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Division Contact Info


Jo Ann Allen
Student Support Services Coordinator
Phone: (831) 466-5703
Fax: (831) 466-5719


Nohemi Macias
Project Specialist, Students in Transition
(831) 466-5710


Michael Paynter
Coordinator, Foster Youth Services
(831) 466-5729

Division Pages
Educational Services Division

Students in Transition / Foster Youth Services

Students in Transition (SIT) and Foster Youth Services (FYS) provide displaced students crucial support in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the AB 490 California law for foster youth. The McKinney-Vento legislation defines homeless as individuals "who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate night time residence." This definition includes "children and youth awaiting foster care placement." This means that youth awaiting placement with foster care are considered homeless and are covered by McKinney-Vento. For this reason there is a great deal of overlap between SIT and FYS.

When providing services and/or placement to students in foster care and students in transition, the guiding principal is to keep the youth's best interests as the top priority. This prioritization often includes a speedy, hassle-free placement of the youth in school and home, even if not all accompanying paperwork is present.

It is the desire of the SCCOE's Foster Youth Services and Students in Transition programs to emphasize inter-agency collaboration for efficient and timely action as it pertains to supporting and serving the appropriate youth. Below you will find links to resources that are pertinent for both SIT and FYS. There are additional, program-specific resources located on separate pages for FYS and SIT.

SIT Backpack project

Universal Links and Resources - FYS and SIT

Visit the National Center for Homeless Education website for a comprehensive list of publications and resources, including:

  • Confirming Eligibility for McKinney-Vento Services: Do's and Don'ts for Local Liaisons and School Districts
  • Determining Eligibility for Rights and Services Under the McKinney-Vento Act
  • Prompt and Proper Placement: Enrolling Students without Records



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Santa Cruz County Office of Education  |  400 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060  |  831.466.5600  |  Fax: 831.466.5607
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education provides quality educational programs and services to a diverse community.