Student Support Services » Homeless Youth

Homeless Youth

Homeless Youth Education Rights in California

Students experiencing homelessness in California have educational rights that support stability, access, and academic success. Under state and federal law, including the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, students have the right to remain in their school of origin when it is in their best interest, immediate enrollment without typically required documents, and transportation support to ensure consistent school attendance. Students experiencing homelessness are entitled to full participation in all school programs, activities, and services, including free school meals and academic supports.

Monrovia Unified is committed to identifying and supporting students and families experiencing homelessness and ensuring these rights are upheld. Families and students are encouraged to review the list of community and school-based resources available in the stream below. If you have questions or need assistance with enrollment, school stability, or accessing services, please contact our District Homeless Liaison:

 

Dr. Tania Cabeza
Director of College, Career, and Educational Services

[email protected]

 

 

Aeries Online Enrollment: Residence Survey 
Homeless Residence
 
THE McKINNEY-VENTO ASSISTANCE ACT
The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who:
• lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence;
• live in an abandoned building, parked car, or other facility unfit for human habitation;
• are abandoned in hospitals;
• are placed by the state in an emergency shelter;
• share housing with another family due to loss of housing or economic hardship;
• live in a motel or hotel;
• live in emergency or transitional shelters;
• live in a trailer park or campsite with their family;
• are awaiting foster placement; or
• are migratory children that qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above
 
STUDENTS' RIGHTS 
 
• Schools must immediately enroll homeless students even if they lack the required documents

• Temporarily with an adult that is not the parent/ guardian due to loss of housing;

• On their own without a parent/guardian (runaway or unaccompanied youth);

• In a home for minor unwed mothers.

• If transcripts missing, enroll immediately, and request records from the previous school.

• Students with out-of-district, IEP’s, outdated IEP’s must be enrolled immediately in an interim placement pending a 30 day evaluation. Consult with the Division of Special Education.

• Homeless students can continue to attend their last school of enrollment, or enroll in the school in the area where the family is temporarily residing.

• The “school of origin” (the school attended when permanently housed or the last school attended, or within the past 15 months.

• If the family gains permanent housing, the student can remain at the current school for the duration of that academic year.

• Unless the student is attending their “home school” or school of residence, they do not have the right to attend the next matriculating school. Upon matriculation, they must attend the school in the area in which they are temporarily residing.
Qualifications for McKinney-Vento vs. HUD 
 
If you are in need of health care that works with all insurance types or if you have no insurance, the El Monte Health Center provides services for adults and children. Services include general care, routine health care check ups, preventative care, vaccinations, diabetes exam and care, and more.  Clinic is located in El Monte, Ca. You can find more information here.
Free dental care
If you are in need of Dental Care and do not have insurance, you may qualify for dental care with one of the providers near Monrovia. Here is the link to providers in California. 
Schools on Wheels
Schools on Wheels is a non-profit organization that provides free tutoring and mentoring for children from Kindergarten through 12th grade living in shelters, motels, group foster homes, and the streets of Southern California. In addition to one-on-one tutoring services, Schools On Wheels offers scholarships, digital learning access, and school supplies. Their mission is to enhance educational opportunities for children who are experiencing homelessness from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Our goal is to shrink the gaps in their learning and provide them with the highest level of education possible. Our program serves as a consistent support system for our students during a time of great stress and fear.
 
Providers,
 
Changes have been made to the CalWORKs Temporary and Permanent Homeless Assistance Programs. Important highlights include:
 
  • Eligible families may now use their benefits with different housing providers including family and friends or shared housing. 
  • Temporary assistance may also be received at anytime within a 12-month period, up to 16 days.
  • Exceptions to the once per year limit for Temporary Assistance may also be available if the family is displaced due to COVID-19 or other emergencies. 
 
Download a copy of the CalWORKs flyer here for further description on how benefits can be utilized for a family's housing and where to access benefits administered by DPSS.
 
Schools on Wheels