Focus on homeless youths
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The state Department of Education's redefinition of homeless students' rights to public education and pending state legislation calling for a task force on the issue are significant developments in efforts to improve access to education for these children.
That was among the conclu+ at the Homeless Education Network's Summit II held Friday in the Rivers Club, Downtown, a meeting that had as speakers David Hickton, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania; state Sen. Wayne Fontana, D-Brookline; and state Reps. Chelsa Wagner, D-Beechview, a candidate for county controller; and Jake Wheatley, D- Hill District, along with representatives from school, housing and social service agencies. More than 300 people attended.
The redefinition is the result of a federal lawsuit in Pennsylvania that put homeless children's rights into writing.
Legislation to create the task force is pending in both the state House and Senate.
Also noted for improving access for homeless students were cooperative programs between the Pittsburgh Public Schools and the Allegheny County Department of Human Services and between the Clairton City School District and Sisters Place, a housing agency that provides transitional housing for homeless single parents and their children.
In addition to Pittsburgh, the county Department of Human Services provides help for homeless children in the Clairton, Highlands, Penn Hills, Woodland Hills, Wilkinsburg, North Hills, Steel Valley and Duquesne school districts.
Countywide, about 1,700 students were identified by schools and shelters as homeless between July 1, 2010, and Jan. 31, 2011, said Charlie LaVallee, Homeless Education Network director.
Mr. Wheatley spoke forcefully about the need for support services for homeless children in public schools.
"How can you ask them to perform academically when they are worried about where they are going to lay their heads, to find a safe place to stay, to have something to eat?" Mr. Wheatley asked.
First Published April 14, 2011 5:37 am
