Alabama
Quick Facts: Maine
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Law & Policy: 80% of metrics met
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Laws authorizing comprehensive supports and services for youth experiencing homelessness: 83% of metrics met
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Preventing youth experiencing homelessness from coming into contact with the criminal and juvenile justice systems: 67% 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: 83% of metrics met
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Systems: 78% of metrics met
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Environment: 35% of metrics met
State Score 2020: 72
State Ranking 2020: 7
Maine Highlights
Some areas where 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 a state Runaway & Homeless Youth Act.
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The state doesn’t consider running away a criminal offense.
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The state allows shelters to take in homeless youth with a delay or waiver of notification requirements.
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The state gives minors contract rights OR allows them to enter into binding contracts for certain purposes (e.g. necessities).
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The state explicitly allows partial and alternative school credit accrual for homeless youth through regulations.
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The state explicitly allows unaccompanied youth under 18 to apply for health insurance coverage without parental consent.
Systems
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There is a current state plan to end homelessness.
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The state plan has a "youth" component.
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Environment
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The state maintains a community advisory board for youth that informs youth homelessness policy.
Recommendations for Improvement
There is room for improvement throughout the metrics for the Pine Tree 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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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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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 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.