Report: 1.6 Million Homeless Youth Alone and at Risk on the Streets

Legal Barriers Prevent Them From Accessing Housing, Health Care, School

Press Type: Press Release   Associated Program: Housing

Released: 09/2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A new report by the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty and National Network for Youth reveals a disturbing truth: 1.6 million youth experience homelessness without a parent or guardian each year, facing numerous barriers in meeting basic needs.

The report, Alone Without a Home, explains why these youth become homeless and reviews current laws affecting them in all 50 states and 6 U.S. territories.  Common causes include severe family conflict, parental abuse or neglect, parental mental health issues, and substance abuse.  Prior to leaving home, almost half of all unaccompanied youth report being beaten by a caretaker, while one out of four had caretakers request sexual activity.

"It's heartbreaking to see any child become homeless, but I can't imagine having to experience that alone," said Maria Foscarinis, executive director of the Law Center.  "These young people are struggling every day to meet their most basic needs.  This report is a wake-up call to policymakers and Americans everywhere."

The rights of unaccompanied youth widely vary from state to state, and it is often difficult for youth and homeless service providers to clarify their legal protections and eligibility for housing, health care, and education services.  Moreover, many unaccompanied youth do not seek out help because they assume they will be turned away, or even fear being taken into state custody.

Deborah Shore, board chair of the National Network for Youth, remarked: "It's so important that our programs serving homeless youth know what legal protections exist, and how to advocate for changes to laws that are inadequate or even counterproductive."

Alone Without a Home recommends eliminating laws that criminally punish unaccompanied youth as runaways or truants, in favor of policies that divert them from court involvement.  It also calls on states to expand access to housing, health care, education, and other stabilizing services.  This includes allowing youth to contract for housing, receive medical treatment, and enroll in school without parental consent.

"The bottom line is: we can and must do better for these young people," said Eric Tars, human rights and  children's rights program director for the Law Center.  "And it starts with state laws that account for unaccompanied youths' unique needs and outreach to ensure their rights are understood."

To read the full report, click here.

To register for a free webinar on the report's findings, click here.

###

The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty is a leader in the movement to prevent and end homelessness.  It works to achieve this through advocacy, public education, and impact litigation.

The National Network for Youth is a membership organization of homeless and runaway youth programs which aims to encourage policies that aid and support youth's ability to create a more positive future.

For more information, please contact: