Migrant EducationAccountability Programs : Minnesota Department of Education

Migrant Education

Establishing Eligibility of Runaway Homeless and Migrant Youth



October 19, 2004

MW S&CNP: SA 09-3

FY 05 School and Community Nutrition Programs Policy Memorandum #05-01

Establishing Eligibility of Runaway, Homeless and Migrant Youth

State Directors

Child Nutrition Programs

We previously addressed the categorical eligibility of runaway, homeless and migrant children in FY 04 School and Community Nutrition Programs Policy Memorandum #04-24 (July 19, 2004), #04-29 (August 18, 2004), and #04-33 (September 24, 2004).

FNS has received reports of delays in receiving information from homeless or migrant coordinators about a child’s status as runaway, homeless or migrant. We understand that in some cases the delays may be substantial, for up to as much as 90 days. Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) are asking how to handle these children’s eligibility while awaiting confirmation from the homeless or migrant coordinator.

We suggest that the LEA or school determine who best knows the child’s situation and have that person indicate that a child is homeless, a runaway or a migrant. This could be done either by completing an application on the child’s behalf or by establishing a list indicating which children are migrants, for example. Keep in mind that the school’s determining official must base his or her decision on concrete information that will support such a determination. This policy is consistent with our existing policy in FNS Instruction 765-2, Rev. 1, dated March 19, 1986.

Once a LEA or school official establishes a child’s eligibility as homeless, runaway or migrant, that eligibility remains in effect for the entire school year, provided that the child was correctly certified. If the child’s status is not confirmed by subsequent information from the homeless or migrant coordinator, the school year eligibility is no longer valid. In these situations, the LEA or school must take steps to advise the household and issue a notice of adverse action informing the household that it can reapply for benefits.

LIZA COWDEN

Acting Regional Director

Special Nutrition Programs