Homeless Students and Families and Neglected or Delinquent Students Information
Homeless Liaison: Kelli Speed - 601-484-4960
Homeless students are defined by the McKinney-Vento Act as those students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including children and youth who are:
-
Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing,
economic hardship, or similar reason -
Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to
lack of alternative adequate accommodations -
Living in emergency or transitional shelters
-
Abandoned in hospitals
Unaccompanied youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian are considered homeless as are migratory children who live in circumstances listed above.
While the district receives no additional federal funding to provide services to homeless children, the McKinney-Vento Act requires that homeless children be placed in schools that are in the best interest of the child. The district does not receive additional funds to support services for homeless children. However, No Child Left Behind requires that homeless children receive the same educational services as all other children. Therefore, children in grades K-9 who are considered homeless receive the same services in schoolwide programs as all other children. Further, if homeless children attend Meridian High School, their specific needs will be met using the Title I set-aside funds for administration. These funds will provide needed services.
Neglected or Delinquent Students
One Institution, Hope Village for Children, in the Meridian Public School District serves students who have been adjudged by the courts to be neglected. These students receive services through funds designated in Title I Part D. These funds are generated by the number of children in locally operated institutions for delinquent youth. Funds are awarded to LEAs with high proportions of youth in local correctional facilities aimed at drop-out prevention programs for at-risk youth. The children who reside at the Village receive the following services:
- Supplemental tutorial support to children
- Assistance with homework assignments and class projects
- Reinforcement of skills taught in the classroom
- Technology-based resources to support academic achievement
- Collaboration with school personnel to monitor student progress
Please see Related Documents section for further information.