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    Department Contact:

    Elizabeth Higgens

    Specialist
    Homeless Liaison
    Foster Care Liaison
    (682) 867-7203
    Email Us

    Hilldale Annex
    4814 W. Arkansas Ln.
    Arlington, TX 76016
    Office: (682) 867-7668
    Fax: (817) 492-3388

    Families in Transition

    This program provides assistance to families meeting criteria for the McKinney-Vento Act implemented to ensure all students the right to an education regardless of their living situation. 

    The term “homeless children and youth” is defined as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.  This includes children and youth who are:

    • sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing or economic hardship
    • living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, campgrounds, or similar settings
    • living in emergency or transitional housing
    • living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, or substandard housing

    Our department staff work in collaboration with campus staff and other departments to facilitate student access to:

    • Nutrition Services
    • Enrollment (Immediately)
    • Transportation Assistance (School of Origin)
    • Student Case Management
    • School-Wide Programs
    • Transition Planning

    Laws and Guidance

    Federal Law - McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act

    This federal legislation was originally authorized in 1987 and most recently re-authorized in December 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This legislation ensures children and youth experiencing homelessness have immediate and equal access to public education.

    State Law – Texas Education Code

    All Texas public schools, charter schools, and education services centers, collectively known as local education agencies (LEAs), must follow federal rules concerning the education of homeless students. Texas Education Code (TEC) §§ 25.001, 25.002, and 29.153 address educational rights for homeless students. 

    Students and Parents Rights

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Under the McKinney-Vento Act, the term “homeless children and youths” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. 

    Homeless children and youth who are:

    • sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing or economic hardship
    • living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds
    • living in emergency or transitional shelters
    • living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, or substandard housing
    • Receive a free, appropriate public education
    • Enroll in school immediately even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment
    • Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers important documents
    • Enroll in the local school or continue attending their school of origin, if preferred
    • Receive transportation to and from school of origin, if requested
    • Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other children, according to your children’s needs

    Students are identified via online school enrollment process according to their living situation or circumstances.  SOS department staff identify families and assess to determine eligibility on a case by case basis. 

    Once it is determined that a student/family meets the homeless definition under McKinney-Vento families are eligible to receive services through the Families in Transition program.  They remain eligible for the remainder of the year and eligibility is re-assessed every year to continue participation in the program.

    SOS department staff are assigned to campuses and they work in collaboration with campus staff and other departments to provide supports/services as needed.  SOS staff campus assignments for Elementary, Junior High, and High School can be found in our Families in Transition page.

    Referrals to our Families in Transition program can be made by phone or email.

    Phone: 682-867-7668 

    Email: studentoutreach@aisd.net

    Resources for Families in Transition

    Tips for educators and school staff