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This year, we’ve reformed the Index to focus on unhoused youth and young adults (YYA), aligning it with their experiences and policy needs. Shifting from harm reduction to transformative change, some jurisdictions may see lower scores than before. This is a deliberate strategy, not a setback. Lower scores should motivate, not discourage, jurisdictions. They present an opportunity to adopt policies that effectively tackle and prevent youth homelessness, fostering meaningful progress.
DCT Program Duration is Two Years or Longer
- Income
The DCT program lasts for two years or longer
Research shows that long-term duration is strongly associated with improved long-term outcomes. At minimum, programs should be structured to last at least two years.
| Key | Metric Score | Type of Policy | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | Very High Score | The duration of payments is at least two years and supportive services continue after cash ends | |
| 1.5 | High Score | The duration of payments is at least two years | |
| 1.0 | Moderate Score | The duration of payments is 12 to 23 months | |
| 0.5 | Low Score | The duration of payments is less than one year | |
| 0.0 | Very Low Score | No law found | |
| No data |
Suggested Citation: National Homelessness Law Center, "Youth Homelessness Index, DCT Program Duration is Two Years or Longer" https://youthhomelessnessindex.org/maps/dct-program-duration/ (last visited March 3, 2026)
- DCT Programs for Youth
- DCT Program Permanency
- DCT Program Funding
- DCT Amount
- DCT Program Enrollment
- DCT Program Outreach
- DCT Program Supports
- DCT Program and Benefits
- DCT Program Evaluation
Explore Related Metrics
Income
Until we can finally realize an economic system that isn’t based on exploitation, access to income is a necessary part of survival for young people. Approximately 12% of children ages 14 to 17 and 20% of young adults ages 18 to 24 live in households earning or receiving less than $14,000 per year. With the average rent in United States completely out of reach for anyone below the poverty line, it is not surprising that individuals ages 18 to 25 endure the highest rates of homelessness and housing insecurity than any other age group; 1 in 10 report couch surfing or another form of homelessness at some point each year.
The United States has almost no social safety net for young adults (and a completely inadequate one for families with children or people with disabilities). There is a growing consensus, however, that the solution isn’t to create more bureaucratic programs with complicated eligibility rules but rather to directly transfer cash to the people who would benefit most and trust them to spend it on what they need.
Model Statutes:
These maps are provided as legal information only and should not be used as legal advice for your specific situation. If you need help with any of the issues described on this website, please check out the Homeless Youth Legal Network (HYLN) directory OR email or call HYLN for help finding a referral to a lawyer.Â
