"Fostering the future"

The Educational Success for Children and Youth Without Homes Act of 2009 will help children and youth experiencing homelessness thrive in school, despite the constant moving, trauma, and loss often associated with their homelessness.

The legislation will promote school stability and success for homeless students by:

• Keeping homeless children and youth in their original schools, unless the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth wishes to change schools, or unless an individualized, best interest determination by the school supports a change of schools,
• Establishing and training a homeless youth liaison within schools,
• Increasing federal funding to help assist with the costs of transportation to the school of origin, and
• Increasing outreach and identification efforts for homeless students.

“Nearly 20,000 Washington state children experience homelessness each year and often times these kids have to say goodbye to the only friends, teachers and stability they know,” said Senator Murray. “My bill helps keep homeless students in a stable school environment and ensures that there is a school official dedicated to helping them balance their family and school lives .”