Back to School - McKinney-Vento 101 - National Runaway Safeline

National Runaway Safeline

Back to School – McKinney-Vento 101

Going back to school can bring about a range of emotions for any student. For students who are lacking a stable residence, it can intensify feelings of anxiety, fear, or avoidance. To make this time easier on your mental health, it can help to familiarize yourself with resources that might be available to you. 

Every student experiencing homelessness in the United States is entitled to the same access to education as their housing secure peers. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is federal law that protects this right.  

If you are a student without a consistent living situation, keep reading to learn more about The McKinney-Vento Act and how it applies to you. 

I think I am McKinney-Vento eligible, but how do I get connected to supports in my school district? 

The McKinney-Vento Act requires every educational agency (school district, charter network, etc.) to have a designated staff member who works as a McKinney-Vento Liaison. This person is responsible for identifying students in their school who might be experiencing homelessness, ensuring that these students are enrolled and have equal access to education, coordinate transportation, and help qualifying students and families connect to supportive programs. 

To find out who your McKinney-Vento Liaison is, you can call your district and ask to speak with them, or find a directory list on your state’s Department of Education website. Check out this resource page from SchoolHouse Connection for more information!

If I or my family is considered McKinney-Vento eligible, do we qualify for services from other agencies? 

This is a more complicated question. McKinney-Vento eligibility is determined on a student’s housing situation, and on an individual basis. Other programs might use different definitions of homelessness, or have other eligibility requirements. 

The McKinney-Vento Act, however, includes LEA preschool, Head Start, K-12 programs, school meals, special education, independent student status for unaccompanied youth, and eligibility to access financial aid for college. Speaking with your McKinney-Vento liaison can help you understand what federal, state, and local programs you or your family may be eligible for. 

Are students who are immigrants protected under the McKinney-Vento Act? 

Yes! Immigrant students are covered under the McKinney-Vento Act if they are experiencing homelessness. It is important to know that this is also the case for undocumented students, who have the same right to public education as their peers with citizenship. It is illegal for school staff to inquire about a student or family’s immigration status, request immigration documents, or take an action that might prevent immigrant students from enrolling or attending school. 

Do incarcerated young people qualify for McKinney-Vento protections and services? 

Again, eligibility under the McKinney-Vento act is determined on an individual basis dependent upon a student’s housing situation. If a student was experiencing homelessness prior to incarceration, that student remains eligible for McKinney-Vento protections and services through the school year they became incarcerated within. If this happens, and then the student is later released during the same school year, they would remain eligible until the end of the academic year. 

You can find more information about the McKinney-Vento act by clicking here. If you’re still unsure and want more direct support, reach out to NRS by clicking the buttons at the top of the screen. We can help connect you to resources via chat or phone – get in touch with us 24/7! Our job is to help you succeed, without judgement.  

Share This Post

Recent Posts

February 2024 Volunteer of the Month

Debby Shen’s commitment to helping others shines brightly through her volunteer work at the National Runaway Safeline (NRS). Originally from Ohio and now residing in Chicago, Debby began volunteering in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Luckily, Debby was able to complete training and spend around 6 months taking crisis contact. As mounting challenges with COVID-19 caused organizations around the world to move to a fully-remove model, NRS was forced to temporarily pause its volunteer program. As soon as the program returned, Debby was among the first volunteers to return!

January 2024 Volunteer of the Month

The National Runaway Safeline is thrilled to announce Jackie Barron as the January 2024 volunteer of the month. Jackie’s path to volunteering with NRS was paved with empathy and a desire to make a positive impact. Growing up in a challenging family environment, Jackie often found herself in the “fixer” role (having a keen sense of responsibility, often prioritizing the needs of other before her own), even at a young age. This understanding of adversity and resilience led her to seek out opportunities to give back, ultimately leading her to NRS.

Activating Connections to Prevent Human Trafficking

As we step into a new year, January holds more than the promise of resolutions. It’s a clarion call to confront a pervasive crisis: Human Trafficking Awareness Month. This presidentially designated annual awareness campaign, led by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), unites youth-facing service providers and communities through education about human trafficking and the roles we all play in protecting vulnerable youth. The 2024 theme, “Activate Connections to Prevent Human Trafficking,” is a stark reminder: This fight isn’t for the solitary hero. It’s a collective struggle, demanding connections that safeguard and uplift those at risk or already ensnared in human trafficking’s grip.

Scroll to Top

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings we’ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the NRS website. 

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings we’ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the NRS website.