Establishes a twenty-four hour, toll-free hotline and website for runaway and homeless youth

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carrie Woerner

Bill A 3590 establishes a 24-hour toll-free hotline and website to support runaway and homeless youth, connecting them with vital resources and services.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 3590 aims to establish a twenty-four hour, toll-free hotline and website specifically designed to assist runaway and homeless youth. The primary intent of this legislation is to provide immediate support and resources to vulnerable young individuals who may be in crisis or need assistance in finding shelter, services, or guidance.

Key Provisions

Hotline Establishment: The bill mandates the creation of a toll-free hotline that will operate 24 hours a day, ensuring that youth can access help at any time.

Website Development: In addition to the hotline, a dedicated website will be launched to provide information and resources for runaway and homeless youth.

Resource Accessibility: The hotline and website will serve as a central point for connecting youth with local services, shelters, and support organizations.

Awareness Campaign: The bill may include provisions for public awareness campaigns to inform youth about the availability of these resources.

Affected Parties

Runaway and Homeless Youth: The primary beneficiaries of this bill will be young individuals who find themselves without stable housing or support.

Service Providers: Organizations that work with youth, including shelters, counseling services, and social services, will be involved in the implementation and operation of the hotline and website.

Community and Law Enforcement: Local communities and law enforcement agencies may also be impacted, as they will need to be aware of the resources available to assist youth in crisis.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on January 28, 2025.

Current Status: As of now, the bill has been referred to the Governmental Operations Committee for further consideration.

Related Legislation: This bill is related to A 10065, which was introduced in a prior session, indicating ongoing legislative efforts to address issues faced by runaway and homeless youth.

Conclusion

Bill A 3590 represents a significant step towards providing essential support for runaway and homeless youth. By establishing a 24-hour hotline and a dedicated website, the bill seeks to ensure that young individuals in crisis have immediate access to the help they need. The successful implementation of this legislation could lead to improved outcomes for vulnerable youth across the state.

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