Families in Transition
-
Families in Transition (FIT) is the homeless education program of the Pasadena Unified School District.
FIT promotes school stability and academic success according to the federal mandates of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to students and families experiencing homelessness.FIT is located within the PUSD Center for Student & Family Services on the southwest corner of the Madison Elementary School campus.FIT is part of the PUSD Student Wellness & Support Services division.
McKinney-Vento Homelessness Definition
-
Section 725 of the McKinney-Vento Act Homeless Assistance Act defines children and youth experiencing homelessness as individuals, ages 0-22* years old, who:
- Lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence
- Live in a hotel or motel
- Live in an emergency or transitional shelter
- Live in an abandoned building, parked car, or other facility not meant for human habitation
- Share housing with another family due to loss of housing or economic hardship (NOTE: this includes living or renting a room in a residence in which they are not on the lease/rental agreement)
- Live in a trailer park or campsite with their family
- Are abandoned at a hospital
- Are placed by the state in an emergency shelter
- Are migratory children or unaccompanied youth who are not with their parents or legal guardians and/or are living in the above described circumstances
* Children and youth receiving special education services may continue their education until the age of 22 years.
Families in Transition Support Services
-
Families in Transition can assist McKinney-Vento eligible students and families with the following:
- Facilitation of school enrollment without proof of residency
- Advocacy for children and youth to stay at school of origin
- Connection with transportation assistance for school attendance
- Ensure students receive access to appropriate educational services
- Provide backpacks and school supplies
- Aid with required school clothing
- Support students and families with confidential case management
- Refer students and families to emergency housing/shelter, food, health services, counseling, and other appropriate services*
- Parent education designed for families experiencing homelessness
- Training on the educational rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness and reducing barriers to school attendance
* Families in Transition does not issue hotel vouchers nor searches for permanent housing for families
Parent Responsibilities
-
Students experiencing homelessness have the right to participate in all federal, state or local programs and extracurricular activities for which they are eligible. Therefore, parents are responsible for:
- Enrolling their child in school promptly and have them attend regularly and on time
- Requesting needed transportation services
- Asking for tutoring/counseling to make up for any lost school time
- Meeting with their child’s teacher or counselor regularly to ensure that their child is receiving appropriate support
- Being fully involved in their child’s academic experience
- Notifying the school when moving
- Requesting current school records, including immunizations when checking their child out
- Requesting special education documents - IEP, SST, 504 plan, test results and other school related documents
- Contacting PUSD Families in Transition for help with enrollment or other barriers to the child's academic success
Student Attendance & Homelessness
-
Families in Transition believes that attendance equals success. A child’s education is the single most important factor influencing their future. Regular attendance at school helps students ensure their own success, build academic confidence and develop self-esteem. Parents and guardians are essential in helping students get to school so that they can learn and succeed alongside their peers. Homelessness can be mentally, emotionally and physically taxing on students and their parents. Yet, homelessness is not a reason for parents and guardians not to send their children to school. Homelessness does not excuse chronic absenteeism and truancy. It is our hope to alleviate some of the stress families are experiencing while giving them tools and skills to navigate these difficult times. Let's work together to help our students succeed.
Contact Info
PUSD Center for Student & Family Services
-
Location:
750 N. Los Robles Ave.Pasadena, CA 91104(corner of Los Robles & Ashtabula)Operating Hours:Monday - Friday
8:00AM - 4:00PM(closed for lunch 12PM - 1PM or weekly staff meetings)Main Line:(626) 396-5782Program Cell:(626) 720-2476NOTE: Please call to make an appointment with program staff