The McKinney-Vento Act and Children and Youth ... - State of Michigan

To summarize from narrower to broader interpretations:
Temporary, emergency, or transitional placements
(e.g., CT, MA, MI, Anchorage, Minneapolis)
Most out-of-home placements, unless likely
to be permanent or directly related
to the child’s permanency goals
(e.g., AZ, Fairfax County)
All out-of-home placements
(e.g., DE)
Despite the variation among jurisdictions, the majority appear to have
adopted broad interpretations of awaiting foster care placement. These
inclusive approaches make good educational sense, as they provide greater
educational access and stability for youth in out-of-home care. Schools, child
welfare agencies, and young people all suffer negative consequences from
school mobility and other barriers to youth’s educational success.
Finally, it is important to note that some youth who are, or have been,
involved in the child welfare system are eligible for McKinney-Vento Act
services regardless of how the state or locality defines awaiting foster care
placement. Their eligibility is based on the fact that they are living in a
homeless situation. For example, the following children and youth are
covered by the McKinney-Vento Act:
• Youth in out-of-home care who have run away from placements and
are living in a homeless situation
• Youth who are living in a homeless situation and who have been
abused or neglected but who have not been placed in the custody of
the child welfare system
• School-age youth who have aged out of foster care and are living in
a homeless situation
Strategies for Improving Educational Outcomes through School Stability 31