Foster Youth & the McKinney-Vento Act
Los Banos Unified School District recognizes that foster youth are some of our most vulnerable students who may require additional interventions and support to ensure an equal opportunity for success.
The McKinney-Vento Act
If you have uncertain housing, a temporary address or no permanent physical address, you are guaranteed enrollment in school by the federal McKinney-Vento Act and California state law.
If you live:
In a house or apartment with more than one family due to loss of housing or economic hardship
With friends or family because you are a runaway or an unaccompanied youth
In substandard housing (without electricity, water, or heat)
In a shelter (family, domestic violence or youth shelter or transitional living program)
In a motel, hotel, or weekly rate housing In an abandoned building, in a car, at a campground, or on the streets
You can enroll in school immediately even without the documents normally required for enrollment, such as:
Proof of residency
Immunization records or other required health records
School records
Legal guardianship papers
Your child may:
Participate fully in all school activities and programs for which he/she is eligible
Receive transportation to and from the school of origin if you request it
Continue to attend the school in which he/she was last enrolled even if you have moved away from that school’s attendance area
Qualify automatically for nutrition programs
Your responsibilities are to:
Make sure your child gets to school on time and ready to learn
Stay informed of school rules, regulations, and activities
Contact the homeless liaison for assistance in removing barriers to your child’s education
Attend parent/teacher conferences, Back-toSchool Nights, and other school-related activities
For questions regarding foster or homeless youth please contact your liaison:
Felipe Meraz
Director of Student Services
(209)826-3801 ext 7057