California Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Month.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of collective action by individuals, schools, communities, businesses, local governments, and the state to address the needs of these homeless youth. It acknowledges the urgency of providing essential services and support tailored to help these young people achieve stability and security. This legislative effort is particularly relevant considering the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding youth homelessness, such as physical abuse and exploitation that many face on the streets.
SCR76, also known as the California Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Month resolution, was introduced by Senator Wiener and serves to designate the month of November 2017 as a period of heightened awareness regarding the plight of runaway and homeless youth in California. The resolution recognizes the alarming statistics of youth homelessness in the state, highlighting that over 200,000 young individuals under 18 and many others aged 18 to 24 experience homelessness annually. Further, a significant percentage of these vulnerable youth are from marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ communities, which adds to their risks and challenges.
The sentiment surrounding SCR76 appears to be largely supportive, reflecting a consensus on the necessity of raising awareness and mobilizing resources to address youth homelessness. The resolution is part of a broader campaign spearheaded by the California Coalition for Youth and other advocacy organizations aiming to enhance public understanding of the issues faced by runaway and homeless youth. However, the scale of community support and effectiveness of existing programs remain critical factors in addressing the widespread challenges outlined in the resolution.
While SCR76 itself does not impose regulations or funding allocations, it serves as a call to action, encouraging the state and communities to prioritize the issue of youth homelessness. Critics may argue that simply designating a month for awareness is not sufficient without accompanying actions and support mechanisms to tangibly assist affected youth. The need for increased funding and resources to create effective programs addressing the needs of runaway and homeless youth will be paramount in moving from resolution to real impact.