Children and youth are now the fastest-growing homeless population in America, including in Vermont.  Children who do not have stable housing are at a higher risk for not completing school and may not be as likely to succeed in life.  

On January 21, 2015, Senator Leahy and Senator Collins (R-Maine) introduced the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act (RHYTPA) to reauthorize and strengthen the programs serving homeless teens. This legislation provides funding for the Basic Center Programs, Transitional Living Programs and Street Outreach Programs that provide short-term emergency shelter, longer-term residential services and provide important life skills, education and employment support to runaway and homeless youth. These services are designed to intervene early to keep runaway and homeless youth from entering our juvenile justice system and prevent them from becoming trapped in a cycle of dependency or victimization.

This legislation also recognizes that LGBT youth are overrepresented in the homeless youth population and among trafficking victims.  The RHYTPA includes important anti-discrimination protections to prohibit grantees from discriminating against any teen based on a number of factors, including sexual orientation or gender identity.  Senator Leahy believes that no homeless teen should be turned away from the services they desperately need because of who they love.

The full text of the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act, background information and section-by-section summary can be found in the related files section of this page. 

To learn about services available for runaway and homeless youth in Vermont, please visit the Vermont Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs website, here.

Senator Leahy is a leader in advocating for domestic violence prevention programs. In 2013 Senator Leahy made it a priority to strengthen and reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. Teaming with Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Senator Leahy was the driving force behind the renewal and strengthening of VAWA’s proven efforts to prevent and remedy domestic and sexual violence. The legislation was signed into law by President Obama on March of 2013.

A crucial component of the programs authorized by the VAWA is the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking or Sexual Assault Program. This program provides critical funding to help victims find safe, affordable housing after they leave an emergency shelter, and while they work towards securing a permanent home.  To learn more about the VAWA Transitional Housing Program please visit the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women website.