Are California\u27s Homeless Children Being Left behind - Analyzing the Implementation of McKinney-Vento Education Rights in California

The term homeless evokes the image of an individual adult begging for change on a city sidewalk. The growing problem of homeless families, and of homeless children in particular, has not achieved the same level of social consciousness. Perhaps for that reason, the services in place for homeless individuals are not equipped to address the needs of displaced children. Title VII of the federal McKinney-Vento Act addresses the problems homeless children face in attending and succeeding in school. California has similar measures in place. However, the needs of California\u27s homeless children are not adequately met at present. This note exan-mines the sources of family homelessness, and its effect on children. It then explores the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act and the California measures aimed at education of homeless children. Finally, the note proposes ways to improve the aid homeless children receive and reduce the barriers between them and a quality education