This Toolkit was developed by and for advocates in the runaway and homeless youth (RHY) and domestic and sexual assault (DV/SA) fields to help programs address relationship violence with runaway and homeless youth better. The Toolkit organizes information, resources, tips, and tools drawn from the lessons learned by collaborative projects funded by the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. DV/SA providers will find information designed to increase their understanding of runaway and homeless youth and the network of programs and services working with them and, converselyRHY, providers will find resources on intimate partner violence and the programs and networks that provide protections and support to victims of violence.
Visit the website.
Date added: 3/09/10

This website from Casey Family Programs provides state-by-state policy information on a range of child welfare topics. Access up-to-date information on individual state policies and compare your own state's policies to those of other states.
Visit the website.
Date added: 2/25/10

This research brief from the Institute for Children and Poverty (ICP) explores the issue of intimate partner violence among homeless mothers in shelter. Children's exposure to intimate partner violence impacts their social-emotional functioning, relationships with parents and peers, and academic achievement. Analysis of a national study reveals that children's fathers victimized greater percentages of poor mothers experiencing homelessness or residential instability than residentially stable mothers, and poor children experiencing homelessness or residential instability witnessed a physical fight between their parents at higher rates than residentially stable poor children.
Download the brief.
Date added: 2/18/10

This 2-page tip sheet from the Legal Center for Foster Care and Education serves as a primer on which educational issues are particularly important to address in the courtroom for children in out-of-home care and provides specific recommendations for different role groups, including: Guardians ad Litem (GALs), Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), attorneys, and judges.
Download the tip sheet.
Date added: 2/18/10

Home at Last, from the Institute for Children and Poverty, is a collection of animated videos on family homelessness and poverty for grades K-5, based on the children's books by Ralph da Costa Nunez. Visit the Home at Last webpage for bonus content, including a Learning Toolbox for educators, author interviews, activities and games, ideas for helping in your community, and more.
Visit the website.
Date added: 2/15/10

Released in February 2010, this review from the National Center on Family Homelessness explains how mlitary families face unique stressors associated with deployment and reintegration. It provides a snapshot of the key issues affecting military families during and after their time of service, as well as the impact of adverse military experiences, which may lead to unemployment and homelessness.
Download the review.
Date added: 2/12/10

NCHE and the Legal Center for Foster Care and Education present this brief to help educators and child welfare advocates work together to support the academic success of children and youth in out-of-home care. The brief offers practical, proven strategies for implementing two federal laws collaboratively: The McKinney-Vento Act, which applies to state and local educational agencies, and the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act, which applies to state and local child welfare agencies. Specifically, this brief will assist state and local agencies and staff in: Laying a foundation for working together; agreeing on requirements and expectations; promoting school stability; and incorporating children fully in classes and school activities.
Download the brief.
Date added: 2/05/10

One in seven American children are living with an unemployed parent as a result of the current recession. Totaling 10.5 million kids under the age of 18, this January 2010 report from First Focus makes the alarming finding that children are almost twice as likely to be affected by unemployment than adults. Young people with an unemployed parent have a greater chance of experiencing homelessness, suffering from child abuse, failing to complete high school or college, and living in adult poverty than other children.
Read the report abstract.
Download the report.
Date added: 1/19/10

This NCHE webinar, recorded on January 8, 2010, highlights the exciting collaboration in Colorado that is paving the way for homeless unaccompanied youth to access financial aid and other supports for attending college. Misti Ruthven, from CollegeInvest, and Dana Scott, from the Colorado Department of Education, discuss their pioneering partnership, including networking and training with College Financial Aid Officers about FAFSA provisions for unaccompanied homeless youth, and how you can initiate similar partnerships in your state.
View the recorded webinar.
Date posted: 1/11/10

This NCHE webinar, recorded on January 7, 2010, provides important information about financial aid for higher education for homeless students. Learn about the different kinds of aid available to homeless students, including unaccompanied youth, through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other state and local sources. Learn about troubleshooting the aid process for students that run into barriers and about additional resources and contacts for more information.
View the recorded webinar.
Date posted: 1/11/10

This December 2009 report presents the results of a survey of the 27 cities that comprise The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Task Force on Hunger and Homelessness. Respondents were asked to provide information on emergency food assistance and homeless services provided between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009.
Download the report.
Date reposted: 1/05/10