Barriers to the Education Of Homeless Cited

By Jessica L. Sandham

Washington

The National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty called on federal lawmakers last week to do more to eliminate barriers that prevent homeless children from attending school, and recommended cutting off federal funding for schools that educate such children exclusively.

In a report released Feb. 1, the Washington-based center says transportation can pose a major obstacle to children who want to stay in the school they attended before becoming homeless. Requirements for proof of residence, immunization records, and birth certificates can also serve as barriers to enrollment, the study says.

"Homeless children may be shut out from enrolling in school for a few days or a few months," Maria Foscarinis, the executive director of the law center, said during a news conference here last week. "Without an education, these children...