Although there is a growing recognition that a standardized PiT Count methodology yields the greatest benefits in terms of comparability and tracking progress, there still remains a degree of methodological variability among communities. Much of this variability is important, as the PiT Count methodology must be flexibly applied at the local level in recognition of the many ways communities differ. Youth Counts are no different. While this Youth Count Toolkit recommends a number of common elements, there are methodological decisions that can be made only at the local level. This section provides the information you need to determine:

• When to conduct your Youth Count;
• Where to conduct your Youth Count; and
• What to ask on your Youth Count survey.