Transforming Attendance: Family and Student Perspectives on Overcoming Barriers in Shelter

Abstract

Beyond the numbers, the voices of families and children illuminate the challenges and successes of improving school attendance for students in shelter. This presentation will highlight qualitative insights gathered from direct service work, including case studies of students who overcame significant barriers to reestablish school attendance. Through structured family interviews, staff reflections, and student testimonials, we explore the profound impact of targeted support—such as bilingual case management, trauma-informed school partnerships, and individualized action plans. Stories will showcase how interventions like parent engagement workshops, mental health referrals, and strategic transportation solutions helped students transition from chronic absenteeism to consistent attendance. These narratives underscore the intersectionality of homelessness, education, and social services, illustrating the necessity of holistic approaches that extend beyond policy into personal transformation. This session aims to humanize the data, providing a compelling argument for investment in comprehensive, family-centered attendance initiatives.