Maps

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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.

Immigration Status Discrimination in Health Insurance for Youth

  • Anti-oppressive
  • Healthcare

The jurisdiction provides health insurance coverage to income-eligible children regardless of immigration status

Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, regardless of one’s background or immigration status. Unfortunately, immigrant youth often face significant barriers when it comes to obtaining medical care. Fear of deportation, lack of insurance, and language barriers can all prevent youth from receiving the care they need. Jurisdictions should take steps to ensure that all individuals have access to quality healthcare services.

Key Metric Score Type of Policy Description
1.5 Transformative Edge The jurisdiction provides health insurance coverage to all income-eligible children regardless of immigration status
1.0 Reform The jurisdiction provides health insurance coverage to some income-eligible children regardless of immigration status
0.0 Status Quo No law found
No Data No Data No Data

Cite: National Homelessness Law Center and True Colors United. ", Immigration Status Discrimination in Health Insurance for Youth" https://youthstateindex.com/maps/immigration-status-discrimination-in-health-insurance-for-youth/. Accessed: November 9, 2024.

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.