
Introducing the 2021 State Index on Youth Homelessness
The State Index on Youth Homelessness ranks and scores laws and policies related to preventing and addressing youth homelessness in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
2022 Policy Priorities
Ensure each state has a version of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act
End the criminalization of youth experiencing homelessness
Advance access to higher education for youth experiencing homelessness
Does your state make the grade?
![]() 2019-NYFH-Marcella-Ziggy-WEB | ![]() Blue Abstract |
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![]() 2019-NYFH-Orisis-Azia | ![]() Blue Abstract |
![]() 2019-NYFH-Corey | ![]() Orange Abstract |
What's included in the State Index?
LAWS AND POLICIES
Includes answers to these questions and more:
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Can minors sign legal contracts?
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Is running away a crime?
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Is there support for students experiencing homelessness to go to college?
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Are services for youth experiencing homelessness licensed and funded?

SYSTEMS

Includes answers to these questions and more:
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Does my state have a plan to end homelessness? Does it include youth?
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Can minors get a state-issued ID without parental consent?
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Does my state have an interagency council on homelessness?
ENVIRONMENT

Includes answers to these questions and more:
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Are LGTBQ+ youth protected from discrimination in runaway and homeless youth programs?
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Will staff there be trained to support them?
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Has my governor set a goal of ending youth homelessness?
Join the State Advocacy Network!
Connect with advocates across the US working toward housing justice for youth.
