Public Policy

The National Network for Youth (NN4Y) is committed to ensuring that opportunities for development and permanency be made available to youth who face greater odds due to abuse, neglect, exploitation, homelessness, lack of resources, community prejudice, differing abilities, barriers to learning, and other life challenges.  NN4Y provides its members education, networking, training, and policy advocacy with federal, state, and local lawmakers.

Today the NN4Y represents public, community-based, and faith-based organizations that provide an array of services to youth and families in the United States and territories.  Many of our members receive funding through the federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act.  Funds and practices from the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the McKinney-Vento Act on homelessness, and the Workforce Investment Act also assist local runaway and homeless youth program operators in leveraging state and local and private funding and accomplishing their mission with a positive youth development philosophy. 

With this combination of federal, state, local, and private resources, NN4Y’s organization members provide the full gamut of preventive, interventive, and developmental supports to youth and families in high-risk situations.  Collectively, NN4Y member organizations serve over 2.5 million youth annually.