HOMELESSNESS: Murray Introduces Bills to Help Homeless Families Access Child Care, Remove Barriers to Education for Homeless Youth

(Washington, D.C.) –  Today, Thursday, April 25^th, 2013, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced the introduction of the Improving Access to Child Care for Homeless Families Act of 2013, legislation which aims to address the difficulties homeless families face in accessing reliable child care.  She also introduced the Educational Success for Children and Youth Without Homes Act of 2013, which amends the McKinney-Vento Act’s Education for Homeless Children and Youth program to better allow school districts to identify and address the needs of children and youth affected by homelessness and to bolster opportunities that help them succeed in school.

“This legislation is important for families who are struggling to get into permanent housing,” said Senator Murray. “It is critical that we ensure access to the child care resources and educational support these children and families need during difficult economic times.  I believe that all Americans deserve a safe and stable place to live, and I have worked throughout my career to raise awareness about homelessness and to promote policies and programs that create real solutions.”

In order to increase homeless families’ access to child care, the Improving Access to Child Care for Homeless Families Act would require states to describe in their state child care plan how they will meet the needs of homeless families, including through dissemination of information about child care to homeless parents. The legislation also prioritizes homeless children for access to child care, and creates a pilot program for states interested in pursuing a goal of increasing access to and continuity of care for homeless children, in order to identify best practices.

Read more about the Improving Access to Child Care for Homeless Families Act of 2013.

The Educational Success for Children and Youth Without Homes Act would promote a stable educational environment by keeping homeless children and youth in their original schools. The Act would also improve access to summer school, preschool, before and after school programs, and other academic opportunities that work to increase academic progress and high school graduation rates. 

Read more about the Educational Success for Children and Youth Without Homes Act of 2013.