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The Office of Homeless and Foster Care is here to help

The Office of Homeless and Foster Care’s goal is to identify and support homeless young people so each student can successfully participate in the learning environment and meet state and local academic achievement standards. Recently there have been drastic changes in weather that have caused extreme situations around the country, and our department wants to inform families of how we as a district can support them.

Resources for Homeless Families

If your family lives in any of the following situations:

  • In a shelter
  • In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation
  • In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station
  • Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

Your school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

Your eligible children have the right to:

  • Receive a free, appropriate public education
  • Enroll in school immediately even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment
  • Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents
  • Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is your preference
    • If the school district believes that the school you select is not in the best interest of your children, then the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and inform you of your right to appeal its decision
  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin if you request this
  • Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children’s needs

If you believe your children may be eligible, contact the Office of Homeless and Foster Care to find out what services and support may be available. There also may be support for your preschool-age children.

Need Help? Click Here to Get Started

Here is how you reach the Office of Homeless and Foster Care:

Phone: (313) 748-6383
Email: ohfc@detroitk12.org
If you need assistance after business hours, call Public Safety at (313) 748-6000