In November 2009, the John Burton Foundation and the California Coalition for Youth jointly released a report, Too Big to Ignore: Youth Homelessness in California. This report outlines a comprehensive policy agenda to reduce youth homelessness in California. This policy agenda will be pursued as part of the Homeless Youth Capacity Building Project in an effort to expand the capacity of Network Members. Following is a summary of the recommendations proposed in the report:
Recommendations drawing on existing resources:
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Recommendations requiring new public investment:
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Build the capacity for homeless youth providers to successfully apply for local, state, and federal funding (particularly HUD funding) |
Expand California’s THP-Plus program to serve three out of five eligible homeless former foster youth |
Better accommodate homeless youth whose circumstances meet the legal definition of abuse or neglect in the foster care system |
Extend the upper age limit for foster care in California to age 21 |
Increase access to SSI benefits for homeless youth with disabilities |
Increase appropriations for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to $165 million annually and advocate for California to receive funding in proportion to its population |
Utilize the State Interagency Team for Children and Youth as the primary body responsible for addressing youth homelessness at the state level |
Expand California’s investment and expertise in youth homelessness prevention |
Develop alternative regulations for California’s Basic Center programs to ensure sustained Runaway and Homeless Youth Act funding |
Expand the federal Family Unification Program (FUP) authorization to better meet the needs of homeless transition-aged youth |
Include the needs of homeless transition-age youth in the creation of a permanent funding source for housing development |
Pursue a research agenda on homeless youth |
