Foster & Unhoused Student & Family Support
Our Foster Youth Program strives to offer educational assistance to children and young individuals within the foster care system, aiming to enhance both their academic and personal accomplishments. The Natomas Charter School actively participates in a statewide network of initiatives tailored to address the distinctive educational requirements of foster children and youth. The array of services provided encompasses:
- Facilitation of communication between placement and educational agencies.
- Notification of schools regarding the placement of students in foster care.
- Provision of training for schools.
- Promotion of collaboration among partner agencies, foster families, and group home staff.
- Implementation of data collection processes to monitor and assess services.
- Provision of advocacy services to elevate academic achievement.
- Maintenance of a secure database containing fundamental education and health information for all foster children and youth in the district.
Definition of Homelessness in Public Schools:
Homeless children are entitled to the protections outlined in the McKinney-Vento Act, which defines homeless children as individuals lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The Act provides examples of situations falling under this definition, including:
- Children sharing housing due to economic hardship or loss of housing
- Children residing in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to a lack of alternative accommodations
- Children living in emergency or transitional shelters
- Children awaiting foster care placement
- Children whose primary nighttime residence is not ordinarily used for sleeping (e.g., park benches)
- Children residing in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, or substandard housing, as well as bus or train stations
NCS Support and Resources:
NCS offers a range of support and resources, including:
- Assistance with enrolling qualified students in school
- Provision of backpacks, school supplies, and hygiene items
- Issuance of bus passes and transportation support to and from school
- Referral services for medical, dental, mental health, or vision care
- Assistance in accessing housing and shelter services
- Referral to local food and clothing closets
- Guidance in enrolling for insurance
- Support services for families receiving public assistance
- Connections and referrals to various other community services and resources
For more information please reach out to one of our liaisons below:
Petra Luhrsen
916-419-3788 ext. 243
2920 Advantage Way
Sacramento, CA 95834
Michele Hunnicutt
916-419-3788 ext. 261
2920 Advantage Way
Sacramento, CA 95834
Project TEACH is a Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) program, funded by a California Department of Education (CDE) grant, through the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001. Project TEACH promotes the educational success of children experiencing homelessness.
The program:
- informs parents and the community of the educational rights of children under the definition of homeless
- collaborates with school districts, shelters, and agencies
- provides services for families staying in and/or attending school in Sacramento County
- coordinates opportunities for community involvement
- provides professional development and referral to resources
Is your child missing school because:
- …you move a lot?
- …you live in a shelter or motel?
- …you are on the street or homeless?
- …you don't have a permanent address?
Free help to keep your child in school, plus assistance with transportation, school supplies, and more is available through Project TEACH at the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE)