S.2916: Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2019

The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (S. 2916) would provide three different grants to community-based organizations to reach out to homeless youth, provide crisis intervention housing, basic life necessities, family interventions, and longer-term housing options when necessary. These programs include the Basic Center Programs, Transitional Living Programs, and Street Outreach Programs. The bill would authorize $165 million annually through 2025 to carry out these programs.

Specific provisions in this bill include:
1) Extending the allowable length of stays in Basic Center Programs from 21 to 30 days (or longer as state law allows) and increasing the number of allowable beds to 20.
2) Ensuring Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion assistance.
3) Increasing age eligibility for services up to the age of 25 in Transitional Living Programs.
4) Comprehensive nondiscriminatory practices across all RHYA funded programs.
5) Programs and services will also ensure staff training on human trafficking, trauma, sexual abuse, and assault.
6) Basic Center Programs are to engage in outreach with victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, trafficking in persons, or sex trafficking.
7) Practicable services will be extended for victims of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, trafficking in persons or sex trafficking as part of Transitional Living Programs.

H.R. 5191 is the House companion bill introduced by Rep. John Yarmuth.