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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.

High School Equivalency Exam Without Parental Consent

  • Autonomy
  • Education

The jurisdiction allows unhoused youth to take high school equivalency exams without parental consent

Laws that protect unhoused students and improve their graduation rates can have a lasting effect in preventing homelessness and poverty later on. Laws relating to credit accrual, graduation standards, and extending access to high school beyond four years can provide the flexible unhoused youth need to graduate. One thing to note is that even jurisdictions that broadly allow unhoused youth to take equivalency exams in person without parental consent still require parental consent to take an online exam (due to the recording aspect of it).

Key Metric Score Type of Policy Description
1.0 Reform An unemancipated unhoused student at least age 16 can take a high school equivalency exam without parent/guardian consent.
0.5 Harm Reduction An unemancipated unhoused 16 or 17 year old can take a high school equivalency exam without parent/guardian consent but there are other barriers.
0.0 Status Quo No law found/The law is unclear
-0.5 Harmful Parent/guardian consent is always required for a minor to take a high school equivalency exam.

Cite: National Homelessness Law Center and True Colors United. ", High School Equivalency Exam Without Parental Consent" https://youthstateindex.com/maps/high-school-equivalency-exam-without-parental-consent/. Accessed: November 9, 2024.

Education

Access to formal education is crucial for unhoused young people for a number of reasons. Education is often a gateway to essential services, secure housing, and stable finances. Education can provide critical thinking and other skill sets that are necessary, both personally and professionally, for adulthood. Education can provide a sense of purpose and belonging, which is important for unhoused young people who are isolated or disconnected from society, including care providers and their peers.

“What I needed most was a clean space (uncluttered), a place to eat meals, transportation to and from school and activities. I did not have places to study. I have always been a high achieving student without the physical and mental space to fully feel safe and supported.”– Makayla Dawkins

Model Statute:

Autonomy

In many jurisdictions, minors have limited autonomy when it comes to entering into contracts for rental properties, obtaining medical care, and other important decisions that affect their lives. However, there is a growing movement to increase the autonomy of minors in these areas. One important step is to allow minors to enter into rental contracts, which would give them greater control over their living arrangements. Additionally, providing a statutory process for emancipation gives minors who are already supporting themselves the legal right to make their own decisions.

Another area where autonomy is important is minors’ ability to consent to shelter and services, a crucial tool in ensuring that unhoused youth get the help and support they need. 

“The money and resources that are being provided have too many barriers. Lack of documentation or other things necessary to qualify is a huge barrier. Have to be on the verge of homelessness or losing services in order to qualify for the assistance. Should be fixed BEFORE it gets to the point of almost losing housing or utilities.” – Joel Swazo

Model Statute:


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.