Asbury Park School District

What Is the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act?

The McKinney-Vento Act (42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.) is a federal law that provides important educational rights and services to PreK-12 children and youth experiencing homelessness. At its core, the law requires state educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs) to remove barriers to school enrollment and attendance, provide transportation and school stability when needed, ensure full participation in academic and extracurricular programs, and designate liaisons to support students experiencing homelessness.

Who Qualifies as Homeless Under McKinney-Vento?

Under 42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2), “homeless children and youth” are those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including those who are:

• Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason

• Staying in motels, trailer parks, or camp grounds due to the lack of an adequate alternative

• Staying in shelters or transitional housing

• Sleeping in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, or similar settings

“Unaccompanied youth” are homeless children and youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian — and are specifically protected. (42 U.S.C. § 11434a(6))

APSD District Homeless Liaison Contact Information