Youth Access to Custodial Systems and Services Act (p. 49)

• “Unfortunately, youth experiencing homelessness face persistent barriers to accessing child welfare services and supports, and youth who enter the custodial system experience high rates of homelessness when they exit the system.” This statute addresses the reasons why unhoused youth “may choose to not seek assistance from the child welfare system [including] narrow choices with respect to living situations in foster care; the system’s reputation for lack of safety, equity, and empowerment; fear of being separated from siblings; or concern about legal repercussions for parents or guardians.”