More homeless students have been identified in this school year than in the previous year.  School districts have identified half or more of last year's caseload in the first few months of this year.  It is obvious that the increase in homeless youth is building year after year and schools are in a necessary position to deal with this crisis. 

This study, conducted by the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth and First Focus, is based upon a web-based survey of school district homeless liasons.  Responses to the survey were voluntary and self-reported.  From the data collected, there are several support solutions immediate to the prevention of youth homelessness.  School districts must do the following:

• Distribute notice of the definition of homelessness and McKinney-Vento Rights to all families students.  By doing so, families are made aware of the services and protection afforded their children.
• Include information on homelessness and the McKinney-Vento Act in staff development activities.  Staff and faculty need to be aware of signs and indications of homelessness in students such that they can facilitate approriate action for the child.
• Develop relations with community agencies.  Schools systems cannot respond to an economic crisis in isolation.  Thus, they cannot respond to homelessness in isolation.  By acting with the community more comprehensive services become available to children. 
• Support the school district homeless liason.  As the backbone of the school's response to homelessness, cooperation and support becomes a multiparty task with a stronger effect.
• Provide supports at the school building level.  Homeless children can access supplies and services directly at the school.
• Establish thorough orientation practices for new students.  By doing so, new students who are homeless become fully aware of resources available to them, both through the school and through the communtiy.

Youth homeless are more susceptible to health and mental health problems down the road.  The support necessary for their stability and the opportunity for their own futures is a feasible task.  The statistics show that more children are becoming homeless.  This, in turn, means that today's problems are being forwarded to tomorrow's problems.  School's have the unique opportunity to be of service, not simply as a means to stem the problem but also end the problem.  The question is of resources, and this is often a question of will. 

To access the full PDF and a comprehensive outline of youth homelessness follow the link below.