Answer: You can avoid re-traumatizing students by simply continuing their independent student status in the annual redetermination, unless you have specific information that would indicate the student is no longer unaccompanied and homeless or at risk of homelessness. You also can create a safe and comfortable environment for students. For example, some financial aid administrators host office hours with snacks for students to come in, or have counselors available to come with students for additional support. Focus solely on whether the student meets the definition of UHY, rather than asking prying questions about how or why the student is homeless. For more tips, see here.
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