Alone Without A Home: A national review of state laws affecting unaccompanied youth

This report reviews the status of current law in 13 key issue areas that affect the lives and future prospects of unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness in all 50 U.S. states and six territories (unless otherwise noted). The report offers an overview of the range of approaches taken by states since the last update in 2012 and the relative prevalence of these approaches, revealing significant differences from state to state. The report also provides recommendations for policy changes in each of the areas, with a view towards strengthening the supports available to unaccompanied youth. The key recommendations of this report focus on removing the barriers that now prevent unaccompanied youth from receiving the help they need to reestablish safe and stable homes, either reunited with their families when it is safe and appropriate, under other adult supervision or independently, with appropriate services and support.

Publication Date: 
2019