McKinney-Vento Services (McKinney-Vento Act of 1987 as last amended by Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015) are provided to students in residential transition to help them enroll, attend and/or succeed in school. In Sarasota County these services are provided through the Schoolhouse Link program, a partnership between the Safe Children Coalition, Inc. and the Sarasota County School Board. In addition, the program provides support to the entire family by linking them with essential service providers and community resources.

The federal McKinney-Vento Act guarantees school enrollment for anyone who, due to a lack of housing, does not have a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

THIS ACT HELPS STUDENTS WHO ARE LIVING:

• doubled-up with relatives or friends

• in emergency or transitional shelters

• in motels, hotels, trailer parks or campgrounds

• awaiting permanent placement in foster care

• in cars, parks, public places, bus or train stations or abandoned buildings

• as a migratory child or unaccompanied youth

THIS ACT ENABLES STUDENTS IN TRANSITION TO:

• enroll and attend school no matter where they live or how long they have lived there

• have access to the same public education provided to housed children.

• enroll in school and attend classes while required documentation is being gathered

• request assistance with transportation to school

• receive free lunch