2007 Minnesota Statutes

256K.45 RUNAWAY AND HOMELESS YOUTH ACT.
    Subdivision 1. 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 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. Any funds appropriated for this section may be expended on programs
described under subdivisions 3 to 5, technical assistance, and capacity building. 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.
History: 2006 c 264 s 13; 2007 c 147 art 2 s 49