The ROE 51 Homeless Program strives to ensure homeless children and youth have equal access to the same public and preschool programs as housed students. Hundreds of children and youth in Sangamon County don't have a home of their own. Their parent, guardian or caregiver can't afford to have their own place. Some homeless students are teens on their own. These unaccompanied youth often "couch surf" living apart from their parents or guardians in unstable or inadequate living situations.

In Sangamon County, most of these students live doubled-up with family or friends, moving from place to place. Other families with housing crisis are living in motels, campgrounds, automobiles or other unsuitable arrangements. Consistent attendance at school can be extremely challenging unless the family and school are in constant communication about the transitional living situation. Parents and someone on school staff that the family feels comfortable with must talk regularly.

Schools are legally required to identify homeless students and remove all barriers to their academic success. Federal and State of Illinois law, often referred to as the McKinney-Vento Act, was crafted to combat the four to six months of academic progress homeless students lose when they change schools. Educational stability is important not only to homeless students but to non-homeless students as well! The National Center for Homeless Education cites research that indicates the midyear departure of a fellow student will negatively impact their classmates.

When a school becomes aware of a family living in a transitional situation, they evaluate each case individually. If the student is deemed homeless, the school must enroll the child immediately, even without records, physicals and immunizations. If the student is already enrolled, they are encouraged to stay at their school of origin with transportation, if feasible. The district liaison will arrange fee waivers, tutoring, and a variety of other services to promote student success.

If the District Homeless Liaison is not available or if further advocacy is required, the parent, unaccompanied youth or school staff should contact the Regional Office of Education Liaison, Faith Sanderson at 535-3281 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This Regional Office of Education suggests you share this information and promote tolerance in Sangamon County for displaced students. Homelessness doesn't indicate an unfit parent. It is increasingly common and symptomatic of our economic times. Some families experiencing housing crisis may be reluctant to share information with school staff for fear of being a target of discrimination. McKinney-Vento law intends to eliminate stigma and promote educational success. Limit educational disruption for all our students by sharing this page or arranging a homeless presentation for your agency, faith-based group, or social organizations. Faith Sanderson 535-3281