
Introducing the 2022 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.
2023 Policy Priorities
Improve state level coordination of services for unhoused youth
Reduce unhoused youth interactions with the juvenile and criminal legal system
Advance access to higher education for unhoused youth
Improve state-level enforcement of federal nondiscrimination policies for unhoused LGBTQ youth to ensure culturally competent services free of harassment and abuse
Does your state make the grade?
![]() 2019-NYFH-Marcella-Ziggy-WEB |
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![]() Blue Abstract |
![]() 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.
