Homeless Children and Youth

Carroll County Public Schools Commitment

Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) is committed to providing supports and services to homeless children, youth, and families. Whenever feasible, Carroll County Public Schools will work to minimize the barriers to education for homeless students, connect families to community agencies,  and provide support to minimize the disruption to receiving an education.

CCPS is responsible for considering the school of origin for homeless children and youth, and for providing prompt service to parents and children who need assistance.

Definition of Homelessness

According to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the Every Student Succeeds Act, a student is considered homeless if the student lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.  Students living under the following conditions may be considered homeless:

1. A school must enroll a homeless student in the school determined to be in the best interest of the student. The school shall immediately notify the Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW) of any homeless student who enrolls in school and any current student who becomes homeless while enrolled in Carroll County Public Schools.  The PPW will initiate a "Student in Temporary Housing" form and determine if school-based interventions are needed. If a homeless student does not have the required documents for enrollment, the requirement will be waived, so the student may start school immediately. The PPW will assist the family with obtaining the documents.

      2. The school system shall, to the extent feasible, provide each homeless student with the option to:

• Remain in the school of origin for the remainder of the academic year in which the student becomes homeless, even if permanent housing is obtained later that year.
• Remain in the school of origin as long as the student remains homeless; the student may attend subsequent feeder schools if the student remains homeless.
• Enroll in the attendance area in which the homeless student is living.

NOTE: A student, parent, or legal guardian may appeal the Pupil Personnel Worker's decision regarding school enrollments. See the Appeal Process below.

High School Unaccompanied Youth:

Homeless teenagers often face barriers to school enrollment and access to services. Barriers to earning full or partial credit shall be identified and removed, when feasible. All homeless students shall receive assistance from the school counselor regarding opportunities for college education.  The school counselor will meet with the student to provide guidance in applying for college and financial aid.  In addition, all homeless unaccompanied youth  shall be informed of their status as an independent for college financial aid and obtain assistance to receive verification for the FAFSA. 

A homeless student may be eligible for a tuition waiver at a Maryland State Higher Education College. (See HB400 – Higher Education Tuition Waivers for Foster Care Recipients and Unaccompanied Homeless Youth).   In addition, Maryland House Bill 400 affords students defined as “unaccompanied youth” experiencing homelessness tuition waivers to attend college.

If in the best interest of the student as determined by the school system, and if feasible, the school system must provide a homeless student with transportation services as long as the student attends the school of origin and remains homeless, or if the student becomes permanently housed, until the end of the academic year during which the housing is obtained.  Factors to be considered in determining the best interest of the student are:

• Age and grade placement of student
• School which student’s siblings attend
• Academic needs/strengths
• Social/emotional needs
• Continuity of instruction
• Distance of the commute and its impact on the student’s education
• Personal safety of the student
• Student’s need for special instruction
• Length of anticipated stay in temporary housing
• Likely location of future placement/housing
• Impact of mobility on placement
• Special needs of the family
• Time remaining in the school year

If the homeless student resides outside of Carroll County, the two school systems shall confer to determine the feasibility of transportation options.

The Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW) will provide parents with a Parental Rights Brochure which outlines the rights of homeless students under the McKinney-Vento Act.  Contact your PPW or CCPS Homeless Program Liaison if you have any questions regarding your rights.

Facts About Education for Homeless Children and Youth 

The Office of Student Services provides educational support to homeless students and their families, ensuring that services are provided as outlined under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act and Every Student Succeeds Act,  to ensure continuity in education.

All homeless students are eligible to receive services under the McKinney-Vento Act. A student who obtains permanent housing may continue to receive services until the end of the school year.

The PPW will provide direct services and case management to students who are experiencing homelessness.  PPWs will act as the liaison between the home, school, and community to coordinate services to families to promote student success.

In addition, Title I is a federally funded program designed to ensure that all children, regardless of family income, have access to a high quality education. This program provides academic support services to students experiencing homelessness, including tutoring and counseling services.

Contact your PPW  or the Supervisor of Student Support for more information about services for students.