|
|
Potential Warning Signs of Homelessness
- Lack of Continuity in Education
- Attendance at many different schools
- Lack of personal records needed to enroll
- Inability to pay fees
- Gaps in skill development
- Mistaken diagnosis of abilities
- Poor organizational skills
- Poor ability to conceptualize
- Poor Health/Nutrition
- Lack of immunizations and/or immunization records
- Unmet medical and dental needs
- Increased vulnerability to colds and flu
- Respiratory problems
- Skin rashes
- Chronic hunger (may horde food)
- Fatigue (may fall asleep in class)
- Transportation and Attendance Problems
- Erratic attendance and tardiness
- Numerous absences
- Lack of participation in after-school activities
- Lack of participation in field trips
- Absences on days when students bring special treats from home
- Inability to contact parents
- Poor Hygiene
- Lack of shower facilities/washers, etc.
- Wearing same clothes for several days
- Inconsistent grooming – well-groomed one day, poorly groomed the next
- Lack of Privacy/Personal Space After School
- Consistent lack of preparation for school
- Incomplete or missing homework (no place to work or keep supplies)
- Unable to complete special projects (no access to supplies)
- Lack of basic school supplies
- Loss of books and other supplies on a regular basis
- Concern for safety of belongings
- Refusing invitations from classmates
- Social and Behavioral Concerns
- A marked change in behavior
- Poor/short attention span
- Poor self esteem
- Extreme shyness
- Unwillingness to risk forming relationships with peers and teachers
- Aggression
- "Old" beyond years
- Protective of parents
- Clinging behavior
- Developmental delays
- Fear of abandonment
- School phobia (student wants to be with parent)
- Need for immediate gratification
- Anxiety late in the school day
- Reactions/Statements by Parent, Guardian, or Child
- Exhibiting anger or embarrassment when asked about current address,
Mention of staying with grandparents, other relatives, friends, or in a motel.
Comments such as:
- "I don't remember the name of our previous school."
- "We've been moving around a lot."
- "Our address is new; I can't remember it." (may hide lack of permanent address)."
- "We're staying with relatives until we get settled."
- "We're going through a bad time right now."
- "We've been unpacking, traveling, etc." (to explain poor appearance and/or hygiene)."
- Okanogan School Districts Homeless Support
- Designated Homeless Liason for the Okanogan School district:
- Julia O'Connor
- Project Director, RTL Coordinator
- 516 Tyee Street
- Okanogan, WA 98840
- 509-422-5414
- E-mail: Julia O'Connor
|
|
