Homeless Liaison

Subtitle VII-B of The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act authorizes the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program and is the primary piece of federal legislation related to the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. It was reauthorized in December 2015 by Title IX, Part A, of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Research and data, including surveys of homeless and formerly homeless youths, indicate that experiencing homelessness can have significant negative impacts on children academically, socially, and emotionally.

Ø Homeless students experience greater school mobility than their non-homeless peers. School mobility can cause interruptions to a child’s education and is associated with lower school achievement and increased risk of dropping out of school.

Ø Homeless students are at a greater risk of being chronically absent than their non-homeless peers.

Ø Chronic absenteeism is associated with lower academic achievement and higher dropout rates.

Ø Homeless students face significant gaps in high school graduation rates compared to their peers, according to data from the States that disaggregate graduation rates for homeless youths.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Ms. Debbie Jeffries at the district office using the contact information listed above.

Educational Stability for Students in Foster Care

1. Who can enroll students in placed in foster care?

A student in foster care can be enrolled by a MDCPS representative (i.e., case worker, educational liaison or an individual with MDCPS foster parent verification).

2. Is there any guidance for students in foster care during school closure?

It is recommended that the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services and foster parents follow guidance provided by the district.

3. Are Local Education Agency’s (LEA) Foster Care Points of Contact (POC) required to continue collaborating with Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services to assist with the Best Interest Determination (BID) Process and with school enrollment for foster care students?

LEA Foster Care POCs must ensure their contact information is easily accessible to the Mississippi Department of Education staff and/or foster parents to ensure compliance with federal guidelines as it relates to immediate enrollment. The district may need to revise the POC’s contact number on the district’s website.

4. Is a Local Education Agency (LEA) required to have separate procedures for foster care students to receive class work during school closures?

No, LEAs are not required to have separate guidelines for students in foster care. Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services and foster parents will need to follow guidance provided by the district.

5. How will students in foster care placement receive educational assignments?

Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services and/or foster parents will need to follow guidance provided by the district to all students.

6. Is there an expectation that school districts will operate in the same manner as prior to school closures?

There is no expectation of school districts to operate in the same manner as prior to school closures. Gov. Reeves declared a “State of Emergency” closing all schools until April 17, 2020. Therefore, each district has devised a plan including resources for families and students. Please check with district’s foster care POC or the district’s website for further guidance.