We know that many of you work in programs work on behalf of children and youth everyday addressing a wide range of educational issues, including but not limited to, addressing safety needs associated with attending school, helping kids transition to schools, and general academic support. Recognizing that children and youth experiencing homelessness often have difficulty in school, there has been efforts to put policies and practices in place to protect the rights of all students and ensure access to services to support success in school.
In December 2015, the President signed into law the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA), which ensures that education of homeless students. The law takes effect this October. Below are links to some basic fact sheets on this new law:
• Homeless Student Fact Sheet and Rights
• U.S. Department of Education Guidance. This document also provides specific guidance on protecting the privacy of homeless children exposed to or experiencing domestic violence.
• Information of Shelters and Advocates. This will also take to you to a link to find the Student Services Liaison in your community.
We hope this information helps you better understand the variety of rights of students, as well as provide you information on services in the community that are available to you to advocate on behalf of homeless students in your community.
The College of William and Mary the Education of Homeless Youth program for the Department of Education in Virginia. More information can be found on the program's website.
This article examines how racism affects African-American women in terms of domestic violence. Racism alters how African American women receive treatment through domestic violence resources and how they perceive resources. Because of racism, African American women have specific concerns when making decisions about domestic violence relationships and what resources would be best for them.
This 8-page resource published by the Women of Color Network as part of their Facts & Stats Collection provides a general overview of abuse later in life. It includes a chart of types of elder abuse, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and healthcare fraud/abuse. Also included are sections highilighting specific issues and distinguishing dynamics that confront communities of color, including Latino/Hispanic, Native American/Alaskan Indian, Asian & Pacific Islander, and African American. Concludes with a great list of resources, both for elders and for communities of color.
A report on a 2-year (2006-2008) demonstration project funded by the Family Violence Prevention and Services Program.
Published by Virginia Sexual & Domestic VIolence Action Alliance, 2009.
56 pages.
Originally posted on VAWnet and created by Casa de Esperanza, this resource is a compilation of the answers to frequently asked questions regarding Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which requires all programs that receive federal funds to take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to individuals with Limited English Proficiency. Ensuring meaningful access to services is critical to protecting the life and safety of survivors with limited English proficiency (LEP). This document explains the requirements, provides examples for implementation, and provides links to numerous additional resources.