Homeless Youth Support

Education for Students Who Are Unhoused / Homeless

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 11432) ensures that students experiencing homelessness have equal access to education. CJUSD is committed to supporting the enrollment, attendance, and academic success of students who are unhoused or experiencing homelessness.

Who Is Considered Unhoused / Homeless?

Students are considered unhoused or homeless if they do not have a stable, regular, and adequate place to sleep. This includes students who live in:

• Emergency shelters or transitional housing
• Cars, parks, public areas, abandoned buildings, or bus stations
• Motels, hotels, campgrounds, or travel trailers due to lack of other housing
• Temporarily with friends or relatives because of eviction, job loss, or financial hardship

This also applies to unaccompanied youth, runaways, children abandoned in hospitals, and migratory children living in these situations.

Support for Students and Families

CJUSD works closely with school staff and community service agencies to provide resources, guidance, and support for students experiencing homelessness. Assistance may include:

• Help with school enrollment and registration
• Transportation to and from school
• Access to school supplies and learning resources
• Connection to community and social services

Our goal is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed academically, participate fully in school activities, and access the same educational opportunities as their peers.

Please contact the district's homeless liaison if you need assistance with any of the following:

• School clothing
• School supplies
• Food resources
• After school care
• Counseling
• Health or dental care
• Housing resources

Registering a Student Who is Unhoused / Homeless

Students experiencing homelessness can be enrolled in school immediately, even if they do not have all required documents, such as birth certificates, immunization records, or photo IDs.

• If documents are available: They can be submitted at the time of enrollment.
• If documents are not available: The student will be enrolled under Conditional Enrollment, with a grace period to provide the missing documents.

If the students' high school transcripts are missing, students have the option to:

• Enroll immediately in grade-appropriate classes, or
• Delay enrollment until transcripts are received.

This process ensures that all students can begin their education without unnecessary delays, regardless of their housing situation