WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a crucial move seen as a lifeline to foster care youth, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued new guidance designed to stave off the risk of homelessness amongst this vulnerable group. The guidance, targeted at grant recipients, shines a spotlight on the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program.
The FYI program is a dedicated resource which provides rental assistance and supportive services to those transitioning from foster care, an experience all too commonly associated with homelessness and instability. It has been designed specifically to serve young adults aged between 18 and 24, a demographic often seen as the face of homelessness. The program’s goal is housing stability, which is instrumental in achieving self-sufficiency and promoting health and well-being during the precarious transition to adulthood.
Every year, nearly 20,000 youths exit the foster care system, usually between 18 and 21 years old. For these individuals, maintaining consistent and safe housing is an obstacle course that too many fail to navigate, resulting in disproportionately high rates of homelessness and housing instability compared with the general population.
Public child welfare agencies (PCWAs) are the gateways for prospective FYI participants, referring them to the local public housing authorities (PHAs). With the guidance underscoring the necessity for collaboration between these two entities, it is hoped that Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) grant recipients will forge partnerships with local PCWAs. They can then aid in identifying and connecting young adults eligible for these life-changing resources, who may currently be falling through the cracks.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra underscored the significance of safe and affordable housing, coupled with essential services, for these vulnerable young adults journeying from foster care to independent living. This aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s pledge to prioritize ending youth homelessness and making resources more accessible.
The guidance also goes a step further by empowering communities with the understanding and tools needed to manage the complex needs of these young adults who are at risk of homelessness. It underscores the pivotal role RHY grant recipients can play in equipping these young adults for their future, by aiding them in obtaining identification cards, completing applications, and accessing additional support services.
It is a sad reality that youth who age out of the foster care system are at high risk of becoming homeless, and studies show that nearly one-third of youth experiencing homelessness have had encounters with foster care. Moreover, a substantial number of youth transitioning out of foster care experience homelessness within the first year.
By fostering collaboration between RHY grant recipients and child welfare agencies, the guidance hopes to make the FYI program more accessible to eligible youth, in hopes of making youth homelessness a thing of the past.
Ultimately, this new guidance from the HHS heralds a promising step forward in addressing the housing instability many young adults face after transitioning out of foster care. By providing resources and encouraging collaboration between the relevant agencies, the goal is not only to improve housing stability but to enhance the overall well-being of our nation’s vulnerable youth.
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