Bill > H0657

This bill allows individuals aged 16 and older who are homeless and not under parental or guardian care, referred to as "unaccompanied homeless youth," to obtain a certification from the Department for Children and Families’ Division of Family Services, which will enable them to access various services and benefits without needing parental or guardian consent. To be certified, these youth must be identified as eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law that ensures educational rights and support for homeless children and youth, by a school district liaison or other appropriate staff, and then verified by directors of specific homeless shelter or runaway youth programs funded by state or federal agencies, or by a continuum of care lead agency. Once certified, this status can be used to obtain identification cards, learner's permits, driver's licenses, vital event certificates (like birth certificates) at no charge, consent to medical, dental, and mental health care for themselves or their children, secure housing or shelter, gain employment, purchase vehicles and insurance, obtain student loans, enroll in schools, open bank accounts, and receive services for victims of domestic or sexual violence. The bill also clarifies that parental consent can be implied by actions like forcing a youth out of the home or refusing support, and in cases where parental consent is required for a service, the Division of Family Services will provide consent in loco parentis, meaning in the place of a parent. Furthermore, entities providing services to these certified youth are granted immunity from liability unless they act with gross negligence.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.657