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This year, we’ve reformed the Index to focus on unhoused youth and young adults (YYA), aligning it with their experiences and policy needs. Shifting from harm reduction to transformative change, some jurisdictions may see lower scores than before. This is a deliberate strategy, not a setback. Lower scores should motivate, not discourage, jurisdictions. They present an opportunity to adopt policies that effectively tackle and prevent youth homelessness, fostering meaningful progress.
McKinney-Vento Type Rights for Foster Youth
- Children & family services
- Education
The jurisdiction extends McKinney-Vento type rights and protections to foster youth
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento Act) is federal legislation that ensures the educational rights and protections of children and youth experiencing homelessness. States and territories can offer additional protections for unhoused students and can extend similar protections to foster youth.
| Key | Metric Score | Type of Policy | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Reform | Fair Score | |
| 0.5 | Harm Reduction | Low Score | |
| 0.0 | Status Quo | Status Quo | |
| N/A | No Data | No Data |
Suggested Citation: National Homelessness Law Center, "Youth Homelessness Index, McKinney-Vento Type Rights for Foster Youth" https://youthhomelessnessindex.org/maps/mckinney-vento-type-rights-for-foster-youth/ (last visited March 9, 2026)
- Additional Rights and Protections Beyond McKinney-Vento
Explore Related Metrics
Education
Access to formal education is crucial for unhoused young people for a number of reasons. Education is often a gateway to essential services, secure housing, and stable finances. Education can provide critical thinking and other skill sets that are necessary, both personally and professionally, for adulthood. Education can provide a sense of purpose and belonging, which is important for unhoused young people who are isolated or disconnected from society, including care providers and their peers.
“What I needed most was a clean space (uncluttered), a place to eat meals, transportation to and from school and activities. I did not have places to study. I have always been a high achieving student without the physical and mental space to fully feel safe and supported.”– Makayla Dawkins
Model Statute:
These maps are provided as legal information only and should not be used as legal advice for your specific situation. If you need help with any of the issues described on this website, please check out the Homeless Youth Legal Network (HYLN) directory OR email or call HYLN for help finding a referral to a lawyer.
