Resources
Resources for Parents, Caregivers & Students
Crisis Resources
If you are a parent, caregiver or student and have recently lost housing, there are several national and state-level resources available to access housing, food, mental health services, veteran services, and support for domestic violence, abuse and neglect concerns. You can also connect with your local McKinney-Vento liaison who can help to identify resources in your area.
Crisis ResourcesParents and Caregivers of Young Children
If you are the parent or caregiver of a young child, it is important to connect them to a local early childhood program in your area as soon as possible so that they can get ready for kindergarten and succeed in school. Head Start, Early Head Start, Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI), and Title I preschool programs prioritize slots for young children experiencing homelessness. Early intervention services and early childhood special education programs are also available to support young children in Virginia.
Early Childhood ResourcesOlder Youth
Older students experiencing homelessness, including unaccompanied homeless youth, face significant barriers to reaching high school graduation. There are several resources available to these youth to assist them in areas such as obtaining vital documents and identification, navigating the FAFSA process, accessing financial aid, and finding local career and technical assistance programs.
Resources for Older YouthSupporting Your Child’s Mental Health
If you are concerned with your child’s mental health, there are several resources available to help you give them the support they need. The resources below will help guide you in knowing when to seek help for your child and how to connect them to available resources.
- Questions & Answers about Mental Health
- Positive Parenting Principles
- Promoting the Development of Self-Esteem in Your Children
- Recognizing Depression in Youth
Parents and Caregivers of Students with Disabilities
There are two federal laws that help make sure children and youth with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness get the support they need to enroll and succeed in school. The resources below highlight the rights that homeless children with disabilities are guaranteed both under the McKinney-Vento Act and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act). The resources below offer helpful information as you navigate the process of connecting your child to the supports they need in school.