2009 Public Policy Agenda

2009 Public Policy Agenda

National Network for Youth and the National Council On Youth Policy moves that there are four critical policy areas that must be addressed in 2009 in order to provide physical and mental security to young people:

• The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act
• The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act
• The McKinney-Vento Act
• Workforce Investment Act

The benefits of each of these critical pieces of legislation can play a significant role in forming a solid foundation of resources youth need for success.

Reconnecting Homeless Youth Act - Passed in 2008, the RHYA provided a new and more sufficient level of authorized funds for runaway and homeless youth programs as well as adjustments in allocation and program upgrades that will make RHY programs even stronger. The NN4Y will advocate that the appropriated level of funding be increased to an annual authorization level of $140 million for the Basic Center (shelter) Program and the Transitional Living Program, and $25 million for the Street Outreach Program. The NN4Y will also advocate for a raise in the cap on funding for programs.

Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act – The NN4Y will advocate for the reauthorization of the JJDPA with the dollar figures that were appropriated in 2002, and with the refinement of practices advocated by the Act4 Juvenile Justice Coalition. This should be done with an Act that moves strongly toward the diminution and eventually the complete elimination of the use of the Valid Court Order exemption used much too often to place status offenders, including runaways, in secure confinement.

McKinney-Vento Act – The NN4Y will advocate that the definition of youth in the McKinney-Vento Act be expanded to coincide with the definition of the Department of Education for youth homelessness. The result will be that youth will no longer have to traverse the gauntlet of illogical and counterproductive moves in order to acquire eligibility for help.

Workforce Investment Act – WIA is an essential tool for the young people in our country, but adjustment needs to be made to make it possible for young people with severe deficits, often not of their doing, to have economic opportunity in our society. The NN4Y will work to ensure that WIA incorporates the specific strengths and challenges of youth experiencing runaway and homeless situations.