Homeless Liaison offered at North Thurston School District

Ensures that youth experiencing homelessness have the opportunity to succeed in school by organizing transportation to their school of origin or assisting them with enrollment in their local school without delay. Also provides referrals to health care, dental, mental health and other appropriate services. Helps youth and families sign up for free or reduced lunch and breakfast. Students experiencing homelessness cannot be penalized for infractions, such as absenteeism, that relate to their homelessness. Under the McKinney-Vento act students must be allowed to attend their school of origin "to the extent possible." Factors that may be considered include:

• the age of the child or youth
• the impact the commute may have on the student's education
• personal safety issues
• the student's need for special instruction
• length of anticipated stay in temporary shelter or other temporary location
• time remaining in the school year. District boundaries are not a factor in the decision.

When a school district helps with transportation to and from school, it can take the form of school buses, gas vouchers or city bus passes, or other forms of transportation.   Students experiencing homelessness also have the right to be enrolled in their local school "immediately" even if they do not have a parent or guardian, proof of residency, immunization records, school records or other documents normally required to enroll in school. Once students are enrolled, the liaison must help students get records from the last school and any medical records.

Washington 211