The HOPE Act, legislation passed in 1999, created two programs to help homeless youth living on the street or other unsafe locations:
- HOPE Centers
- Responsible Living Skills Programs
HOPE Centers are contracted through the Department of Commerce's Office of Homeless Youth and provide temporary residential placements for youth under the age of 18. Youth may self-refer for services. Entering a HOPE Center is voluntary. While staying at a HOPE Center, each youth completes an assessment that includes:
- The youth's legal status
- A physical exam
- A mental health and substance use evaluation
- An educational evaluation of their basic skills, along with any learning disabilities or special needs
The purpose of the assessment is to create the best plan for the youth. The plan will focus on finding a safe and stable home for the youth. This plan might include reunifying the youth with their parent(s) or legal guardian and/or getting the youth into a transitional living situation.
To find out if there is a center near you, visit the OHY Resource Map.
