Quick Facts: Maine
Performance Breakdown
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Law & Policy: 82% of metrics met
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Laws authorizing comprehensive supports and services for youth experiencing homelessness: 92% of metrics met
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Preventing youth experiencing homelessness from coming into contact with the criminal and juvenile justice systems: 71% 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: 78% of metrics met
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Systems: 94% of metrics met
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Environment: 41% of metrics met
State Score 2022: 77
State Ranking 2022: 4
2021 Score
78
77
2022 Score
Maine Highlights
Maine has moved the needle relative to other states include laws authorizing comprehensive supports and services for youth experiencing homelessness, providing unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness the opportunity to seek legal independence and live independently, and allowing them to access critical supports and services.
Law & Policy
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The state has RHY statutes similar to the federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) that provides funding for emergency services and other supports to prevent and end youth homelessness.
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State law does not criminally punish youth who run away.
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State law provides youth experiencing homelessness some contract rights.
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The state allows unaccompanied youth under 18 to apply for health insurance coverage on their own.
Systems
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There is a current state plan to end homelessness that contains youth and LGBT specific strategy components.
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There is a state entity that focuses solely on designing, implementing, and evaluating youth homelessness programs.
Environment
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The state promotes safe and inclusive environments in juvenile justice and child welfare programs by providing protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Recommendations for Improvement
There is room for improvement throughout the metrics for the Pine Tree State, with emphasis on the Environment category. Promoting safe and inclusive environments by providing protections for LGBTQ youth in key programs should be prioritized.
Law & Policy
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The state should allow youth experiencing homelessness to use SNAP benefits to purchase hot restaurant or prepared foods.
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The state should provide transportation home after discharge from the juvenile legal system.
Systems
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Eliminate parental consent requirements for youth to obtain a state-issued identification card.
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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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.