This blog was updated on July 25th, 2023.
The beginning of the school year is a very busy time for school district staff, especially those working in the front office of schools. Enrolling new students can be a time-consuming process.
The multitude of forms to be completed and information to be loaded into student information systems can consume enormous amounts of time. This can take the focus off of other important student-related issues. One such issue is identifying students newly experiencing homelessness who became homeless over the summer. These students may be eligible for services but may not receive them if they are not identified.
Ways to Identify Students Newly Experiencing Homelessness
Identification of students newly experiencing homelessness can sometimes be a complicated task. Students may not wish to be identified due to embarrassment regarding their living situation. Asking the parents of all students to complete a student residency questionnaire each year can help identify students experiencing homelessness, but it is not a cure all.
Staff should be sensitive to students and refer students they believe may be experiencing homelessness to the appropriate district staff. Providing referral forms to shelters, soup kitchens, and other organizations that serve families experiencing homelessness is also important.
Indicators of Students Newly Experiencing Homelessness
In addition, students newly experiencing homelessness may not return to school. Sometimes a student unexpectedly does not return to school in the new year. If this happens, and no request for records from a school the student may have transferred to is received, it may be an indicator that a student has potentially become homeless.
Following up with the student's parents, using the last known phone number or other contact information, may be important. Once identified, keeping track of students experiencing homelessness can be another challenge.
Useful Resources to Help Identify Students Newly Experiencing Homelessness
Here are some helpful resources for identifying and supporting students newly experiencing homelessness:
- U.S. Department of Education Initiative: Identifying and Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness from Pre-School to Post-Secondary Ages
- National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth: NAEHCY
- National Center for Homeless Education: NCHE
- SchoolHouse Connection
Cayen System's Homeless Information Management System for Students is a useful tool for keeping track of students experiencing homelessness and TransACT's ESSA Parent Notices includes a student residency questionnaire and homeless student referral form.
