Designating November 2024 as "National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month".

Legislation Details

Designates November 2024 as “National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month.”
Highlights the significant number of homeless children and youth in the U.S., with nearly 1.4 million identified in public schools during the 2022-2023 school year.
Notes a 14% increase in identified homeless children and youth from the previous year.
States that approximately 1.2 million children under 6 and 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness annually.
Emphasizes the health risks faced by infants experiencing homelessness.
Indicates that families experiencing homelessness often face challenges with child welfare involvement and school attendance.
Reports that over 52% of students experiencing homelessness were chronically absent during the 2021-2022 school year.
Mentions that homeless high school students are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Points out that lack of education is a leading risk factor for homelessness.
States that the high school graduation rate for homeless students is significantly lower than that of their low-income and all students.
Notes that youth homelessness rates are consistent across rural, suburban, and urban areas.
Highlights that a significant percentage of unaccompanied homeless youth have spent time in foster care.
Acknowledges the complex factors contributing to homelessness among children and youth, including poverty, low education, substance misuse, mental health issues, lack of affordable housing, and family conflict.
Calls for increased awareness and support for effective programs to assist homeless children and youth.
Supports the efforts of various stakeholders in addressing the needs of homeless children and youth.
Encourages initiatives aimed at raising awareness and preventing homelessness among children and youth.

Designating November 2024 as "National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month".

Cosponsors