Runaway, Homeless, and Missing Children Protection Act
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 108-96.
Official Summary
Runaway, Homeless, and Missing Children Protection Act - Amends the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) and the Missing Children's Assistance Act (MCAA) to reauthorize and revise programs under such Acts.Amends RHYA part A (Runaway and Homeless Youth Grant Program) to provide for an exception to a 20-youth-maximum-capacity requirement for funding a runaway and homeless youth center or a locally controlled temporary shelter if the applicant assures that there is a State or local law or regulation that requires a higher maximum to comply with licensure requirements for children and youth serving facilities.Includes maternity group homes among the types of transitional living youth projects eligible for grants under part B (Transitional Living Grant Program) of RHYA..Extends an individual youth's eligibility to remain in a part B shelter beyond the regular 540-day period, until the earlier of the youth's 18th birthday or the 180th day after the end of the 540-day period.Extends through FY 2008 the authorization of appropriations for programs under: (1) RHYA part E, Sexual Abuse Prevention Program; and (2) all other parts of RHYA. Increases to a minimum 45 percent, and a maximum 55 percent under certain conditions, the part B portion of funds allocated to parts A and B.Revises RHYA part A coordination assurance and part B coordination agreement requirements to provide for coordinating services with school district liaisons designated the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, to assure that runaway and homeless youth are provided information about the educational services available to such youth under such Act. Requires part B plan development to include referral of homeless youth to postsecondary education, to training services and programs under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, and welfare programs under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) report on strategies to end youth homelessness; and (2) evaluate RHYA part B programs to report on long-term housing outcomes for youth 12 to 18 months after exiting the program.Sets 18 years as the maximum age limit for youth seeking shelter in RHYA part A centers.Amends MCAA to extend through FY 2008 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) an annual grant by the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (in the Department of Justice) to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC); and (2) other programs under MCAA.Requires NCMEC to coordinate the operation of a cyber tipline for reporting Internet-related child sexual exploitation in the areas of: (1) distribution of child pornography; (2) online enticement of children for sexual acts; and (3) child prostitution.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The Runaway, Homeless, and Missing Children Protection Act reauthorizes and revises programs aimed at supporting runaway, homeless, and missing youth. It updates grant programs, extends eligibility periods, and enhances coordination with educational and welfare services. The Act also requires reporting on strategies to end youth homelessness and mandates the operation of a cyber tipline for reporting internet-related child sexual exploitation.
This bill updates and extends federal programs to support runaway, homeless, and missing children, aiming to improve services and coordination for these vulnerable youth populations.
- Amends the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to revise grant programs and extend youth eligibility for shelter services.
- Includes maternity group homes as eligible for transitional living grants and requires coordination with educational and workforce programs.
- Extends authorization of appropriations through FY 2008 for programs under both the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act and the Missing Children's Assistance Act.
Runaway, homeless, and missing children and youth, organizations providing shelter and transitional living services, educational institutions, and agencies involved in child welfare and juvenile justice may benefit from the programs and funding authorized by this Act.
Potential concerns include the adequacy and sustainability of funding levels, the administrative capacity to coordinate among multiple agencies and programs, and the effectiveness of extended eligibility periods and new program requirements. The full bill text is not available, limiting detailed assessment of implementation challenges.
This bill, originating in the House during the 108th Congress and categorized under Families policy area, has been enacted into law as Public Law No: 108-96 as of October 10, 2003, indicating successful passage and bipartisan support at that time.
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The bill may indirectly improve educational and workforce outcomes for homeless youth through enhanced coordination with school liaisons and workforce programs. It could also increase reporting and awareness of child exploitation via the cyber tipline, potentially affecting law enforcement and community organizations.
The full bill text is not provided, limiting detailed analysis of specific provisions and implementation mechanisms. Citizens may want to review reports mandated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for evaluations of program effectiveness and long-term outcomes. Monitoring funding levels and coordination efforts across agencies will be important for assessing the bill's impact.
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