Homeless Youth Program

 

Education for Homeless Youth (McKinney-Vento)

 

McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act and Pennsylvania's Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (Pennsylvania ECYEH) Program were established to make sure homeless youth have access to a free and appropriate public education while removing barriers that homeless children face.

 

What is the definition of a “homeless youth” under McKinney-Vento?

“Homeless” is defined as “anyone lacking a fixed, adequate, regular nighttime residence.”

 

What situations fit this definition?

• Staying in the home of other people due to unavailable housing, financial hardship, eviction or similar circumstances.
• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks (in some instances – examples: leaking roof, no heat, etc.), public places, or campgrounds due to unavailable suitable housing options.
• Living in an emergency shelter or transitional housing.
• Unaccompanied (not living in the direct care of legal parent or guardian) or runaway youth.
• Refugee and migrant youth.