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HF 698

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 02/25/2013 03:50pm

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.

Bill Text Versions

Engrossments
Introduction Posted on 02/18/2013

Current Version - as introduced

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A bill for an act
relating to human services; modifying the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act;
appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 256K.45;
repealing Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 256K.45, subdivision 2.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 256K.45, is amended to read:


256K.45 deleted text begin RUNAWAY ANDdeleted text end HOMELESS YOUTH ACT.

Subdivision 1.

new text begin Mission. new text end

new text begin The mission of the Homeless Youth Act is to reduce
the incidence of homelessness among youth by providing integrated and supportive
services and housing to homeless youth, youth at risk of homelessness, and runaways.
The commissioner shall establish a Homeless Youth Act fund and award grants to
providers who are committed to serving homeless youth, to provide street and community
outreach and drop-in programs, emergency shelter programs, and supportive housing and
transitional living programs, consistent with the program descriptions in this act.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

Definitions.

(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services.

(c) "Homeless youth" means a person 21 years of age or younger who is
unaccompanied by a parent or guardian and is without shelter where appropriate care and
supervision are available, whose parent or legal guardian is unable or unwilling to provide
shelter and care, or who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The
following are not fixed, regular, or adequate nighttime residences:

(1) a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary
living accommodations;

(2) an institution or a publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide
temporary living accommodations;

(3) transitional housing;

(4) a temporary placement with a peer, friend, or family member that has not offered
permanent residence, a residential lease, or temporary lodging for more than 30 days; or

(5) a public or private place not designed for, nor ordinarily used as, a regular
sleeping accommodation for human beings.

Homeless youth does not include persons incarcerated or otherwise detained under
federal or state law.

(d) "Youth at risk of homelessness" means a person 21 years of age or younger
whose status or circumstances indicate a significant danger of experiencing homelessness
in the near future. Status or circumstances that indicate a significant danger may include:
(1) youth exiting out-of-home placements; (2) youth who previously were homeless; (3)
youth whose parents or primary caregivers are or were previously homeless; (4) youth
who are exposed to abuse and neglect in their homes; (5) youth who experience conflict
with parents due to chemical or alcohol dependency, mental health disabilities, or other
disabilities; and (6) runaways.

(e) "Runaway" means an unmarried child under the age of 18 years who is absent
from the home of a parent or guardian or other lawful placement without the consent of
the parent, guardian, or lawful custodian.

Subd. 2.

Homeless and runaway youth report.

The commissioner shall develop a
report for homeless youth, youth at risk of homelessness, and runaways. The report shall
include coordination of services as defined under subdivisions 3 to 5.

Subd. 3.

Street and community outreach and drop-in program.

Youth drop-in
centers must provide walk-in access to crisis intervention and ongoing supportive services
including one-to-one case management services on a self-referral basis. Street and
community outreach programs must locate, contact, and provide information, referrals,
and services to homeless youth, youth at risk of homelessness, and runaways. Information,
referrals, and services provided may include, but are not limited to:

(1) family reunification services;

(2) conflict resolution or mediation counseling;

(3) assistance in obtaining temporary emergency shelter;

(4) assistance in obtaining food, clothing, medical care, or mental health counseling;

(5) counseling regarding violence, prostitution, substance abuse, sexually transmitted
diseases, and pregnancy;

(6) referrals to other agencies that provide support services to homeless youth,
youth at risk of homelessness, and runaways;

(7) assistance with education, employment, and independent living skills;

(8) aftercare services;

(9) specialized services for highly vulnerable runaways and homeless youth,
including teen parents, emotionally disturbed and mentally ill youth, and sexually
exploited youth; and

(10) homelessness prevention.

Subd. 4.

Emergency shelter program.

(a) Emergency shelter programs must
provide homeless youth and runaways with referral and walk-in access to emergency,
short-term residential care. The program shall provide homeless youth and runaways with
safe, dignified shelter, including private shower facilities, beds, and at least one meal each
day; and shall assist a runaway new text begin and homeless youth new text end with reunification with the family or
legal guardian when required or appropriate.

(b) The services provided at emergency shelters may include, but are not limited to:

(1) family reunification services;

(2) individual, family, and group counseling;

(3) assistance obtaining clothing;

(4) access to medical and dental care and mental health counseling;

(5) education and employment services;

(6) recreational activities;

(7) advocacy and referral services;

(8) independent living skills training;

(9) aftercare and follow-up services;

(10) transportation; and

(11) homelessness prevention.

Subd. 5.

Supportive housing and transitional living programs.

Transitional
living programs must help homeless youth and youth at risk of homelessness to find and
maintain safe, dignified housing. The program may also provide rental assistance and
related supportive services, or refer youth to other organizations or agencies that provide
such services. Services provided may include, but are not limited to:

(1) educational assessment and referrals to educational programs;

(2) career planning, employment, work skill training, and independent living skills
training;

(3) job placement;

(4) budgeting and money management;

(5) assistance in securing housing appropriate to needs and income;

(6) counseling regarding violence, prostitution, substance abuse, sexually transmitted
diseases, and pregnancy;

(7) referral for medical services or chemical dependency treatment;

(8) parenting skills;

(9) self-sufficiency support services or life skill training;

(10) aftercare and follow-up services; and

(11) homelessness prevention.

Subd. 6.

Funding.

deleted text begin Anydeleted text end Funds appropriated for this section may be expended on
programs described under subdivisions 3 to 5, technical assistance, and capacity buildingdeleted text begin .
Up to four percent of funds appropriated may be used for the purpose of monitoring and
evaluating runaway and homeless youth programs receiving funding under this section.
Funding shall be directed to meet the greatest need, with a significant share of the funding
focused on homeless youth providers in greater Minnesota
deleted text end new text begin to meet the greatest need
on a statewide basis
new text end .

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $8,000,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of human
services for the biennium ending June 30, 2015, for purposes of Minnesota Statutes,
section 256K.45. The amount is part of the base appropriation.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 256K.45, subdivision 2, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end