Quick Facts: Alaska
Performance Breakdown
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Law & Policy: 65% of metrics met
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Laws authorizing comprehensive supports and services for youth experiencing homelessness: 50% of metrics met
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Preventing youth experiencing homelessness from coming into contact with the criminal and juvenile justice systems: 57% of metrics met
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Providing unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness the opportunity to seek legal independence and live independently: 88% of metrics met
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Addressing the educational needs of youth experiencing homelessness: 100% of metrics met
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Allowing youth experiencing homelessness to access critical supports and services: 61% of metrics met
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Systems: 50% of metrics met
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Environment: 6% of metrics met
State Score 2022: 52
State Ranking 2022: 28
2021 Score
2022 Score
52
44
Alaska Highlights
Alaska has moved the needle relative to other states in providing unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness the opportunity to seek legal independence and live independently.
Law & Policy
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State law does not specifically criminalize running away.
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State law provides partial or full contract rights for youth experiencing homelessness.
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The state explicitly allows partial and alternative school credit accrual for homeless youth through regulations.
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Allows unaccompanied youth under 18 to apply for health insurance coverage (without parental consent).
Systems
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There is a state interagency council on homelessness.
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The state allows youth to obtain a state-issued identification card without parental consent.
Environment
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The state establishes protected class status based on one's sexual orientation and gender identity for juvenile justice programs.
Recommendations for Improvement
There is room for improvement throughout the metrics in the Last Frontier state, with emphasis on the Environment category. Protecting the rights and interests of youth experiencing homelessness, including LGBTQ youth, should be prioritized.
Law & Policy
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Enact and fund a state law similar to the federal RHYA to provide key intervention and emergency services for youth experiencing homelessness.
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Enact a state law that allows shelters to take in homeless youth with a delay or waiver of notification requirements.
Systems
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Create a state plan to prevent and end youth homelessness, include a strategy to address homelessness among LGBTQ youth.
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Create a state entity – such as an Office of Homeless Youth Services – that focuses solely on designing, implementing, and evaluating youth homelessness programs.
Environment
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Organize and maintain a self-governing youth action board or council to inform youth homelessness policy within the state.
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Require training about sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, healthy sexual development, or issues specific to LGBTQ youth for staff working in runaway and homeless youth systems.
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Ban harmful and ineffective service provision that includes conversion therapy.