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TEXAS HOMELESS EDUCATION OFFICE Rethinking Homelessness Their Future Depends on it! Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo 1

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Their Future Depends on it!. Rethinking Homelessness. Getting It Right: Educating Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness. 11th Annual Multidisciplinary Advocacy Training Conference for Attorneys and Guardians Ad Litem in Child Abuse/Neglect Cases UT Pan American University | Annex - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Rethinking Homelessness

Their Future Depends on it!

Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo 1

Page 2: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Getting It Right: Educating Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness

11th Annual Multidisciplinary Advocacy TrainingConference for Attorneys and GuardiansAd Litem in Child Abuse/Neglect Cases

UT Pan American University | AnnexOctober 3, 2013 | 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Page 3: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Tim StahlkeTim StahlkeSenior Program CoordinatorSenior Program Coordinator

Phone: 512/ 475-9709Phone: 512/ 475-9709Fax: 512/ 471-6193Fax: 512/ 471-6193

[email protected]/theowww.utdanacenter.org/theo

Welcome

3Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 4: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

“For almost all of my life, I have never had a place to call home. I have questioned why I have to struggle so hard to succeed while others do not have to question whether they will go to college. However, there is one thing I have never questioned: My education….My life and circumstances have given me life skills, that in turn, have helped make me into the driven and passionate student I am today.”

Khadijah WilliamsHarvard University Class of 2014

How many Khadijah’s are in your community?

4Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 5: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Contributing Factors to Homelessness

• Lack or loss of social support networks

• Lack or loss of economic support networks

• Family disintegration

• Underemployment

• Alcohol dependency

• Unemployment

• Natural disaster

• Mental illness

• Lack of job skills

• Serious illness

• Domestic violence

• Lack of education

• Drug dependency

Lack of affordable housingLack of affordable housing

5Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 6: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

How many individuals experience homelessness in TX?

Texas

estimate . . .

… on any given night.

79,000 +Texas Homeless Network, 2012

6Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 7: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

How many children and youth experience homelessness in TX?

Texas homeless

students served

by academic

year as reported

by the Texas

Education

Agency. . . .

53,2002007-2008

80,9402008-2009

7

76,0952009-2010

95,8682011-2012

Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

85,1552010-2011

Page 8: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Children are Homeless

home / room / neighborhood /

family members / school / community /

possessions / security / safety /

self esteem / predictable routines

Children experiencingChildren experiencinghomelessness experiencehomelessness experience

the trauma of loss:the trauma of loss:

8Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 9: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Effects of Trauma on Homeless Children and Families

Enabling good decision- making by the parent / caregiver / unaccompanied youthHelp students recover from

traumatic eventsPreserving the best interest

of the child or youth

9Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 10: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Children living in homeless situations may perform two to three years below grade level in school.

For many children, every move costs them as much as 4-6 months of academic progress.

Casey Family Programs

The Challenge Before Us

10Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 11: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Cycle of HomelessnessSource: Mary Ann Weinacht, Ed.D., Assoc. Professor & Mary Nan Aldridge, Ph.D., Professor, Sul Ross State University

•Job•Family Life•Mental/Physical Health•Safety

Result•Move Out/Lose Home/

Evicted

Start•Modest Resources•Underemployment•Fixed Income

Outcome•Homelessness

Now Endangered

Conditions•Lack of Affordable Housing•Lack of Jobs and Insufficient Incomes•Lack of Support Services

Complications/Personal Crisis•Family Break-up•Job Loss•Health Problem•Earthquake

•Domestic Violence•AIDS•Substance Abuse•Fire

11Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 12: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

We have to adjust our schools to meet the situations in which

these children and youth are living.

12Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Schools were not designed to serve homeless students!

Page 13: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

McKinney-Vento Act

Main Themes •School access•School stability•Support for academic success•Child-centered, best interest decision making•Case-by-case determinations•Critical role of the homeless liaison

13Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 14: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• The Key to McKinney-Vento Act implementation.– Every school district must designate a liaison,

in charge of implementing the McKinney-Vento Act.

– Ensures identification, enrollment, transportation, services, dispute resolution, and awareness.

– Works in coordination with all the schools in the district, as well as the community.

McKinney-Vento Liaisons

14Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 15: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

McKinney-Vento Liaisons

15Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 16: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Eligibility—Who is Coveredby the McKinney-Vento Act?

• Children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including:– Sharing the housing of others due to loss of

housing, economic hardship, or similar reason• 64% of identified homeless children and youth in

Texas• Where would you go if you couldn’t stay here?• What led you to move in to this situation?

16Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 17: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, camping grounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations[Motels: 5% of identified homeless children and youth in Texas]

• Living in emergency or transitional shelters[28% of identified homeless children and youth in Texas]

• Living in a public or private place not designed for humans to live

Eligibility—Who is Coveredby the McKinney-Vento Act?

17Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 18: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings [3% of identified homeless children and youth in Texas]

• Migratory/migrant children living in above circumstances

• Awaiting foster care placement– Relatively restrictive definition in Texas

Eligibility—Who is Coveredby the McKinney-Vento Act?

18Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 19: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Eligibility—Who is Coveredby the McKinney-Vento Act?

• Undocumented children and youth have the same right to attend public school as U.S. citizens (Plyler vs. Doe) and are covered by the McKinney-Vento Act

• Challenges of multiple definitions of homelessness that do not pertain to the education arena; i.e., HUD definition

19Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 20: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Eligibility—Who is Coveredby the McKinney-Vento Act?

fixed ….• “Securely placed or fastened.” “Not subject to change or fluctuation.”• “A fixed residence is one that is stationary, permanent, and not subject to change.”• “Inhabitant: One who, although he may not be a citizen, dwells or resides in a place permanently or has a fixed residence therein, as distinguished from an occasional lodger or visitor.”• “Domicile: The place where a person has his true fixed permanent home and principal establishment, and to which place he has, whenever he is absent, the intention of returning, and from which he has no present intention of moving.”

20Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 21: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Eligibility—Who is Coveredby the McKinney-Vento Act?

regular ….• “Normal, standard.” “Constituted, conducted, or done in conformity with established or prescribed usages, rules, or discipline.” “Recurring, attending, or functioning at fixed or uniform intervals.”

• “Consistent.”

• “A regular residence is one which is used on a regular (i.e., nightly) basis.”

• “Habitual: By habit; constant; customary, accustomed, usual; common; ordinary; regular; familiar.”

21Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 22: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Eligibility—Who is Coveredby the McKinney-Vento Act?

adequate ….

•“Sufficient for a specific requirement.” “Lawfully and reasonably sufficient.”

•“Fully sufficient; equal to what is required; lawfully and reasonably sufficient.”

•“An adequate residence is one that is sufficient for meeting both the physical and psychological needs typically met in home environments.”

22Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 23: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• Some instances are clear; others require judgment call

• Use “fixed, regular, and adequate” as your standard

• Follow a process– Get the facts– Analyze the facts

• Is the living situation listed in the MV definition?• Is the living situation another kind of situation that is not

fixed, regular, and adequate?

Determining Eligibility

23Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 24: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• Doubled-up situations: “Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason”– Why did the family move in together?– How permanent is the arrangement meant to be?– Is it fixed, regular, and adequate?

• “Awaiting foster care placement”– Collaborate with your local child welfare

community– Consider whether the placement is temporary /

emergency or intended to be permanent

Determining Eligibility

24Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 25: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• “Substandard housing”– Communities vary; evaluate housing according to local

standards/norms, e.g., building codes, definition of substandard, etc.

– Sample considerations:• Health and safety concerns• Number of occupants per square foot• Age of occupants• State and local building codes

– Collaborate with local housing agencies to establish guidelines that incorporate state and local legal requirements and community standards.

Determining Eligibility

25Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 26: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• Case-by-case, by the liaison– “Determining Eligibility” brief

• Get as much information as possible– Sensitivity: Avoid the word “homeless”– Student Residency Questionnaire

www.utdanacenter.org/theo/downloads/factsheets/RP14_SRQ.doc

Determining Eligibility

26Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 27: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

How McKinney-Vento Comes into Play with Children in Foster Care

• When McKinney-Vento applies to children involved with CPS

• When a McKinney-Vento-type provision exists for children in foster care – Fostering Connections & some state laws

• When McKinney-Vento does not apply and no similar provision exists for children in foster care

Page 28: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

When McKinney-Vento Applies

When child is “awaiting foster care placement” –federal MV language

Children in CPS custody in certain particularly unstable placements are considered McKinney eligible, i.e., ran away from foster placement, in a shelter or transitional living program

Page 29: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• “Awaiting” foster care

• In a shelter

• Ran away from foster care and living in ahomeless situation – NOT in another foster home

• Aged out and is living in a homeless situation

• Other - living in a homeless situation

When McKinney-Vento Applies

Page 30: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

When McKinney-Ventodoes not Apply

When child is in foster care they are not

“awaiting foster care placement” and therefore are not McKinney eligible

Texas discerns between formal and informal out of home care

Page 31: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Substitute and Foster Care

31Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Substitute Care = Care of childrenoutside immediate family

– Formal processes - not homeless(foster home, group home, residential treatment centers, kinship care, adoption, legal guardianship)

– Informal processes - homeless(relative care, non-relative care, shelter care, transitional living, unaccompanied youth who meet M-V guidelines)

Page 32: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• Does CPS have custody/ward of state?• Is the home licensed or certified?• Is it a kinship or foster home?• Has there been a home study?• Is the family receiving financial support from CPS?

