How many youth are homeless is difficult to know, with estimates ranging from 1 million to 2 million during the course of a year.

One group at high risk of homelessness is the 20,000 youth who "age out" of the child welfare system annually. Policies have evolved to assist this population, from federal funds for room, board, and follow-up services to transitional housing programs.

Another at-risk group includes youth who don't qualify for the supports available through the child welfare system, such as those who run away from home or have been forced to leave by their parents. For these youth, providers of housing for the homeless are often the last resort.

Panelists will analyze the efficacy of federal policies, discuss ways to promote equal protection by the welfare system, and review other tactics to reduce youth homelessness.

Speakers:

• Martha Burt, principal research associate, Urban Institute
• Amy Dworsky, senior researcher, Chapin Hall Center for Children
• Bob Mecum, chief executive officer, Lighthouse Youth Services
• Bob Reeg, public policy director, National Network for Youth