New York State currently funds several initiatives that provide vulnerable children and youth with critical support services and shelter during times of need. The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) provides a broad framework for the provision of shelter and support services such as basic needs services, case management, formal counseling, education, alternative housing, mental health therapy, and substance abuse treatment to runaway and homeless youth. Another such program is the Safe Harbour for Exploited Youth Act which is aimed at providing critical services such as short-term or long-term housing and counseling for the rising number of youth who suffer sexual exploitation.

The SFY 2012-13 Budget provided $214,456 in funding to support the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act and $1.5 million in funding to support the Safe Harbour for Exploited Youth program. The purpose of this hearing is to gather information on the use of these funds and the effectiveness of the programs receiving funding. The Committee is also interested in testimony regarding any data on the outcomes of these programs and the impact on the children and youth receiving services.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committees will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible. In the absence of a request, witnesses will be scheduled in the order in which reply forms are postmarked.

Ten (10) copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the New York State Senate and Assembly have made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Senate and Assembly facilities and activities.

Amy Paulin
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Children and Families

---

Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on New York State funded programs for vulnerable children and youth are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail it to: