW   406-433-1917

Richland County Transportation: 2190 W. Holly St.:  406-433-7433  /  406-433-RIDE

Sidney Public Schools:  101 S. Central Ave.   406-433-2366

Richland County Sheriff's Office: 300 12th Ave. NW   406-433-2919

Sidney Police Department: 300 12th Ave. NW   406-433-2210

Job Service:  211 N. Central Ave   406-433-1204