Legislative Updates 
Runaway and Homeless Youth Act
The Family and Youth Services Bureau, part of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families, administers the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act programs. The three programs include:
- The Basic Center Program, which provides financial assistance to meet the immediate needs of runaway and homeless youth and their families, including emergency shelter, reunification when possible, food, clothing, counseling and facilitating access to health care;
- The Transitional Living Program which supports projects that provide long-term residential services to homeless youth ages 16 to 21 for up to 18 months; and
- The Street Outreach Program, which provides funds to private and nonprofit agencies performing outreach efforts designed to move youth off the streets.
The Administration requested $102 million in fiscal year 2008 for these programs ($40 million for Transitional Living Program (TLP), $47 million for Basic Centers (BC), and $15 million for Street Outreach), essentially the same funding levels as last year. However, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, and Education has recommended a $10 million increase for these programs, while Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, and Education recommended a $20 million increase for the consolidated account which funds the TLP, BC, National Runaway Switchboard and training and technical assistance activities.
Latest News: The House Committee on Education and Labor's Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities held a hearing on July 24, 2007 concerning runaway, homeless, and missing children as a precursor to efforts to reauthorize the federal legislation in 2008.
America's Homeless Youth: Recommendations to Congress on the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act
This issue brief provides up to date information on the FY 2008 appropriations for runaway and homeless youth programs.
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This audio conference covered the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program.
This video highlights how communities across the country are decreasing homelessness among families. Thanks to the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it’s yours to use for free. 