Children's Rights

Remember: Admitting that you and your children are homeless does not mean that you will have your children taken from you. This is the first step in finding housing and resources to keep your children safe. Many schools have counselors or social workers that can help.

Children under the age of 18 have special rights, regardless of their living situation or immigration status. Here are just a few that every parent should know about:

• Access to free elementary and high school education.

• If a child becomes homeless they have the right to stay in the same school regardless of where their family currently lives.

• Free transportation to and from school.

• Access to a school liaison to help the child and their family identify local resources, including:

  • Referrals to health care services, dental services, mental health services, or other care providers.

  • Act as an advocate for unaccompanied youth, helping them with enrollment, transportation, and disagreements with schools.

  • Help students get immunizations and immunization records.

• Equal access to school resources, including certain extra-curricular activities and in some cases free meals during school hours.

• Right to a safe environment.