Foster & Homeless Youth Services

Every student in the Yreka Union School District is ensured access to the same opportunities for academic achievement and supports, including children and youth in foster care.  Foster youth have educational rights established through Assembly Bills 167, 216, and 490 to help eliminate barriers to education and ensure school stability.  These rights are now part of California Education Code and are listed here.  It is important for school staff to be fully aware of these rights as well as parent/guardians and foster youth themselves.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate educational programs as other children and youth. Federal and state law mandates the elimination of educational barriers facing homeless children and youth, to increase school stability and protect students from discrimination. Under this legislation, homeless children and youth are entitled to have access to the same educational experience and resources as all students by providing the following rights to students experiencing housing instability or homelessness:

• Immediate enrollment in school even if the required paperwork is not available (i.e. immunizations, proof of residency, school record).
• School selection to A) school of origin (if feasible) or B) the closest YUSD school to their current living situation.
• Assistance resolving any disputes that arise during the enrollment process.
• Immediate enrollment in the free lunch program.
• Assistance with AB1806 graduation requirements.
• Assistance with school records.
• Public transportation assistance to and from school (if feasible).
• Referrals to community agencies.

YUSD Independent Study Program provides an educational opportunity for students who cannot, or choose not, to attend school on a daily basis. Independent Study is a voluntary alternative option. That is, no student may be placed in independent study without their consent. However, independent study is not appropriate for every student. Strong reading and comprehension skills are required to complete weekly assignments. With a minimum of teacher assistance, a support system of family and friends is a must. Students should be mature, self motivated, and able to work independently. 

Student responsibilities include:

• Attending regularly scheduled weekly appointments with your teacher as specified in the Master Agreement.
• Communicating with your teacher throughout the week, requesting help, if needed, in a timely manner.
• Coming into the classroom to receive additional help, if suggested.
• Working daily on your curricular assignments.
• Completing (and turning in for assessment) all assignments on your weekly assignment report by the due date.
• Participating in all district and state mandated tests.
   

California Ed Code 48851 requires that Districts administer a Housing Questionnaire to all parent/guardians or unaccompanied minors for purposes of identifying homeless children and youths and unaccompanied youths.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act defines homelessness as anyone who is:

• Lacking a regular, fixed and adequate nighttime residence:
• "Temporarily doubled up" with family or friends due to a loss of housing and economic hardship
• Living in a shelter, hotel, or motel
• Living in a public place not designated for sleeping (cars, parks, abandoned buildings)
• A child who is not in the physical custody of their parent or legal guardian
• A child or youth abandoned in a hospital
• A migrant child who qualifies under any of the above

For a more extensive list of resources and information, please visit our Siskiyou County Office of Education's website for Foster and Homeless Youth site.