Students experiencing homelessness across Missouri are going without the key school services districts are required to provide, a new investigation called Unhoused/Unschooled reveals. Federal law says public school districts must support students experiencing homelessness with food insecurity, transportation, and even housing needs.
But this new in-depth report finds schools in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska are undercounting students experiencing homelessness. Data from the Center for Public Integrity finds 300,000 students across the country are likely experiencing homelessness and not receiving the critical support the public school districts are legally required to provide.
The real-life implications are vast. Without these services, students experiencing homelessness face even more hardships. K-12 students are legally entitled to food, transportation, and housing support. School may be the only place they are able to access a meal. According to the investigation, some schools are not even applying for grants to receive crucial funds to help some of their most vulnerable students.
The skilled team of attorneys at Kennedy Hunt PC are experts in education law and champions for students. If you or your child need support with your educational rights, we may be able to help you. Fill out a questionnaire so we can understand your claim.