The Runaway and Homeless Youth Program began in 1974 in response to concern about increasing numbers of runaway youth who were exposed to exploitation and the dangers of street life. It has subsequently been expanded to assist homeless youth on both a short-term basis and in making the transition to independent living and to provide drug education and prevention services to runaway and homeless youth.

In the course of a year, an estimated 500,000 to 1.5 million young people run away from or are forced out of their homes, and an estimated 200,000 are homeless and living on the streets. The ages of these runaways range from younger than 11 to over 18, with more than half being age 15 or 16. Approximately 66 percent of the youth who are runaways seek assistance from youth shelters because of problems with parental relationships.

The Runaway and Homeless Youth Program encompasses two service programs: the Basic Center Program and the Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth, both authorized under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act.

The Basic Center Program provides grants to community-based public and private agencies for the provision of outreach, crisis intervention, temporary shelter, counseling, family reunification and aftercare services to runaway and homeless youth and their families. A network of 400 youth shelters nationwide help an estimated 80,000 runaway and homeless youth each year. Approximately 56 percent of the youths' parents also receive services from these programs.

The purposes of the Basic Centers are:

• To alleviate the problems of runaway youth.
  
  
• To reunite children with their families and to encourage the resolution of intrafamily problems through counseling and other services.
  
  
• To strengthen family relationships and to encourage stable living conditions for youth.
  
  
• To help youth decide upon a future course of action.

In FY 1995, over half of the youth receiving services were reunited with their families or guardians and approximately one-third were placed in other appropriate living arrangements. Less than five percent of the youth receiving services returned to the streets.

Ninety percent of the funds under the Basic Center Program are allocated to the states based on the state population under age 18 in proportion to the national total. In addition to the funds which directly support youth shelters, about 10 percent of the funds are used for a national toll-free hotline; training and technical assistance activities; and research and demonstration projects related to runaway and homeless youth.

The National Runaway Switchboard is a confidential telephone information, referral, and counseling service for runaway and homeless youth and their families. The hotline has helped approximately 300,000 youth and families during the past five years. Over 161,000 calls are received annually on the toll-free number: 1-800-621-4000.

The Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth authorizes grants to public and private agencies to address the long-term needs of street youth, to promote their transition to self-sufficient living, and to prevent their long-term dependence on social services. The 78 grantees funded under this program nationwide provide a variety of services to homeless youth age 16 to 21, including residential care for up to 18 months; information and counseling in basic life skills; interpersonal skill building; educational advancement; job attainment skills; and physical and mental health care.

In FY 1998, $58.6 million is available to support Basic Center and Transitional Living Programs. The same amount has been requested for 1999.

The passage of the Crime Bill in September 1994 strengthened efforts by the Department of Health and Human Services to prevent violence and crime. DHHS social and public health programs in the Crime Bill provide positive alternatives to youth, protect women and children from violence, help alleviate conditions that may lead to crime and violence, and promote a better understanding of violence. These initiatives include:

• Education and Prevention Grants to Reduce Sexual Abuse of Runaway, Homeless, and Street Youth -- Grants for Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation are awarded to eligible private, nonprofit agencies for street-based outreach and education and referral for runaway, homeless, and street youth who have been subjected to or are at risk of being subjected to sexual abuse. In FY 1998, $15 million is available for Education and Prevention Grants to Reduce Sexual Abuse of Runaway, Homeless, and Street Youth. The Clinton Administration has requested the same amount for FY 1999.