Homeless ServicesDauphin County Technical School (DCTS), and the Joint Operating Committee, firmly believe that every student has the right to a free and appropriate public education. This right exists independent of housing status and is protected via the McKinney-Vento Act. Subtitle VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, and amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act, provides for the identification of students who may lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.Mrs. Maurer is the designated homeless liaison for DCTS. Please feel free to contact her with any questions or concerns regarding McKinney-Vento or community resources: (717) 652-3170, Ext. 1208. emaurer@dcts.orgA family or student is considered homeless under the McKinney-Vento definition if they are in any of these places or situations:Public or private sheltersPublic or private places not designated for, or ordinarily used as, regular sleeping accomodations such as vehicles, parks, motels, campgrounds, etc.Living with a parent in a domestic violence shelterLiving with relatives or friends due to lack of housingLiving in a transitional housing programRunaway children (under 18 years of age) and children and youth who have been abandoned or forced out of their home by parents or other caretakers (unaccompanied youth). These children may be in temporary shelters awaiting assistance from social services agencies, or may live alone on the street or move from place to place among family members, friends or acquaitances.Children of migrant families who lack adequate housingK-12 Homeless Education Guide Department of Education Capital Area Coalition on HomelessnessMcKinney-Vento provides for the protection of the education of homeless students, including unaccompanied homeless youth, under the law.DCTS can provide coordination and support for students that includes (but is not limited to) transportation to and from school, access to free breakfast and lunch, and connection to appropriate community resources.
