Barnhart, Thom - Curriculum Coordinator/Title 1 Director/ Assessment Coordinator/Homeless Liaison
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- Sidney Public Schools
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Richland County Resource Guide
Families In Transition (FIT)
If you are in a situation that qualifies as homeless/family in transition, please contact your child's school or contactRichland County Resource Guide
Thom Barnhart at 406-433-5649
Serving Students Experiencing Homelessness
McKinney-Vento Law
Who is Homeless/Family in Tranition?
- Individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence
- Includes:
a. Children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing,
economic hardship, or similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or
camping grounds due to the lack of alternative accommodations; are living in emergency
or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care
placement;
b. Children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private
place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human
beings;
c. Children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings,
substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
d. Migratory children who qualify as homeless for the purposes of this subtitle.
e. Youth on their own.
f. Pertains to youth up to 18 years or when they graduate and up to 21 years old if the youth
is a special education student.
General Characteristics of Homeless Children and Youth
· Lack of continuity of education. A child may lose 4 – 6 months of academic progress
with each move to a new school. School stability and continuity of instruction are
linked to school success including achievement, promotion, and graduation.
· Poor health and nutrition. Homeless students are entitled to free meals at
school. When the family is “doubling up” with another family, the host family’s size
and income are not taken into consideration when a student’s homeless or free meal
status is determined.
· Transportation and attendance problems.
· Poor hygiene.
· Lack of personal space after school.
· Incomplete or missing homework (no place to work or keep supplies).
* Social or behavioral concerns.
Schools Must Have:
· A welcoming environment and an easy student enrollment process.
· Teachers who are aware of the subtle signs of students’ various needs and an efficient system to refer students to student support services
or another problem solving group for assessment and support. This includes an appreciation of the effects of students on the move and accommodations.
· A school climate that contributes to all students feeling connected.
· Cultural awareness and inclusion.
· Appropriate response to children experiencing trauma. This includes a constant, predictable environment, validation and support as students
develop coping skills and problem solving to manage change and establish their “new normal”.
· Commitment of the school and community to support high school graduation for all students.
· Be aware that some families and youth are fleeing abusive relationships. Be discreet about family contact information. Precautions should be
considered regarding the bus stop, before/after school drop-off and pick up procedures, etc. This must be done in a way that also protects
divulging information that the child/youth is homeless.
· An action plan with students (suggested).
- A posted notice at each school as well as information to provide to families regarding homelessness in places where homeless families congregate in schools, typically the office. The information must include that students are welcome at school and may enroll in their school of origin. The student must be admitted even if parents cannot provide an address of residence.
- Designate a homeless liaison and appoint person in each school.
Area contact information for homeless support and resources:
Richland County Food Bank: 123 W. Main Street 406-433-8142
Richland County Health Department: 1201 W. Holly, #1 406-433-2207
Sidney Health Center: 216 14th Ave. SW 406-488-2100
Richland County Drivers Licensing: 201 W. Main 406-433-2378
Richland County Library: 121 3rd Ave. NW 406-433-1917
Richland County Transportation: 2190 W. Holly St.: 406-433-7433 / 406-433-RIDE
Sidney Public Schools: 101 S. Central Ave. 406-433-2366
Richland County Sheriff's Office: 300 12th Ave. NW 406-433-2919
Sidney Police Department: 300 12th Ave. NW 406-433-2210
Job Service: 211 N. Central Ave 406-433-1204