McKinney-Vento Program: Through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (click here for McKinney-Vento Rights - Information for Families), the Student & Family Support Services Office provides support and resources to assist students and families in navigating the educational system so they continue to receive a quality education during this transitional time. Support and resources may vary from family to family. The Student & Family Support Services Office also provides educators with technical support to ensure schools are removing barriers to the enrollment, attendance, and academic success of students experiencing homelessness. Mentoring is available for students experiencing homelessness and/or unaccompanied minor students. The Student & Family Support Services may be able to provide assistance with: 

• School Placement and Enrollment
• Backpacks & School Supplies
• School Clothing
• *Transportation Assistance
• General Community Referrals and Resources
• Healthcare Advocacy & Application Assistance
• Mental Health Counseling Referrals
• Case Management, Academic Enhancement, Mentoring, and Life Skills
• Dispute Resolution Process

Foster Youth Services: Every student in our district is ensured access to the same opportunities for academic achievement and supports, including children and youth in foster care. Foster students have educational rights established through Assembly Bills 167, 216, and 490 to help eliminate barriers to education and ensure school stability. The Student & Family Support Services Office works with school sites and community agencies such as group homes, foster families, social services, and post-high school programs to coordinate support efforts and promote educational rights, stability, and success for students in foster care. Mentoring is available for foster students. Also, educators are provided with technical support to ensure they are aware of these rights as well as parent/guardians and foster students themselves. Assistance may include:

• School Placement, Enrollment, and Transitions
• Case Management, Academic Enhancement, Mentoring, and Life Skills

Community and Mental Health & Wellness Resources: The Student & Family Support Services Office recognizes the importance of addressing the physical, emotional, and mental health needs of students and families. Mental health counseling referrals may be able to be provided for qualified families and students. Sacramento County Mental Health Resources and Parent Toolkit are helpful resources for parents. The Student & Family Support Services Office can also link families to community resources such as food, housing, and other support services. This is a collaborative effort between schools and local agencies.

Program Support: The Student & Family Support Services Office provides an array of program supports and technical assistance to school sites and staff through professional development opportunities, social-emotional learning and mental health programs, and initiatives, such as the Sacramento County Bullying Prevention Project, that help improve school safety and school climate. For more bullying prevention resources: California Department of Education: Bullying and Hate-Motivated Behavior Prevention: Provides resources for parents, administrators, and students on how bullying can be prevented and addressed. Resources include publications, sample policies, and frequently asked questions. California Department of Education: Bullying Publications & Resources: Publications and resources for educators, parents, and community members with tools for recognizing bullying behavior and approaches for determining how to respond. StopBullying.gov: StopBullying.gov provides information from various government agencies on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying.

Links to additional bullying prevention resources for families and students:

https://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/kid-videos

What-You-Need-to-Know-About-Bullying.pdf

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