Durbin, Collins Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation To Help Runaway And Homeless Youth

Statement

"This legislation is an investment in the future of our nation and a promise not to give up on any child. It will help us empower our youth--especially those in underserved communities--to realize their dreams for a better and brighter future, regardless of the traumatic experiences they may have faced.

Having a caring and safe place to sleep, eat, grow, and study is crucial for any young person's development. Our bipartisan legislation would support young people who run away, are forced out of their homes, or are disconnected from their families, by extending basic social services to these most vulnerable youth in our communities.

We applaud our congressional champions for introducing the important Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act, because our young people continue to face limited access to housing options, education, and living wage employment. This legislation makes critical expansions to meet the needs of today's youth, and continues the powerful legacy of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act program. Further, it builds on what we already know: ending youth homelessness prevents human trafficking."

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