[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2982 Reported in Senate (RS)]
Calendar No. 751
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 2982
To amend the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to authorize
appropriations, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 6, 2008
Mr. Leahy (for himself and Mr. Specter) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
May 22, 2008
Reported by Mr. Leahy, with an amendment
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to authorize
appropriations, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
<DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.</DELETED>
<DELETED> This Act may be cited as the ``Runaway and Homeless Youth
Protection Act''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 2. FINDINGS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 302 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42
U.S.C. 5701) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5)
as paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) services to such young people should be
developed and provided using a positive youth development
approach that ensures a young person a sense of--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) safety and structure;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) belonging and membership;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) self-worth and social
contribution;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(D) independence and control over one's
life; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(E) closeness in interpersonal
relationships.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 3. BASIC CENTER PROGRAM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Services Provided.--Section 311 of the Runaway and
Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5711) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in subsection (a)(2)(B), by striking clause
(i) and inserting the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(i) safe and appropriate shelter
provided for not to exceed 21 days; and'';
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in subsection (b)(2)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) by striking ``$100,000'' and inserting
``$200,000'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) by striking ``$45,000'' and inserting
``$70,000''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) by adding at the end the following:
``Whenever the Secretary determines that any part of
the amount allotted under paragraph (1) to a State for
a fiscal year will not be obligated before the end of
the fiscal year, the Secretary shall reallot such part
to the remaining States for obligation for the fiscal
year.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Eligibility.--Section 312(b) of the Runaway and
Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5712(b)) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in paragraph (11) by striking ``and'' at the
end;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in paragraph (12) by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(13) shall develop an adequate emergency
preparedness and management plan.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 4. TRANSITIONAL LIVING GRANT PROGRAM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Eligibility.--Section 322(a) of the Runaway and
Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5714-2(a)) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in paragraph (1)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) by striking ``indirectly'' and
inserting ``by contract''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) by striking ``services'' the first
place it appears and inserting ``provide, directly or
indirectly, services,'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``a continuous
period not to exceed 540 days, except that'' and all that
follows and inserting the following: ``a continuous period not
to exceed 635 days, except that a youth in a program under this
part who has not reached 18 years of age on the last day of the
635-day period may, if otherwise qualified for the program,
remain in the program until the earlier of the youth's 18th
birthday or the 180th day after the end of the 635-day
period;'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) in paragraph (14), by striking ``and'' at the
end;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) in paragraph (15), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(16) to develop an adequate emergency
preparedness and management plan.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 5. GRANTS FOR RESEARCH EVALUATION, DEMONSTRATION, AND
SERVICE PROJECTS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 343 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42
U.S.C. 5714-23) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in subsection (b)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
by striking ``give special consideration to'' and
inserting ``prioritize'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2)
through (9) as paragraphs (3) through (10),
respectively; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) positive youth development service delivery
methods, providing links to community services, promoting
mental and physical health development, enabling youth to
obtain and maintain housing after program completion, and
developing self-sufficiency competencies;''</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in subsection (c)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) by inserting ``for eligibility and
selection'' after ``priority'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) by striking ``shall give'' and
inserting the following: ``shall--''</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) give'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) by adding at the end the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) ensure that the applicants selected--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(i) are geographically representative of
regions of the United States; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(ii) carry out projects that serve
diverse populations of homeless youth.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 6. COORDINATING, TRAINING, RESEARCH, AND OTHER
ACTIVITIES.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Part D of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C.
5714-21 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED>``SEC. 345. PERIODIC ESTIMATE OF INCIDENCE AND PREVALENCE OF
YOUTH HOMELESSNESS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(a) Periodic Estimate.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Protection Act, and
at 5-year intervals thereafter, the Secretary shall prepare, and submit
to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro
tempore of the Senate, a written report that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) contains an estimate, obtained by using the
best quantitative and qualitative social science research
methods available, of the incidence and prevalence of runaway
and homeless individuals who are not less than 13 years of age
but less than 26 years of age; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) includes with such estimate an assessment of
the characteristics of such individuals.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(b) Content.--Each assessment required by subsection (a)
shall include--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) the results of conducting a survey of, and
direct interviews with, a representative sample of runaway and
homeless individuals who are not less than 13 years of age but
less than 26 years of age to determine past and current--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) socioeconomic characteristics of
such individuals; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) barriers to such individuals
obtaining--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(i) safe, quality, and
affordable housing;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(ii) comprehensive and
affordable health insurance and health
services; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(iii) incomes, public benefits,
supportive services, and connections to caring
adults; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) such other information as the Secretary
determines, in consultation with States, units of local
government, and national nongovernmental organizations
concerned with homelessness, may be useful.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(c) Implementation.--If the Secretary enters into any
agreement with a non-Federal entity for purposes of carrying out
subsection (a), such entity shall be a nongovernmental organization, or
an individual, determined by the Secretary to have appropriate
expertise in quantitative and qualitative social science
research.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 7. SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 351(b) of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42
U.S.C. 5714-41(b)) is amended by inserting ``public and'' after
``priority to''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 8. NATIONAL HOMELESS YOUTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.</DELETED>
<DELETED> The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5701 et
