U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) recently introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would reauthorize, modernize, and increase authorization levels for programs under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act.
“Having a caring and safe place to sleep, eat, grow, and study is crucial for any young person’s development,” Sen. Collins said. “Our bipartisan legislation would support young people who run away, are forced out of their homes, or are disconnected from their families, by extending basic social services to these most vulnerable youth in our communities.”
Sen. Collins on Oct. 25 sponsored the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2023, S. 3125, alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL). Rep. Bacon on the same day cosponsored the same-named H.R. 6041 with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR).
“As the number of homeless and runaway youth increases, we must increase our federal efforts to assist and protect these youth who are particularly susceptible to trafficking,” said Rep. Bacon. “This bill provides agencies with the means to support youth who are in vulnerable positions and gives them the resources to address these problems.”
If enacted, the proposed bill would reauthorize key federal grant programs to provide states with funding to help thousands of homeless young people nationwide, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
Among several provisions, the bill would create a new Prevention Services Program, which would make additional resources available to organizations providing counseling, mediation, and other services aimed at preventing youth from running away or becoming homeless, the summary says.
Additionally, the measure would increase annual competitive grants for rural youth demographics from $100,000 to $200,000; require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop a national estimate of the prevalence of homeless youth every three years; and increase the allowable length of stay in the Basic Center Program from 21 days to 30 days.
The legislation is supported by numerous organizations, including the National Network for Youth, the Child Welfare League of America, Covenant House, New Beginnings, Preble Street, the Alliance to End Slavery & Trafficking, the Association of Children’s Residential & Community Services, the Coalition for Juvenile Justice, the Human Rights Campaign International, the Human Trafficking Institute, the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, the National PTA, and the Student Peace Alliance, among many others.
“This legislation is an investment in the future of our nation and a promise not to give up on any child,” said Sen. Durbin. “It will help us empower our youth — especially those in underserved communities — to realize their dreams for a better and brighter future, regardless of the traumatic experiences they may have faced.”