Eligibility/Student Rights

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act was originally authorized in 1987 and most recently re-authorized in December 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).  The federal legislation ensures children and youth experiencing homelessness have immediate and equal access to public education.  The Act makes certain provisions available for homeless (i.e. unhoused) students, and defines homelessness as lacking "a fixed, regular, or adequate nighttime residence.”  A student is considered homeless if he/she lacks any one of these three and lives…

• in a shelter
• in a motel/hotel
• in a car, park, bus station, or other public space
• in a campground or substandard house or trailer (no utilities, open to outside elements, pest infestation)
• doubled-up with another family on a temporary basis due to loss of housing
• as a youth unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian   

Students who do not have a permanent legal residence have the right to…

• Attend their school of origin (the school they last attended before becoming homeless), OR attend the local school in the area where they are temporarily living. NOTE: McKinney-Vento students DO NOT have the option to choose their school in the District
• Enroll immediately and attend school, even if they do not have the usual documents necessary for enrollment, including proof of residence or proof of guardianship.
• An enrollment conference facilitated by the campus designee who will assist the student in settling in at the campus (if new) and provide a welcome packet.
• Receive services comparable to those received by housed schoolmates, including transportation and supplemental support services     

How do I notify the district that my child is unhoused?

If you and your child become unhoused (i.e., homeless) during the school year, you can notify the campus by completing a Student Residency Questionnaire.  Following submission of this information, a Liaison with the H.E.L.P. program will reach out to you to discuss what supports and services your child needs to successfully continue with their education. Please complete a separate form for each child. 

How do I determine which campus my child should attend?

Students can either attend their school of origin (the campus they were attending when they became unhoused) OR students can attend their school of location (based on current residence).  To determine the school of location, contact the H.E.L.P. Program at 817-814-2875. 

How do I request assistance with uniforms, school supplies, winter coat, hygiene supplies, etc.?

Utilize the following link to request items needed for the student to remain in school: Resource Referral Form

What is dispute resolution?

If a campus denies or delays enrollment, or disagrees about school selection, the family has the right to dispute that decision. The McKinney-Vento Liaison will immediately enroll the student in the school requested by the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth while the dispute is being resolved. 

Who can file a dispute?

A parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth may file a dispute. The H.E.L.P. Liaison can assist with filing and will serve as an advocate throughout the process. 

How do I file a dispute?

Contact the H.E.L.P. Liaison directly by phone or email. The liaison will provide written notification of the determination made, the timeline for resolution, and the steps for appeal. Campus staff may also contact the Liaison when they are uncertain about an enrollment decision. 

How long does it take?

The district will provide written notification of the determination and the appeal process within five business days. The student remains enrolled and attending school throughout the dispute resolution process. 

What if I disagree with the decision? 

If a family disagrees with the district's determination, they may appeal to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The H.E.L.P. Liaison will provide information about the TEA appeal process upon request. 

Where can I get help?

Contact the H.E.L.P. Coordinator at 817-814-2875 or visit fwisd.org/departments/homelesseducation. Liaisons are available to assist families and campus staff at any stage of the process.