Supporting the Success of Homeless and Foster Children
Amherst Middle School Confidential Contacts:
Maggie Kim, School Counselor, Homeless Children & Youths
Dan Farina, School Counselor, Foster Children & Youths
Kim Wyborney, School Support Counselor, Foster Children & Youths
McKinney-Vento Act
The McKinney-Vento Act states homeless young people are those that lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. It is important to note that students and families experiencing homelessness are not alone. The Amherst School District has adequate resources and policies in place to accommodate the needs of every student. The district has an appointed Homeless Liaison to provide you with necessary assistance.
Under the federal McKinney-Vento Act, children and youth in homeless situations have the right to:
- Go to school, no matter where they live or how long they have lived there.
- Attend either the local school or the school of origin, if this is in their best interest. The school of origin is the school the child attended when he/she was permanently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled.
- Receive transportation to and from the school of origin.
- Enroll in school immediately, even if missing records and documents normally required for enrollment such as a birth certificate, proof of residence, previous school records, or immunization/medical records.
- Enroll, attend classes, and participate fully in all school activities while the school gathers records.
- Have access to the same programs and services that are available to all other students, including transportation and supplemental educational services.
- Attend school with children not experiencing homelessness; a school may not segregate a student because he or she is homeless.
Who is eligible to receive assistance under the McKinney-Vento Act?
If you have lost your housing and now live in a shelter, hotel, motel, vehicle, campground, or temporary trailer; on the street; doubled‐up with family or friends; or in another type of temporary or inadequate housing, you may be able to receive help for your child through a federal law called the McKinney‐Vento Act.
McKinney-Vento Act NH Department of Education Information