Reauthorization of Homeless Youth Programs, Trafficking Prevention, and Education Access
This Act reauthorizes and expands assistance programs for runaway and homeless youth, focusing heavily on preventing human trafficking and sexual exploitation. It establishes 5-year grant periods for shelters and transitional programs, raises the maximum age in the definition of youth eligible for transitional living programs to 26, and ensures homeless youth receive assistance in obtaining independent student status. Programs are required to consider the cultural, linguistic, age, and developmental needs of youth, including LGBTQ individuals and minorities.
Key points
Extended Age Eligibility: The definition of age for the purposes of the Transitional Living Grant Program is amended, raising the upper age limit for participants to under 26 years of age.
Increased Focus on Trafficking Prevention: The grant program for street-based services (Part E) is amended to target youth at risk of sexual abuse or trafficking, authorized at $50 million for Fiscal Year 2024.
Education Access Assistance: Programs must inform youth of their independent student status (crucial for federal financial aid applications) and assist them in completing the necessary forms.
Introduction of Prevention Services: A new section (Part F) authorizes grants for prevention services aimed at stopping youth from becoming runaway or homeless, authorized at $67.5 million for Fiscal Year 2024.
Mandate for Trauma-Informed and Culturally Appropriate Care: Services must be age, gender, and developmentally appropriate, culturally and linguistically sensitive, and utilize a trauma-informed approach.
Expired
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