Testimony of the National Network of Runaway and Youth Services Before the Subcommittee on Human Resources of the U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor: Hearing on the Reauthorization of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, February 11, 1992

• NCJ Number: 137029
• Author(s): J H Finck
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 11 pages
• Corporate Author: National Network For Youth
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Legislative Hearing/Committee Report
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This testimony by a representative of the National Network of Runaway and Youth Services describes the National Network, indicates trends Network members have reported on runaway and homeless youth, reviews the current status of youth alternative services, and presents recommendations on the reauthorization of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.

Abstract

The National Network of Runaway and Youth Services represents over 900 youth-serving, community-based agencies and organizations across the Nation. The Network acts as an advocate for youth in high-risk situations as well as their families. There is consensus among service providers that the homeless and runaway youth seeking services, as well as their families of origin, are increasingly more troubled as evidenced by more reports of family violence, adult substance abuse, and the effects of an array of economic pressures. There is also an increase in the number of youth who have been abandoned by their families. More youth are pregnant, have HIV or AIDS, can be diagnosed as having severe emotional or personality disorders, and have learning disabilities. These trends of increased needs and numbers comes at a time of budget constraints, but the cost of not providing services will be great. Unserved youth will resort to crime and drug and alcohol abuse. The Network supports the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, to be implemented without exception, and it recommends that the minimum authorization level exceed $100 million.