Beth Malik and Patricia Nix-Hodes (Photo by Claire Sloss)
The Law Project’s Patricia Nix-Hodes and Beth Malik are co-editors of Educating Students Experiencing Homelessness, an American Bar Association book for educators, advocates and policymakers.
The revised fifth edition addresses federal educational mandates related to homeless students under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act.
“We are excited about the release of this book. It is an important tool to raise awareness and share information about the critical legal rights of students who are homeless. Education is a solution to homelessness and this book will help ensure that more homeless students succeed in school,” said Ms. Nix-Hodes, director of the Law Project.
The ABA manual offers innovative strategies and resources for educators and school administrators, state coordinators and policymakers, advocates and attorneys to ensure the educational rights of children and youth who experience homelessness.
The 136-page book includes chapters covering young children, youth, students living in foster care, disabled students, youth pursuing higher education, and the impact of prior litigation.
Three-fourths of legal aid clients served by the CCH Law Project are homeless students and youth, according to Ms. Malik, associate legal director and CCH’s lead youth attorney. The Law Project serves more than 500 homeless Chicago area clients each year.
Laurene Heybach, the founding former director of the Law Project, co-authored the first four editions of this respected ABA guidebook.
A portion of proceeds from the sale of the book provide supports the youth leadership and scholarship program at SchoolHouse Connection, a national organization whose director is among the book’s seven co-editors.
The $14.95 book can be ordered from the ABA.
– Anne Bowhay, Media
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is now Chicago Coalition to end Homelessness (CCH).