National Association of Counties
On May 1, the National Network for Youth (NN4Y) will be opening the I am Here: Vital Document Legal Hotline for Youth. NN4Y is a membership association of community-based organizations that focuses on the needs of youth in runaway and homeless situations. The new hotline will be a one-month pilot program that provides youth experiencing homelessness with legal advice to understand their options in obtaining vital documents. The hotline will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the month of May.
The hotline will provide youth with resources and assistance in accessing:
The hotline cannot be used for legal advice and all inquiries will be strictly confidential. For more information on the hotline and suggested social media posts, visit the NN4Y website here. To access a printable flyer advertising the hotline, click here.
Counties are a critical partner in providing services to vulnerable youth including those in and aging out of the foster care system and those experiencing homelessness. Youth who run away from home, those in foster care and other placements may experience periods of homelessness after running away, placing them at greater risk of trauma, substance abuse disorder, justice-system involvement and mental health issues. County officials working with this population are encouraged to share the hotline information as a resource to help runaway and homeless youth improve their economic and educational needs.
