Policy Priorities

• Reduce the harmful effects of a punitive incarceration system for youth
• Promote equity in the justice system
• Increase access to resources to address adolescent and young adult mental health needs
• Improve continuity of programs and services for youth and young adults transitioning from minor to adult status
• Eliminate youth houselessness and housing market discrimination against young adults seeking housing
• Secure a cost-of-living increase for stipend for young people aging out of foster care
• Create a reporting system for the abuse of minors whose state-provided benefits are used by adults who no longer care for them
• Promote and fund more holistic and culturally-informed approaches among public/private agencies serving youth
• Increase and improve the continuum of care for trafficked youth
• Raise awareness about rights of minors to housing
• Support agriculture and ranching commercial opportunities that can be used to fund expanded youth programs
• Collect and share data on the success of programs and services in supporting youth and young adults