Who Are Homeless Children And Youth?

According to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, reauthorized in January 2002, homeless children and youth are persons who, if they are children of residents of the state, are entitled to a free, appropriate public education.

They may be defined as any of the following:

Children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate night time residence.
Children who have primary night time residence in a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter for temporary accommodations.
Children residing in an institution that provides temporary residence for individuals who are awaiting foster care placement.
Children who reside with someone other than their parents due to the homeless condition.
Children and youth who live independently, legally referred to as unaccompanied youth.
Children or youth who are temporarily living with others (doubled-up), or in shelters, with or without their parents, who have lost their home due to fire, flood, or other natural disaster.
Children who live in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to lack of alternative accommodations or abandoned in hospitals.
Children or youth who have run away from home and live in runaway shelter, abandoned buildings, the streets or other inadequate accommodations even if their parents have provided an are willing to provide a home for them.
Migratory children if they live in circumstances described above.
The term "homeless" or "homeless" individual does not include an individual imprisoned or otherwise detained by an Act of Congress or a State law.

Related Links: