Discover our research framework or check out
the full metrics list
This year, we’ve reformed the Index to focus on unhoused youth and young adults (YYA), aligning it with their experiences and policy needs. Shifting from harm reduction to transformative change, some jurisdictions may see lower scores than before. This is a deliberate strategy, not a setback. Lower scores should motivate, not discourage, jurisdictions. They present an opportunity to adopt policies that effectively tackle and prevent youth homelessness, fostering meaningful progress.
Explicit Protection for Minors’ Access to Gender Affirming Care
- Anti-oppressive
- Healthcare
The jurisdiction explicitly protects minors’ access to gender affirming care
The exact definition can vary in different jurisdictions but shield laws aim to protect people seeking abortion care or gender affirming care, as well as their families and medical providers from ongoing attacks and to protect access to this health care.
| Key | Metric Score | Type of Policy | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | Transformative Edge | The jurisdiction explicitly protects minors' access to gender affirming care | |
| 1.0 | Reform | The jurisdiction explicitly protects access to gender affirming care but unclear if it applies to minors | |
| 0.5 | Harm Reduction | The jurisdiction explicitly protects gender affirming care for adults | |
| 0.0 | Status Quo | No law found | |
| -0.5 | Harmful | Jurisdiction banned gender affirming care for minors but it was overturned by court order or there is a carve out | |
| -1.0 | Violent | Jurisdiction bans gender affirming care for minors | |
| No Data | No Data | No Data |
Cite: National Homelessness Law Center and True Colors United. ", Explicit Protection for Minors’ Access to Gender Affirming Care" https://youthstateindex.com/maps/explicit-protection-for-minors-access-to-gender-affirming-care/. Accessed: July 25, 2024.
- Explicit Protection for Minors' Access to Abortion Care
Explore Related Metrics
Healthcare
We believe that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right. But young people face multiple barriers in accessing health care and unhoused youth have disproportionately high rates of mental and physical health issues. Further complicating this issue is that unhoused minors may not be legally authorized to give consent for their own care or there may be limitations on the confidentiality of that care. Due to the myriad reasons why youth become homeless, it may be particularly problematic for them to obtain the consent of a parent when they need mental health care, gender-affirming care, reproductive healthcare, or even preventive care, such as vaccinations – all of which have been politicized or even criminalized in certain jurisdictions. We envision a world where young people can access the care they need and where there are a sufficient number of medical providers available to provide culturally competent care to the youth in their community.
Model Statute:
Anti-oppressive
(racism, ableism, anti-trans/queerness, etc.)
Anti-oppression is an essential component of creating a just and equitable society. It is crucial to acknowledge the systemic oppression faced by marginalized communities, including racism, ableism, anti-trans/queerness, and other forms of oppression. In the context of housing, these oppressions manifest in various ways, such as discriminatory rental practices, inaccessible housing for people with disabilities, and harassment and violence against marginalized communities.
To combat these injustices, it is essential to implement anti-oppressive policies and practices in the housing sector. This includes creating inclusive housing policies that prioritize the needs of marginalized communities, providing accessible housing for people with disabilities, and addressing discrimination and harassment through legal measures. By prioritizing anti-oppression in housing, we can create a more just and equitable society where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing, regardless of their identity or background.
“Black women in America have additional stereotypes applied to us. When I apply for things my name signals whiteness but then my voice and physical appearance result in different treatment. This is straight up systemic racism. It discourages people from bringing their full self to situations due to systemic biases about Black people. People in services that don’t have lived experience often treat those seeking services poorly because they don’t understand our issues.” – Jennifer Myers
Model Statutes:
These maps are provided as legal information only and should not be used as legal advice for your specific situation. If you need help with any of the issues described on this website, please check out the Homeless Youth Legal Network (HYLN) directory OR email or call HYLN for help finding a referral to a lawyer.
