Researcher(s)
- Kennedy Perry, Public Policy, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Erin Nescott, The Center for Community Research and Service -Biden School of Public Policy And Administration, University of Delaware
- Signe Bell, The Center for Community Research and Service -Biden School of Public Policy And Administration, University of Delaware
Abstract
Background
Delaware is failing to identify and support its most vulnerable individuals which are infants and toddlers. The question is even with different programs in place is it helping in some sort of way?
Research Question: How does the McKinney Vento act support Delawareans throughout their lifespan?
Homelessness or housing instability is an issue that students in many school districts have noticed and it is something that is not only happening in Delaware but in the United States. “Those that are in this situation, it affects their cognitive abilities and may face transportation challenges” ( Delaware Department of Education, N.D). This contributes to lower academic achievement as well. The Mckinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act provides resources for those that are struggling, and makes sure that children are able to get the help that they need to maintain educational continuity.
Methods
Comparing homelessness and education policy especially in school districts in the United States
Results/Discussion
The rise in homelessness is only going to increase, even with different programs that have been put into place. Especially in schools, there could be students that could be in a situation where they may not have a home to go to. We could see this rapidly go up especially with the cuts that are being made to funding as well. The number of people that are homeless have increased by “25 percent, to 1.4 million.”
Future Work
Families can be housed in shelters, or motels with other families that may be experiencing the same thing. They provide resources to those that have disabilities in general which some people may struggle with if they have to take care of a child. That is why there have been steps that have been taken such as having more places for them to go when needed.