This bill reauthorizes and expands the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, which funds local programs serving young people experiencing homelessness or at risk of running away. The legislation increases funding authorization to $200 million annually for fiscal years 2024-2028 (with an additional $50 million for anti-trafficking programs and $67.5 million for prevention services), while also modernizing program requirements to better serve vulnerable youth. Key changes include extending grant periods from 3 to 5 years, requiring programs to provide trauma-informed and culturally appropriate services, expanding support for LGBTQ youth and other underserved populations, and adding new provisions to help youth access federal student aid and higher education resources. The bill also strengthens coordination between runaway and homeless youth programs and other systems serving children, including child welfare and juvenile justice agencies, and establishes new grant programs focused on prevention services and anti-trafficking efforts. Additionally, it creates a formal waiver process allowing programs to request relief from certain requirements during emergencies or other challenging circumstances while maintaining core protections for youth safety.
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