Discover our research framework or check out
the full metrics list
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 is Permanent and Fully Funded
- Income
The DCT program is a permanent program established via legislation with recurring appropriations
Adequate and stable funding is a foundational element of any DCT program. For this metric, pilot programs can still receive points if fully or partially publicly funded; the same goes for local (non-statewide) programs. Most DCT programs contain a research component – for these programs, “control group” designs do not impact score for this particular metric unless program design impacts funding stability.
| Key | Metric Score | Type of Policy | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | Best Practice | The DCT program is a permanent program with long-term recurring appropriations | |
| 1.5 | High Score | The DCT program is a permanent program but subject to yearly or uncertain appropriations | |
| 1.0 | Moderate Score | The DCT program is a pilot program with an unclear path to permanency | |
| 0.5 | Low Score | The DCT program is a short-term pilot program with no path to permanency | |
| 0.0 | Very Low Score | No law found | |
| No Data | No Data | No Data |
Cite: National Homelessness Law Center and True Colors United. "Youth Homelessness Index, DCT Program is Permanent and Fully Funded" https://youthhomelessnessindex.org/maps/dct-program-is-permanent/. Accessed: January 15, 2026.
- DCT Programs for Youth
- DCT Program Funding
- DCT Amount
- 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.
