HB 1868 - DIGEST

     Finds that many youth are living on the streets in dangerous situations.  Many of these youth do not have a nurturing nuclear family, and state-sponsored alternatives such as foster homes do not address the needs of this population.

     Finds that additional placement and treatment services are needed for dependent youth ages sixteen to eighteen.

     Declares that the failure to provide safe, time limited residential and transitional living services places thousands of older adolescents at risk of predators, drug abuse, prostitution, isolation, and hopelessness.

     Finds that this act will engage youth and provide them access to services through development of life skills in a setting that supports them.