Referral/Identifying process
What is everyone’s referral or identifying process for students who are homeless? I think we need to do a better job identifying students, I am not sure where this needs to start/come from, maybe secretaries when they are checking on addresses? Then it would need to come to me as the homeless liaison.
We do staff trainings at the beginning of the year for teachers and other staff members so if they have concerns they come to me but I still feel I need to revamp how we identify and then refer students to me for McKinney Vento status. =
I am interested to hear how others do it and identify their students. Thank you!
Important
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Hi Kyleigh @waltonk@freelandschools.net. Here are some suggestions I provide the liaisons in my region.
-Train staff on MV and the signs of homelessness.
-Train front office staff and enrollment personnel specifically on the referral system for those who identify as homeless.
-Include a housing questionnaire in the enrollment packet, suggest not using the term homeless
-Have a table at Open House, community events, etc. that includes print materials on what McKinney-Vento is and answer people’s questions.
-Make sure MV posters are displayed in each school building and in other places in the community such as community centers, libraries, police station, laundromats, food pantries.
-Speak to your local police and fire to make sure they know about the law and can refer families they may encounter who are evicted, in hotels, etc.
-Speak to your local government, city council to make sure they are aware.
-Make sure your school board is aware of MV, perhaps share at a school board meeting.
-Connect with the faith based organizations in your community and provide them with information about the law.
-Make sure MV info is easy to find on your district website and your contact info is included.
Best to you.