Foster Children Only
A guardian or agency must present evidence or have in their possession a court order assignment and/or a Department of Social Services assignment or agency assignment (LDSS 2999 form) that they have been given authorization to act on behalf of the State of New York.
Is Your Housing Uncertain or Temporary?
The McKinney-Vento Act assists children and youth who don’t have a fixed, adequate and regular nighttime residence. For help/questions, please contact the District Homeless Liaison, Tinamarie Rickmers, at (631)-369-6706 or at tinamarie.rickmers@g.riverhead.net.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance and Liaison
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that protects the educational rights of students in temporary housing. Under this law, students experiencing homelessness are entitled to important rights and services.
The McKinney-Vento Act states that children and youth who lack “a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence” will be considered homeless.
Disaster and Emergency Response
Students who are temporarily displaced due to disaster are also protected by the McKinney Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.
Unaccompanied Youth
An unaccompanied youth is a student who is not in the physical custody of their parent or legal guardian; this includes young people who have run away from home, have been kicked out of their homes, or have been abandoned by their parents.
McKinney-Vento eligible students have the right to:
- receive a free, appropriate public education;
- enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment, or having missed application or enrollment deadlines during a period of homelessness;
- enroll in school and attend classes while the school district/school gathers needed documentation;
- continue attending the school of origin, or enroll in the local attendance area school if attending the school of origin is not in the best interest of the student or is contrary to the request of the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth;
- receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested by the parent or guardian, or by the local liaison on behalf of an unaccompanied youth; and
- receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to each student’s need.
Information on the State’s efforts to support homeless families and youths http://www.nysteachs.org
Questions:
If you have any questions regarding The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act or how to access support please contact: Tinamarie Rickmers, District Homeless Liaison Phone 631-369-6706. Additionally, at the building level social workers are able to assist with local support and services.
Concerns and Disputes:
If you have any concerns or would like to dispute the level of services you have received regarding the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act, please contact Tinamarie Rickmers, Administrator for Registration at (631)-369-6706.
At that time if your problem is not resolved you will receive detailed information on how to file a dispute with the State.