When is a youth considered homeless?

Per the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 USC 11302), youth are considered homeless if they "lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence," including:

• Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons;
• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations;
• Living in emergency or transitional shelters; and
• Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar places. 
• Youth may also experience episodic-homelessness, which may manifest in more unconventional ways like couch-surfing. 

When is a student identified as being in Foster Care?

Students who are in the custody of the Texas Department of  Family and Protective Services (DFPS) are identified as students in foster care.  Students who are in the custody of another state's child welfare system, but living in Texas in substitute care, would also be considered to be in foster care and entitled to the same provisions as a student in Texas DFPS custody. 

• Foster Parents/Guardians should provide the campus with official documentation of the Foster Care placement each year. 
• DFPS form 2085 is the most common documentation.
• Court Orders or official placement forms from other states are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Foster Care Liaison.  

What services are offered to students experiencing homelessness or foster care placement?

• Both students experiencing homelessness or in a foster care placement are entitled to remain in their school of origin (where they were previously going to school) if the transportation arrangements are practical and in the best interest of the student. Boerne ISD and the district of enrollment will work together to provide the transportation to the school of origin. 
• Students experiencing homelessness or who are in foster care are entitled to free meals at school and are eligible independently from household income.  Once identified at the campus, the students will automatically recieve free breakfast and lunch and the family does not need to fill out the Free/Reduced meal application to receive that benefit for the child.
• The students are exempt from certain fees such as any fees for field trips, PE uniforms, and various others. 
• Upon initial enrollment in the district, the campus will conduct an enrollment conference, ideally within the first two weeks, to learn more about the student and ease the transition into the new school. 
• The students are eligible, and prioritized,  for compensatory services such as tutoring should they demonstrate an academic need. 
• Students can receive assistance with school supplies.

If you have questions about our services, please contact Tami Charest at (830)357-2040. tami.charest@boerneisd.net 

To enroll in Boerne ISD, please use the Online Enrollment Forms