Nothing is simple when the topic is homelessness, and determining residency so children can enroll in school can be complicated. It shouldn't be.

The Carlynton School District and the state Education Department are facing a lawsuit over whether four children whose family became homeless in April are eligible to attend school in the district, which takes in Carnegie, Crafton and Rosslyn Farms. The family is obtaining services at the Crafton shelter of the Interfaith Hospital Network of the South Hills, but their overnight accommodations are provided by a group of churches elsewhere. So, is the shelter their legal residence?

A federal law enacted in 2001 was aimed squarely at the need to provide stability and continuity in educating homeless children, whether their family's economic conditions force them to live with relatives, in different places every night, in a campground, trailer, shelter or car. It defines homeless children as "those who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence." Fortunately, the Carlynton district agrees with the intent of the law, and it will educate the four children through this school year, regardless of what legal determination may be made about their status.

But its interpretation of the law, as well as the state's, is based on the belief that where the children may attend school -- like the definition of who is homeless -- must be based on where the children sleep at night. Advocates for the homeless say the best interest of the children trumps all, and they rely on parts of the law that recognize the transient nature of homelessness and define residence as where families receive mail, store their belongings or can be contacted in emergencies.

In a nation with 1 million homeless children, it's important to get clarity in the law. Sadly, more families will require services at such shelters in the future. Helping their children get an education is a moral imperative.

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