Homeless Definition
Title X, Part C of the No Child Left Behind Act defines homelessness as living in the following places due to a lack of a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
- In an emergency or transitional shelter
- In a motel, hotel, or campground
- In a car, park, public place, bus or train station, or abandoned building
- Doubled up with relatives or friends
- In the above conditions and is a migratory child or youth
This definition of homelessness applies to children and youth with:
- Uncertain housing
- A temporary address
- No permanent physical address
Children and youth living in these settings meet criteria for the McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness and have special educational rights.
Where can a child or youth without a fixed, regular, and adequate residence attend school?
- The school the child or youth attended before becoming homeless or was last enrolled (school of origin)
- The school in the attendance area where the child or youth is currently living
How can delays be avoided when enrolling a student experiencing homelessness in school?
- Enroll the student immediately
- Contact the previous school and ask that the records be sent electronically or shared over the phone
- Contact the principal, school counselor, or local homeless education liaison with any concerns
- Contact the local homeless education liaison to support unaccompanied youth when enrolling in school
For more information on enrollment and services for students experiencing homelessness, contact Project HOPE-Virginia. or the local homeless education liaison (pdf) for your school division.
