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
Resources for Families in Transition
- Arlington Charities
- Arlington Housing Authority
- Arlington Life Shelter
- Arlington Urban Ministries
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Catholic Charities Diocese of Fort Worth
- Center for Transforming Lives
- Hearts and Hands Community Ministry
- Mission Arlington
- National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
- National Center for Homeless Education
- Promise House Youth Shelter
- Safehaven of Tarrant County
- School House Connection
- Tarrant County Homeless Coalition
- Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth
- Texas Homeless Network
- The Salvation Army
Tips for educators and school staff
- Identification Tool for School Staff - Sample Identification tool that will provide increased awareness of possible indicators and risk factors of students and families experiencing homelessness.
- Homeless Students in Texas Public Schools
- TEHCY Directory of Homeless Liaisons
- Supporting the Success of Homeless Children and Youth
- FAQ Education Rights and amendments by ESSA





