Law & Policy
- The state has statutes similar to the federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) that provides funding for emergency services and other supports to prevent and end youth homelessness.
- State law does not specifically criminalize running away.
- State law provides partial or full contract rights for youth experiencing homelessness.
- The state allows unaccompanied youth under 18 to apply for health insurance coverage on their own.
- The state explicitly allows partial and alternative school credit accrual for homeless youth through regulations.
Systems
- There is a current state plan to end homelessness that contains a youth-specific strategy component.
- The State Department of Transportation has systems in place to address proof of residency requirements to receive a state-issued identification card.
- There is a state interagency council on homelessness.
Environment
- The state requires training about sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, healthy sexual development, or issues specific to LGBTQ youth for staff working in runaway and homeless youth systems.
- The state promotes safe and inclusive environments in child welfare, juvenile justice, and runaway and homeless youth programs by providing protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- The state has banned conversion therapy for minors on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression.
- The state maintains a community advisory board for youth that informs youth homelessness policy.
Law & Policy
- Enact state law that allows youth in need of care to receive services without court involvement.
- Enact a state law which allows shelters to take in homeless youth with a delay or waiver of notification requirements.
- Implement a grievance process for students experiencing homelessness that complies with federal law.
Systems
- As part of the state plan to prevent and end youth homelessness, include a strategy to address homelessness among LGBTQ youth.
Environment
- None.