School Counselors Supporting the Needs of Homeless Students

Abstract

This research study describes a quantitative examination of Arkansas school counselors’ perceptions of their knowledge about the McKinney-Vento homeless Assistance Act and how involved they are with partnership practices in meeting the needs of homeless children and families. The study also examined what type of training school counselors have received to work with homeless children, youth and families.

The study’s purpose was to examine school counselors’ experiences while working with homeless students. The study explored school counselors’ perceptions of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act for homeless children, youth and families in their schools. This study supports the social justice framework where school counselors are in a key position to promote equal opportunities for all homeless children and youth. The study also is supported by Maslow’s Theory (1954) in its emphasis on the importance of meeting the student’s basic physiological needs of food, water and shelter before a student can progress towards self-actualization and achieve academic success.

The findings of the research study indicated Arkansas school counselors were knowledgeable of McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requirements. Findings highlighted the importance for school counselors to actively engage in partnership practices with community stakeholders to address the needs of homeless students as well as how participating in training to support addressing the needs of homeless students is vital.