Rights of Students Experiencing Homelessness
(Information for School-Aged Youth)

If you are living in any of the following situations:

  • In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground
  • On the street
  • In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations
  • Doubled up with friends or relatives due to lack of housing

You have specific rights and protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.

Your Rights Include:

  • Access to Education: You have the right to attend school regardless of your current living situation. You must be given the same public education as other students.
  • School Continuity: You can continue attending the school you were in before becoming homeless or the last school you attended, if that is your choice and it is feasible. The School District’s local liaison for homeless education, Talley C. Westerberg (School Social Worker at WHS), will assist you and provide the option to appeal if your school choice is not accommodated.
  • Transportation: If you wish to remain in your previous school, you have the right to request transportation to that school.
  • Participation: You can attend and take part in school programs alongside non-homeless students. You should not be segregated from the regular school program because of your homelessness.
  • Enrollment: You can enroll in school without needing a permanent address. Schools cannot require proof of residency that might delay or prevent your enrollment.
  • Documentation: You may enroll and start classes while the school processes the transfer of your school and immunization records or other necessary documents.
  • Special Programs: You are entitled to the same special programs and services as all other students, if needed.
  • Ongoing Support: You should receive transportation to school and to school programs as required.
  • McKinney-Vento NHDOE Enrollment and Dispute Information
  • Board Policy JFABD Enrollment of Homeless Students

When You Move:

  • Contact the Local Liaison: Reach out to the School District’s local liaison for homeless education to help with enrolling in a new school or continuing at your previous school. The liaison can also assist with other needs.
  • Inform Your Teachers: Let your teachers know if there is anything they need to be aware of to support you in school.
  • Request Assistance: Ask the local liaison, shelter provider, or a social worker for help with clothing and supplies if needed.

Dispute Process:

If you disagree with a placement decision made by the local Homeless Liaison, you can appeal by contacting your child’s school principal.  For further appeal you may contact the SAU 52 Superintendent at 603-610-4164. For unresolved disputes after appealing to the Principal and Superintendent, you can contact the New Hampshire State Coordinator for Homeless Education: Christina Dotson, available at 603-271-3840.

Contacts:

  • Local Homeless Liaison for Portsmouth School District: Rick Matte, Director of Pupil Support & Instruction, 603-610-4167
  • New Hampshire State Coordinator for Homeless Education: Christina Dotson, available at 603-271-3840.

For additional information, visit the National Center for Homeless Education at www.serve.org/nche and the NH Department of Education, Homeless Children and Youth.