Unaccompanied youth are youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or court-appointed guardian, including:

Young people who have run away from home.
Young people who have been forced to leave their homes.
Young people whose parents have left the area and left the student here.

Their possible living situations include:

Living with friends ("couch surfing").
Living in shelters.
Living in cars, campgrounds, in abandoned buildings, other public spaces or on the streets.
Living with an adult who is not their parent and does not have legal custody of them.

School may be the only safe, stable environment for unaccompanied youth. Schools can provide the needed support to ensure continued academic success for these vulnerable students. In addition to academics, schools can offer adult and peer support, meals, referral to medical and mental health services, sports clubs and other activities. Schools should also connect these young people to other resources and supports available in the community.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requires that schools immediately enroll these students and protects their right to attend school without parental involvement. Schools must immediately enroll “unaccompanied youth” even if they do not have the documents that are usually required, such as proof of residence, school records, medical records or guardianship papers. Transportation assistance must be provided (when in the best interest of the student) if the student needs transportation to the school of origin.

Homeless Children and Youth

Definition of Homeless

What do families experiencing homelessness need to know?

What does “unaccompanied youth” mean?

Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Procedures

Transportation Procedures

Community Resources

Contact Information