Survey Introduction

This survey is designed to identify state law and policy changes that could improve services and outcomes for youth experiencing homelessness. Unless otherwise specified, “youth” means someone from 12 to 25 years old. The survey asks some questions specifically about youth on their own (unaccompanied by a parent/legal guardian), and some questions about youth who may be on their own or with their families.

The survey should take 5 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous. We will use the responses to identify priority areas for state law advocacy. They will form the basis of discussion and planning at a State Advocacy Institute later this year. The State Advocacy Institute will consist of hands-on training on state policy advocacy and the development of a State Advocacy Plan, which will identify legislative and/or administrative policy changes we will pursue in the next legislative session (and beyond).

If you are interested in attending the State Advocacy Institute (there is no fee), please contact patricia@schoolhouseconnection.org. We appreciate your time in completing this survey and invite you to share the link with others.

Question Title

* 1. What programs/services are most difficult for youth experiencing homelessness on their own to access? Check ONLY the TOP 5 programs most difficult to access.

Question Title

* 2. What barriers in particular prevent youth experiencing homelessness on their own who are under 18 years old from accessing programs? Check all that apply.

Question Title

* 3. What other barriers prevent youth experiencing homelessness on their own (of any age) from accessing programs? Check all that apply.

Question Title

* 4. What are the greatest barriers to youth experiencing homelessness (on their own or with their families) graduating from high school? Check ONLY the TOP 5 barriers to high school graduation.

Question Title

* 5. What are the greatest barriers to youth experiencing homelessness (on their own or with their families) maintaining stable employment? Check ONLY the TOP 5 barriers to maintaining employment.

Question Title

* 6. What are the greatest barriers to youth experiencing homelessness (on their own or with their families) attending and succeeding in college, university or a career/technical program? Check ONLY the TOP 5 barriers to post-secondary success.

Question Title

* 7. What specific changes in state laws or policies would most benefit youth experiencing homelessness? You could talk about changes to help youth access housing, shelter, health care, mental health care, education, child care, employment, transportation, food, or any other program, service or support.

Question Title

* 8. How much experience do you personally have with state policy advocacy? Check all that apply.

Question Title

* 9. How comfortable do you personally feel engaging in each element of state policy advocacy?

  Not comfortable Fairly comfortable Very comfortable
Calling a state legislator(s).
Writing to a state legislator(s).
Meeting with a state legislator(s) or staff.
Having a state legislator(s) or staff visit my school/program/office.
Developing a consistent relationship with a state legislator(s) or staff.
Helping craft bill language.
Helping craft bill strategy.
Testifying before the state legislature about a bill or an issue.

Question Title

* 10. This survey is anonymous. However, if you would like us to keep you informed about our State Advocacy Institute and legislative and/or administrative policy changes we will pursue in the next legislative session, you may enter your email address here.

T