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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 Amount Tied to Program Goals
- Income
The DCT amount is tied to program goals, aligned with local cost of living, and includes flexibility to cover one-time expenses related to housing stability
The monthly dollar amount of the DCT should take numerous factors into consideration including housing costs, the local labor market, and youth needs. Most importantly, it should align with clear program goals and include some flexibility to account for emergencies or one-time needs.
| Key | Metric Score | Type of Policy | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | Best Practice | The DCT amount is clearly tied to program goals, cost of living, and includes flexibility to ensure housing stability | |
| 1.5 | High Score | The DCT amount is adequate but doesn't fully align with local housing costs or program goals | |
| 1.0 | Moderate Score | The DCT amount is low compared to cost of living and/or there are unclear program goals | |
| 0.5 | Low Score | The DCT amount is nominal, tokenistic, or insufficient to affect outcomes | |
| 0.0 | Very Low Score | No law found | |
| No Data |
Suggested Citation: National Homelessness Law Center, "Youth Homelessness Index, DCT Amount Tied to Program Goals" https://youthhomelessnessindex.org/maps/dct-amount/ (last visited March 3, 2026)
- DCT Programs for Youth
- DCT Program Permanency
- DCT Program Funding
- DCT Program Duration
- 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
