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July/August 2008Vol. 9, No. 6Child Welfare and the McKinney-Vento Act


The McKinney-Vento Act was passed to ensure educational rights and protections for homeless children and youth, including those awaiting foster care placement. The act addresses such issues as:

  • Barriers to enrolling in school, including residency and documentation
  • Transportation to and from the school of origin
  • Immediate school enrollment
  • Eligibility for title I education services
  • Changes in "best interest" determination
  • Homeless education liaisons in all school districts

The rights of children in foster care may differ, depending on a State or jurisdiction's interpretations of eligibility. However, every school district has a local education agency liaison for homeless education who can discuss eligibility requirements.

Child welfare professionals may want to familiarize themselves with the following resources on the McKinney-Vento Act: