The Students in Transition (SIT) Program in Pasco County Schools provides protections for homeless/displaced students, under the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act: 42 U.S.C. §11434A.

Students can be referred to the SIT Program through friends, family, school staff, outside agencies, parents/guardians, or can identify themselves. Anyone can fill out a SIT referral form on behalf of a student.

Unaccompanied Youth (UY) are students in transition who are not in the custody of a legal parent or guardian. Students who are on their own without parental support or students who are staying with a non-custodial caregiver can be classified as UY.

The SIT Program staff determines eligibility based on criteria set forth by McKinney-Vento. Methods include reviewing forms, consulting school points of contact, and communicating with families/students.

Students who are sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason are covered by the McKinney-Vento Act.  Students who share adequate housing on a long-term basis due to preference or convenience would not be eligible for SIT.

Yes, if they meet the eligibility requirements under the law. Students who lack a fixed, regular or adequate nighttime residence due to a disaster (earthquake, hurricane, fire, tornado, flood, man-made disaster, etc.) may be considered homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act. They are entitled to the same legal protections and services as other students experiencing homelessness.

No, students who are currently in the Foster Care Program and are staying with their assigned Foster caretaker do not qualify for McKinney-Vento.

However, students who are awaiting Foster Care placement are eligible for SIT services until the placement has been made.

More information regarding Foster Care can be found Here.

No, there is no specific time limit on homelessness. Whether a child or youth meets the definition of homelessness depends upon the living situation and the individual circumstances.

The McKinney-Vento Act requires schools to enroll students in transition even if they do not immediately have the paperwork normally required. School records, immunizations, or health records should be obtained as soon as possible. The Students in Transition (SIT) Program assists with enrollment. Please contact the SIT Program if you are experiencing difficulties or have questions regarding the required documentation

Required Documentation:

• Proof of Residency:
  • The SIT Form replaces the Proof of Residency
• Proof of Age:
  • Birth Certificate
  • Acceptable Alternatives in Florida
• Immunizations & Physicals:
  • Requirements

Students may be allowed to attend their school of origin “to the extent feasible,” or in the best interest of the student. School of origin is defined as “the school the student attended when permanently housed, or the school in which the student was last enrolled” 42 U.S.C. §11432(g)(3)(G). Changing schools significantly impede students’ academic and social growth. Factors that may be considered include the age of the child or youth; the impact the commute may have on the student’s education; personal safety issues; the students’ need for special instruction; length of anticipated stay in temporary shelter or other temporary location; and time remaining in the school year. There may be other student-centered factors to consider.