If the answer is no = informal & MV eligible

If the answer is yes = formal & not MV eligible

Substitute and Foster Care

Page 33: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Awaiting Foster Care: MV Eligible?Awaiting Foster Care: MV Eligible?The JonesThe Jones’’ family is a kinship home for family is a kinship home for their grandchildren who were removed their grandchildren who were removed from their motherfrom their mother’’s care when CPS s care when CPS substantiated allegations of abuse. CPS substantiated allegations of abuse. CPS has custody of the children, and provides has custody of the children, and provides services and financial support to the services and financial support to the Jones family. Are the children considered Jones family. Are the children considered ““awaitingawaiting”” foster care? NO. Are they MV foster care? NO. Are they MV eligible? No. How do you know? What eligible? No. How do you know? What questions should you ask?questions should you ask?

Page 34: Rethinking Homelessness

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Length of eligibility for MV

• Once identified, students are eligible for services for the duration of the school year, even if they become permanently housed

OR

• For the duration of homelessness

Page 35: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

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Length of eligibility for MV

• Currently identified students should not “roll” to next year’s identification list without proper verification

Page 36: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Who needs to know?

• Anyone who can aid the student’s enrollment, attendance, or success in school

• FERPA considerations

• District policies

36Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 37: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

What happens after astudent is identified?

• Appropriate follow-up to insure enrollment, attendance, and success in school

• Attendance issues and interventions

• Transportation and support strategies

37Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 38: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

When is a person no longer considered “homeless”?

When they become “Permanently Housed.”

Developing a working definition for district procedures

Recommended time-frames to consider

Challenges of ‘doubled up” families

38Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 39: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• Homeless students may attend one of two schools:– School of Origin: School the child/youth attended when

permanently housed or school in which child/youth last enrolled

– Local Attendance Area School: Any public school that nonhomeless students living in the attendance area in which the child/youth is actually living are eligible to attend

• Best Interest: In determining the best interest, the local educational agency shall to the extent feasible, keep a homeless child or youth in the school of origin, except when doing so is contrary to the wishes of the child’s or youth’s parent or guardian.

School Selection

39Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 40: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• Students can stay in their school of origin the entire time they are homeless, and until the end of any academic year in which they move into permanent housing

• If a student becomes homeless in between academic years, he or she may continue in the school of origin for the following academic year

• School of Origin does NOT apply to feeder patterns – only to a specific campus – once a student changes campus (i.e., promotion) S o O no longer applies

School Selection

40Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 41: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• The School of Origin never “rolls off” as an option for a student who is homeless to attend if it is in the best interest of the student and is “feasible”

• If a student is sent to a school other than that requested by a parent or guardian, the district must provide a written explanation and the right to appeal

School Selection

41Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 42: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• Texas law allows homeless students to enroll in the DISTRICT of their choice if they meet the definition of homeless –- not dependent on residency of student, guardian(s), or parent(s)- districts are not obligated to transportation

School Selection

42Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 43: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• Feasibility criteria in the U.S. Department of Education’s July 2004 Policy Guidance:– age of the child or youth– distance of a commute and the impact it may

have on the student’s education– personal safety issues– student’s need for special instruction (e.g., special

education and related services)– length of anticipated stay in the temporary location– time remaining in the school year

• Student-centered, individualized determination

Feasibility

43Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 44: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• How permanent does the family’s living situation appear?• How deep are the child’s ties to current school?• How strong is the child academically?• Does one school have programs and activities that address

the unique needs or interests of the student that the other school does not have?

• Would the timing of the school transfer coincide with a logical juncture such as after testing, after an event that is significant to the child, or at the end of the school year?

• How would the length of the commute impact the child?• Are there any safety issues to consider?

Guiding the Discussion on School Selection – School Selection Checklist

School Selection: Key Questions

44Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 45: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• Homeless children have the right to enroll immediately, even if they do not have required documents

• If a student does not have immunizationsor immunization or medical records, the liaison must assist with obtaining them and the student must be enrolled in the interim

• Enrolling schools obtain school records from the previous school

School Enrollment

45Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 46: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• Children and youth who are homeless must be enrolled immediately in any school open to other children living in the same neighborhood.

• Immediate enrollment includesattending classes and participatingfully in all school activities.

• Texas law agrees that enrollment of homeless students is not dependent on the residency of the parent or guardian. TX Ed Code 25.001(b)(5)

School Enrollment

46Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 47: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• Immediate enrollment in school applieseven if no parent or guardian is present.– TX law allows youth to enroll in school on their own,

as long as they are not in the district primarily to participate in extracurricular activities and not expelled/no current delinquent/criminal conduct. TX Ed. Code 25.001(b)(4), (d)

School Enrollment

47Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 48: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• LEAs must provide homeless students transportation to their school of origin, ata parent’s or guardian’s request (or at the liaison’s request for an unaccompanied youth)

• Districts may choose the manner used to transport the student

• Students must not be penalized for district delays in arranging transportation

Transportation

48Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 49: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• US DA policy allows homelessstudents immediate access to freemeals upon identification by liaisonsor shelter providers (categorical eligibility)

• In doubled-up situations, host families may count guest family on application

• Foster care children are eligible, as well

Child Nutrition Programs

49Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 50: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• All homeless students have 30 days provisional enrollment to supply immunization records or begin the required course of immunizations

• Liaison must be notified when immunizations are lacking and must help student obtain them

• Provisional enrollment applies regardless if the student is enrolling in school for the first time or is entering the district from out-of-state

Immunizations

50Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

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• Provisional enrollment applies regardless of any immunization “delinquencies” that might exist, or that would keep non-homeless students from enrolling and attending school

• 30 day provisional enrollment is counted from the time of enrollment in the current district

Immunizations

51Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 52: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• Admit child or youth immediately pending resolution of dispute

• School must provide parent/guardian or youth with written explanation of decision including statement of rights

• Referral to liaison for dispute resolution

• Liaison ensures unaccompanied youth is immediately enrolled

Resolution of Disputes

52Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

Page 53: Rethinking Homelessness

TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

• Liaisons must ensure that families and children have access to Head Start, Even Start, and other public preschool programs administered by the LEA

• Homeless 3- and 4-year olds are automatically eligible for pre-K. (Tex. Ed. Code 29.153)

• Head Start was reauthorized in December 2007; many provisions address serving homeless preschool aged children

Preschool

53Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

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TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

• MV defines UY as a youth “not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian”

• Living arrangement must meet the Act’s definition of homeless to qualify for McKinney-Vento services

• No lower age limit; upper age limit (as with all McKinney-Vento eligible students) is the state’s upper age limit for public education (Texas‘ age limit = 26)

• Can be eligible regardless of whether he/she was asked to leave the home or chose to leave; remember that sometimes there is “more than meets the eye” in a youth’s home life situation.

54Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

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• Schools are mandatory reporters of suspected abuse; schools are NOT required to report runaways.

• Medical consent– Emergency care can be given to a minor of any age

without parental consent if this is deemed medically necessary by a physician

– Students age 18 and older can consent to their own medical care

– Married minors are emancipated and can grant consent for their own healthcare

– 16-year-olds may consent to some medical care

Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

55Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

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TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Financial Aid and FAFSA Basics

• Families are expected to contribute to higher education costs.

• For dependent students, filling out the FAFSA requires income and asset information for both the student and the parent, and a parent signature.

• For independent students, no parental signature or income and asset information is needed.

56Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

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Independent Status forUnaccompanied Youth

• College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2008 (CCRAA)– Grants independent student status to

unaccompanied homeless youth and self-supporting youth at risk of homelessness.

– These youth can apply for aid without parental signature or consideration of parental income.

– Status must be verified by Local liaison, RHYA-funded shelter director or designee, HUD-funded shelter director or designee, OR College Financial Aid Administrator (FAA)

57Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

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• CCRAA uses the McKinney-Vento definition of “homeless”; also includes a student living in the dorms if he/she otherwise would be homeless.

• At risk of homelessness: “when a student’s housing may cease to be fixed, regular, and adequate”.

• Includes a homeless student fleeing an abusive parent, even if the parent would provide housing and support.

Independent Status forIndependent Status forUnaccompanied YouthUnaccompanied Youth

58Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo

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TEXAS HOMELESSEDUCATION OFFICE

Challenges / Solutions -- Homelessness

Nothing will work if YOU don’t work!Texas Homeless Education Office | http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo 59