Emery County School District

Policy: JLG - Homeless Students

Date Adopted: 20 June 1994

Current Review / Revision: 17 June 1998

It is the policy of the Emery County School District that homeless students be identified and provided with appropriate educational services in accordance with State and Federal laws. It is also the policy of the Emery County School District that those students who are identified as homeless be referred to appropriate community, County, and State agencies for assistance.

The Superintendent shall appoint a "local District homeless representative".

Definition of Homeless: [From Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act]

1. lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate residence; or

2. has primary night time residence in homeless shelters, welfare hotels, conjugate shelters, or spouse abuse centers; or

3. sleeps in a public or private place not ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; or

4. is, out of necessity, living with relatives or friends due to lack of housing, or runaway children (under 18 years of age) and children and youth who have been abandoned or forced out of home by parents or other caretakers, or such youth (between 18 and 21 years of age) who may still be eligible for educational services who:

   1. temporarily reside in shelters awaiting assistance from Social Services agencies; or

   2. live alone on the street, or move from place to place between family members, friends, and acquaintances; or

5. children of migrant families who lack adequate housing (housing which includes heat, electricity, running water, etc.); or

6. women (under 21, without a high school diploma) residing in safe houses or shelters for victims of domestic violence. (Any children over two years of age in this situation are also included in the count.)

Identification and Referral

School personnel who suspect that a student may meet the identified criteria for being homeless shall refer the case to the principal along with any supporting information. The principal shall investigate and make referrals as appropriate. The principal shall also notify the Local District Homeless Representative of each referred homeless case along with information regarding action taken.

Homeless Youth "Early Warning Signs"

Early identification of students who may be at-risk for homelessness might include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. 1. children who are hungry and tired;

   2. children who have attended many different schools and whose attendance at the present school may be erratic;

   3. children whose grooming and personal hygiene/clothing may draw the attention of classmates and teachers to them;

   4. children who aren't prepared for school, coming to class without books or without homework completed. The school can play a critical role in linking families to community resources. Contact parents to offer assistance.

Resources

Local District Homeless Representative at 687-9846.

State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth at 801-538-7727.