Appointing a Surrogate Parent for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth with Disabilities
Written in coordination with the KDE Office of Special Education and Early Learning.
Each year, students may arrive at school without a parent or legal guardian, often staying with a caregiver or living independently. These situations can be complex, and the role of the local homeless liaison is essential in ensuring these students are identified and supported appropriately.
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) recommends referring to the Unaccompanied Youth Eligibility Flowchart when determining eligibility as an unaccompanied homeless youth (UHY). If a student meets the definition of homelessness and is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian, they are considered an UHY.
For UHY with disabilities, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires the appointment of a surrogate parent if no parent can be identified or located. This provision does not apply to UHY students without disabilities.
Liaisons should coordinate locally with special education staff to ensure UHY with disabilities have an established surrogate parent that meets all selection criteria outlined in 34 CFR §300.519(d-f). The National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) recommends that if a temporary surrogate cannot be identified through emergency or transitional shelters, independent living programs or street outreach programs, the local homeless liaison can serve as a temporary surrogate parent.
IDEA requires KDE to ensure that a surrogate parent is assigned within 30 days of determining the need (34 CFR §300.519). NCHE provides additional details in its Students Living with Caregivers brief.
When considering who to appoint as a surrogate parent, please note that the surrogate parent must not be an employee of KDE, the student’s school district (with the exception of an emergency situation), or any agency involved in the education or care of the child. Appropriate surrogate parents must have no conflict of interest with the child, and they must possess the knowledge and skills to adequately represent the child [34 CFR §300.519(d); 707 KAR 1:340, Section 7].
Surrogate parents will represent the child in all matters related to identification, evaluation, educational placement and providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and Office of Elementary and Secondary Education provide more information in Section F of the Questions and Answers on Special Education and Homelessness document. If the student moves districts, the new district may need to assign another surrogate parent.
Please contact Zach Stumbo with questions about appointing surrogate parents, or Lynn Lockard with questions about supporting students with disabilities.
KDE Virtual Book Study Series
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) will host a virtual book study series this fall focused on supporting students experiencing homelessness. This professional learning opportunity will center around the book "Serving Students Who Are Homeless: A Resource Guide for Schools, Districts, and Educational Leaders" by Ronald Hallett and Linda Skrla.
The series will consist of four virtual meetings, with the first having been held on Sept. 11. The links to the remaining three meetings are included below. Future meetings will take place at 11 a.m. ET on the following dates:
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Meeting 2, Oct. 16: Understanding the experiences of students living doubled-up and how to connect with site and district leadership.
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Meeting 3, Nov. 20: How to build and maintain community partnerships and introduce the idea of community mapping.
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Meeting 4, Dec. 11: How to support students in preparing for life after high school.
Participation in all four sessions will satisfy the annual training requirement outlined in 704 KAR 7:090.
KDE recently mailed copies of the book to all homeless liaisons. Homeless liaisons who have not received a copy are asked to please contact Zach Stumbo by email as soon as possible to arrange for one.
KDE Staff Attend 2025 Persistence to Graduation Summit
State coordinator Zach Stumbo presented at the Kentucky Department of Education's Persistence to Graduation Summit in Lexington on June 12-13, in Lexington.
Stumbo's presentation focused on ways to support students experiencing homelessness transitioning from high school into post-secondary life. The information presented included updates to the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).
Additionally, the presentation asked attendees to review sample case studies for high school students experiencing homelessness. Participants worked in small groups to identify ways to support students experiencing homelessness reaching graduation and transitioning into post-secondary plans.
Please contact Zach Stumbo if you have questions about how to best support students experiencing homelessness to graduate from high school.
Celebrating Student Success at Jefferson County’s Giddy Up to Greatness Summer Program
On June 16, state coordinator Zach Stumbo joined Jefferson County Public Schools for a joyful celebration marking the conclusion of the “Giddy Up to Greatness” summer educational program. The event, held in the Wilt Elementary school gymnasium, brought together students, families and staff to recognize student achievement and highlight the program’s impact.
The 14-day summer camp served 94 students, 90% of whom were identified under the McKinney-Vento Act. With support from McKinney-Vento and Title I grants, the program provided transportation, staff salaries and enriching academic experiences aligned to Kentucky’s Academic Standards. Students participated in engaging classroom activities by grade level and enjoyed educational field trips.
The celebration honored student growth and included interpretation services to ensure families could fully participate. The event was a powerful reminder of how targeted summer programming can support academic success and well-being for students experiencing homelessness.
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