There should be provisions that result in a child being in compliance with the compulsory attendance requirements found in the Education Code.
Shelter centers should have written policies and procedures that ensure children enroll in a school or program that satisfies compulsory attendance requirements as defined in the Education Code and enable the child to regularly attend a school or program.
Shelter centers should inform residents about educational services and at the parent's request:
Help the parent make arrangements for the child's continued education.
Accompany the parent to school meetings regarding the child's special needs.
Act as a liaison to the school regarding provisions in a protective order that may directly affect the child's safety.
Provide or arrange for school supplies and clothing.
Provide transportation for education.
In general, the term educational services can include enrollment in a public school, a private or parochial school, or for certain children, enrollment in high school equivalency examination preparation programs.
Shelter centers may contract with the school district or another educational entity to provide educational services at the shelter.
Referral System
Referring residents or nonresidents to existing community resources, including
but not limited to medical care, resource assistance, public assistance,
counseling and treatment services, children's services, and other
appropriate services.
Shelter centers should maintain and make readily accessible to staff and
volunteers a current printed referral list including telephone numbers
of existing community resources for each county where services are
provided.
It is recommended that:
The referral list include the eligibility criteria, restrictions, fee schedule, contact persons, hours of operation and location for each resource.
Shelter centers establish cooperative relationships with community resources and attempt to obtain feedback from residents and nonresidents regarding referrals made.
Information and Referrals About Training for and Seeking Employment
There should be information and referrals about employment training and employment opportunities, either directly or through formal arrangements with other agencies.
Shelter centers should have written procedures to ensure that residents and nonresidents obtain current information about training and employment opportunities.
Shelter centers should provide or arrange the following for residents and nonresidents:
Clothing for employment or training interviews and positions, except for positions requiring specific uniforms.
Assistance in preparing employment applications, training applications, and resumes.
Information on job seeking skills.
Shelter centers may provide these services either directly or through formal arrangements with other agencies.
Additional Guidelines for Maximum Service Delivery Effectiveness
Shelter centers are encouraged to list all the types of records kept in the organization and evaluate the necessity for each, keeping in mind the consequences of being ordered to release the recorded information. Whenever possible, shelter centers are encouraged to review the forms with the assistance of an attorney who can explain the ramifications of recording the information.
It is recommended that shelter centers consider obtaining on-site paper shredders to further protect confidentiality. It is important to remember that once court orders have been served, records may not be destroyed.
Shelter centers are encouraged to seek non-traditional job training programs, possible in coordination with local government. Often non-traditional jobs offer higher salaries and benefits.
Shelter centers are encouraged to network with the local educational institutions to provide on-site G.E.D. training, tutoring, etc.
To ease the pain of entering an emergency shelter, it is recommended that the children's advocate have toys ready to give each child. To empower the children, it is recommended that children pick their own toys, for example a stuffed animal and one or two more toys. It is recommended that the toys be new or "gently used" and developmentally appropriate. It is recommended that infants also receive toys. It is recommended that shelter centers encourage all staff and volunteers to listen and talk to the children.
It is recommended that shelter centers limit children's television watching and instead provide fun daily activities.
It is recommended that shelter centers develop working relationships with Local Workforce Development Boards to coordinate job training and placement.
Shelter centers are encouraged to meet Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers, in particular adult-child ratios, when taking children on field trips or when supervising infants or toddlers. When remodeling facilities, shelter centers are encouraged to update the facility by meeting the minimum indoor activity and outdoor play scape space standards.
It is recommended that shelter centers have all forms, brochures, etc. translated by professional translators into the languages that are mostly likely to be used in the shelter center's service area.
Shelter centers are encouraged to network and share resources when appropriate and prudent.
