The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act

Context

The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act authorizes community-based runaway and homeless youth projects to provide temporary shelter and care to runaway or otherwise homeless youth who are in need of temporary shelter, counseling, and aftercare services.

Legislation

View the full text of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act.

Regulations & Guidance

Download the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Runaway and Homeless Youth: Final Rule (December 2016)
Download the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Runaway and Homeless Youth: Final Rule – With References to Education and Related Services Highlighted (Compiled by NCHE, December 2016)
Download the Family and Youth Service Bureau Information Memorandum No. 1-2006 regarding collaboration between local homeless education liaisons and RHYA programs.
Download the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Education Collaboration in Support of the Education of Homeless Youth memorandum.
Download ACYF-CB/FYSB-IM- 14-1; Information Memorandum on Serving Youth Who Run Away From Foster Care.

Resources

Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB): Runaway and Homeless Youth Program

Through the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHY), FYSB supports street outreach, emergency shelters, and longer-term transitional living and maternity group home programs to serve and protect runaway and homeless youth. Learn more about the RHY program and find contact information for a RHY grantee in your area.
Visit the FYSB Runaway and Homeless Youth webpage.

Report to Congress on the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program for Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015

In fiscal years (FY) 2014 and 2015, Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Programs provided services to more than 30,000 youth in emergency shelters, served another 3,000 youth in longer term shelters, and made more than 450,000 contacts with youth on the street. This report includes a brief executive summary of key points and data. Subsequent chapters cover each of the RHY grant programs – Basic Center, Transitional Living and Maternity Group Home, and Street Outreach – in greater detail. Additional chapters describe other FYSB activities and initiatives, including the National Runaway Safeline and the Runaway and Homeless Youth Training and Technical Assistance Center, progress made on the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program Monitoring System, and research efforts.
Download the Report to Congress on the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program for Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015.