McKinney-Vento Foster Youth

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act protects the right of every child and youth experiencing homelessness to attend and succeed in school.

Who qualifies. Students without a fixed, regular, and adequate place to sleep — including those doubled-up with others due to hardship, living in motels, shelters, cars, or campgrounds, or unaccompanied by a parent or guardian.

Rights include:

• Immediate enrollment — even without the usual documents (birth certificate, immunizations, proof of address, prior records)
• Staying in the school of origin when it's in the student's best interest
• Transportation to the school of origin
• Free school meals with no separate application
• Full participation in school activities and programs
• Support from the district liaison

McKinney-Vento Resources

Under California AB 490 and AB 216, students in foster care have rights designed to keep their education stable through placement changes.

Who qualifies. Students under juvenile court jurisdiction in out-of-home placement, and non-minor dependents up to age 21 in extended foster care.

Rights include:

• Immediate enrollment in the school of origin or school of residence
• Staying in the school of origin through the court's jurisdiction, including finishing the school year after a placement change
• Prompt transfer of records between schools (within two business days)
• Partial credit for coursework completed at a prior school
• Graduation flexibility for students who change schools in 11th or 12th grade (AB 216)
• Full participation in extracurriculars, sports, and school events
• Confidentiality of foster status and educational records

Foster Youth Resources