Runaway and Homeless Youth

Provides comprehensive services for youth in at-risk situations and their families that include positive alternatives for youth, ensure their safety, and maximize their potential to take advantage of available opportunities. Services include:

The Basic Center Program funds youth shelters that provide emergency shelter for up to 21 days, food, clothing, outreach services, and crisis intervention for runaway and homeless youth. The shelters also offer services to help reunite youth with their families, whenever possible. Any State, unit of local government, public or private agency, Indian Tribe, organization, or institution is eligible to apply for these discretionary funds.

The Transitional Living Program and Maternity Group Homes for Homeless Youth (TLP) addresses the longer term needs of older homeless youth and assists such youth in developing skills and resources to promote independence and prevent future dependency on social services. Housing and a range of services are provided for up to 21 months for youth ages 16-21 who are unable to return to their homes. Any State, unit of local government, public or private agency, Indian Tribe, organization, or institution is eligible to apply for these discretionary funds.

The Education and Prevention Grants to Reduce Sexual Abuse of Runaway, Homeless and Street Youth Program provides additional resources to organizations serving runaway, homeless, and street youth for street-based outreach and education to prevent the sexual abuse and exploitation of these young people. Any private, non-profit agency is eligible to apply for these funds.

The Youth Development State Collaboration Project Grants provide demonstration grants to states for the purpose of developing or strengthening existing effective youth development strategies. These efforts focus on all youth, including youth in at-risk situations such as runaway and homeless youth; youth leaving the foster care system; abused and neglected children; and other youth served by the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Any State or federally recognized Indian Tribe is eligible to apply for the grant.

REGION ONE CONTACT:  Maryellen Connors 617-565-1119 or maryellen.connors@acf.hhs.gov

Family and Youth Services Bureau