Crook County School District #1

The McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. McKinney-Vento provides federal funding to states for the purpose of supporting district programs that serve homeless students.

Who Are Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness?

Under Section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Act, children and youth experiencing homelessness are those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes children and youth who:

• Share housing with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons (“doubled-up” or “couch surfing”).

• Live in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of alternative housing.

• Reside in emergency or transitional shelters.

• Are abandoned in hospitals.

• Sleep in public or private places not designed for regular habitation.

• Live in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.

• Are migratory and meet any of the above conditions.

Foster care note: Children awaiting foster care placement are no longer automatically considered homeless under McKinney-Vento. They may still qualify if they meet the current definition of homelessness.

Determining “Substandard Housing”

Substandard housing may include homes that:

• Lack essential utilities (water, heat, electricity).

• Are infested with mold or vermin.

• Lack basic functioning features (toilet, kitchen).

• Pose safety risks to children or adults.

Local standards may vary, but housing must meet basic safety, sanitation, and habitability requirements.

Minimal Housing Standards (HUD Guidelines):

• Functional kitchen and bathroom with running water, stove, and refrigeration.

• Bathrooms with privacy and ventilation.

• Proper heating, secure doors/windows, and solid foundation.

• Rooms must have adequate space and electrical outlets.

• Free from infestation and weather damage.

Rights of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Children and youth experiencing homelessness have the right to:

• Attend school immediately, even without records or documentation.

• Remain in their school of origin or enroll in a local school if preferred.

• Receive transportation to and from their school of origin.

• Access the same programs, services, and education as other students, including special education.

• Have unaccompanied youth enroll without proof of guardianship.

• Appeal school selection, enrollment, or eligibility decisions.

Resources for Families and Students

If you or your child are experiencing homelessness, you may be eligible for assistance, including:

• School enrollment and transportation.

• Free meals, clothing, school supplies, and activity support.

• Social and community referrals.

• Special education and other educational services.

Living situations that may qualify:

• Doubled-up with friends or relatives.

• Runaway or unaccompanied youth.

• Emergency shelters, motels, or transitional housing.

• Substandard homes, cars, abandoned buildings, parks, or public spaces.

Contact your local school liaison for help enrolling or accessing services. For additional support, you can reach:

Wyoming 211 or Dial 2-1-1
National Runaway Safeline or call (800) RUNAWAY
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call (800) 273-TALK
National Domestic Violence Hotline or call (800) 799-7233
National Human Trafficking Hotline or call (888) 373-7888
SchoolHouse Connection
National Center for Homeless Education
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth 
National Law Center on Homeless and Poverty
Food and Nutrition

Rules and Regulations

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
McKinney-Vento Non-Regulatory Guidance
Elementary & Secondary Act – Title I, Part A
Wyoming Statute 14-1-101 Age of Majority; Rights on Emancipation
Wyoming Statute 14-1-102 Right to Contract