Quick Facts: Iowa
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: 58% 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: 83% 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: 44% of metrics met
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Environment: 12% of metrics met
State Score 2022: 52
State Ranking 2022: 28
2022 Score
2021 Score
52
44
Iowa Highlights
Some areas where Iowa has moved the needle relative to other states include providing unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness the opportunity to seek legal independence and live independently and addressing the educational needs of youth experiencing homelessness.
Law & Policy
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State law does not specifically criminalize running away.
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State law provides youth experiencing homelessness some contract rights.
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The state subsidizes childcare for eligible minors when employment or school is required under TANF.
Systems
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There is a state interagency council on homelessness.
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 for the Treasure State. Laws authorizing comprehensive supports and services for youth experiencing homelessness should be prioritized. Additionally, protecting the rights and interests of youth experiencing homelessness, including LGBTQ youth, should be prioritized.
Law & Policy
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The state should pass a law that funds and provides oversight and regulation to youth homelessness services.
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The state should allow shelters to take in youth experiencing homelessness with a delay or waiver of notification requirements.
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The state should explicitly allow unaccompanied youth under 18 to apply for health insurance coverage without parental consent.
Systems
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The state should create and adopt a public plan to end homelessness that includes youth (and specifically LGBTQ+ youth).
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The state should create an entity – such as an Office of Youth Homelessness Services – that focuses solely on designing, implementing, and evaluating youth homelessness programs.
Environment
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The state should establish and maintain stipends for a community advisory board that informs youth homelessness policy (Youth Action Board).
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The state should require training about sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, healthy sexual development or issues specific to LGBTQ+ youth for staff working in RHY Systems.
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The state should establish nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ youth in youth homelessness services.