McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

Once eligibility has been determined, homeless children and families have the right to:

• Enroll the student, even if they don’t have immediate access to the required paperwork.
  
  
• A school placement that is in the best interest of the child.  The child may stay at the school they attended when they were permanently housed.  This is called the “school of origin.”  The child may also attend school in the district where the family is currently staying.  The McKinney-Vento Liaison will help determine the most feasible and reasonable placement that is in the child’s best interest.
  
  
• Transportation to the school of origin, if feasible, until the family has permanent housing.
  
  
• Transportation to the school of origin, if feasible, until the family has permanent housing.
  
  
• Free services including breakfast, lunch, and textbook fees.
  
  
• Appeal decisions regarding placement and services.  The McKinney-Vento Liaison can assist families with the appeal process.

Please click here to read the current TCS Homeless Policy

An individual who may be homeless or has an uncertain place of residence may present himself for enrollment at the Tuscaloosa City Schools' central office. District administrative personnel should make a determination of the individual's residential status based upon the definition in Section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento Act and Board Policy. If the individual is identified as a homeless student, via the definition, the homeless student shall be enrolled, eligible for free meals, and transportation needs will be determined. Enrollment of a homeless student shall not be denied or delayed due to any reason related to their homelessness , including, but not limited to, the following reasons:

• i. Lack of transcripts/school records
  
  
• ii. Lack of immunization/health records
  
  
• iii. Residency requirements
  
  
• iv. Guardianship/custody requirements
  
  
• v. Lack of transportation
  
  
• vi. Lack of birth certificate

The options for the placement of homeless students are as follows:

• i. Continued enrollment in the school attended prior to homelessness ;or
  
  
• ii. Enrollment in any school that non-homeless students who live in the attendance area where the homeless student is presently living are eligible to attend.

The placement decision shall be made according to the best interest of the homeless student.

Factors to be considered include family plans, educational services available, special programs, transportation , and length of stay in shelter facility. To the extent feasible, school administrators shall comply with any placement request made by a parent or guardian. A homeless student enrolled pursuant to these provisions shall not be denied services offered to other students in the school system.

Temporary Emergency Services
1705 15^th Street
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205)-758-5535

Catholic Social Services
608 James Harrison Jr. Pkwy
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
 (205) 759-1268

American Red Cross of Tuscaloosa
2130 Paul Bryant Dr. Suite B
Tuscaloosa, AL
(205) 764-758-3608

The Salvation Army
2902 Greensboro Avenue  
Tuscaloosa, AL
(205) 632-3691

Turning Point
(205)-758-0808

Maude Whatley Health Center-Dental and Medical
2731 MLK Jr. Blvd
Tuscaloosa, Al 35401
(205)-349-3250

Jesus Way Shelter
2681 24^th Street
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 759-9771

Indian Rivers Mental Health Center
2209 9^th Street
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 391-3131

Legal Services of Alabama
(205)-758-7503 or 1-866-456-4995

Alabama Career Center
202 Skyland Drive
Tuscaloosa, Al 35405
(205) 758-7591