seq.) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) by redesignating part F as part G;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) by inserting after part E the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED>``PART F--NATIONAL HOMELESS YOUTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN</DELETED>
<DELETED>``SEC. 361. NATIONAL HOMELESS YOUTH AWARENESS
CAMPAIGN.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall, directly or
through grants or contracts, conduct a national homeless youth
awareness campaign (referred to in this section as the `national
awareness campaign') in accordance with this section for purposes of--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) increasing awareness of individuals of all
ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and geographic locations, of
the issues facing runaway and homeless youth (including youth
considering running away); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) encouraging parents and guardians,
educators, health care professionals, social service
professionals, law enforcement officials, stakeholders, and
other community members to assist youth described in paragraph
(1) in averting or resolving runaway and homeless
situations.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(b) Use of Funds.--Amounts made available to carry out
this section for the national awareness campaign may only be used for
the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) Dissemination of educational information and
materials through various media, including television, radio,
the Internet and related technologies, and emerging
technologies.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) Evaluation of the effectiveness of the
activities described in paragraphs (1) and (5).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) Development of partnerships with national
organizations concerned with youth homelessness, community-
based youth service organizations, including faith-based
organizations, and Government organizations to carry out the
national awareness campaign.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(4) Conducting outreach activities to
stakeholders and potential stakeholders in the national
awareness campaign.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(5) In accordance with applicable laws
(including regulations), development and placement in
telecommunications media (including the Internet and related
technologies, and emerging technologies) of public service
announcements that educate the public on--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) the issues facing runaway and
homeless youth (including youth considering running
away); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) the opportunities that adults have
to assist youth described in subparagraph
(A).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(c) Prohibitions.--None of the amounts made available to
carry out this section may be obligated or expended for any of the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) To fund public service time that supplants
pro bono public service time donated by national or local
broadcasting networks, advertising agencies, or production
companies for the national awareness campaign, or to fund
activities that supplant pro bono work for the national
awareness campaign.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) To carry out partisan political purposes, or
express advocacy in support of or opposition to any clearly
identified candidate, clearly identified ballot initiative, or
clearly identified legislative or regulatory
proposal.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) To fund advertising that features any
elected official, person seeking elected office, cabinet level
official, or other Federal employee employed pursuant to
section 213.3301 or 213.3302 of title 5, Code of Federal
Regulations (or any corresponding similar regulation or
ruling).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(4) To fund advertising that does not contain a
primary message intended to educate the public on the issues
and opportunities described in subsection (b)(5).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(5) To fund advertising that solicits
contributions from both public and private sources to support
the national awareness campaign.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(d) Financial and Performance Accountability.--The
Secretary shall cause to be performed--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) audits and examinations of records, relating
to the costs of the national awareness campaign, pursuant to
section 304C of the Federal Property and Administrative
Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 254d); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) audits to determine whether the costs of the
national awareness campaign are allowable under section 306 of
such Act (41 U.S.C. 256).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(e) Report.--The Secretary shall include in each report
submitted under section 382(a) a summary of information about the
national awareness campaign that describes--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) the strategy of the national awareness
campaign and whether specific objectives of the campaign were
accomplished;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) steps taken to ensure that the national
awareness campaign operated in an effective and efficient
manner consistent with the overall strategy and focus of the
national awareness campaign; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) all grants or contracts entered into with a
corporation, partnership, or individual working on the national
awareness campaign.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 9. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Reports.--Section 382(a) of the Runaway and Homeless
Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5715(a)) is amended by striking ``, and E'' and
inserting ``, E, and F''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Consolidated Review.--Section 385 of the Runaway and
Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5731a) is amended by striking ``, and E''
and inserting ``, E, and F''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Evaluation and Information.--Section 386(a) of the
Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5732(a)) is amended by
striking ``, or E'' and inserting ``, E, or F''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 10. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Part G of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C.
5714a et seq.), as redesignated by section 8, is amended by inserting
after section 386 the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED>``SEC. 386A. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(a) Establishment of Performance Standards.--Not later
than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Runaway and Homeless
Youth Protection Act, the Secretary shall issue rules that specify
performance standards for public and nonprofit private entities that
receive grants under sections 311, 321, and 351.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(b) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with
representatives of public and nonprofit private entities that receive
grants under this title, including statewide and regional nonprofit
organizations (including combinations of such organizations) that
receive grants under this title, and national nonprofit organizations
concerned with youth homelessness, in developing the performance
standards required by subsection (a).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(c) Implementation of Performance Standards.--The
Secretary shall integrate the performance standards into the processes
of the Department of Health and Human Services for grantmaking,
monitoring, and evaluation for programs under parts A, B, and
E.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 11. APPEALS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Part G of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C.
5714a et seq.) as amended by section 10, is further amended by
inserting after section 386A the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED>``SEC. 386B. APPEALS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(a) Establishment of Appeal Procedure.--Not later than 6
months after the date of enactment of the Runaway and Homeless Youth
Protection Act, the Secretary shall establish by rule an appeal
procedure to enable applicants to obtain timely reviews of the amounts
of grants made, and the denials of grants requested, under this
title.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(b) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with
representatives of public and nonprofit private entities that receive
grants under this title, including statewide and regional nonprofit
organizations (including combinations of such organizations) that
receive grants under this title, and national nonprofit organizations
concerned with youth homelessness, in developing the appeal procedure
required by subsection (a).''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 12. DEFINITIONS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Homeless Youth.--Section 387(3) of the Runaway and
Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5732a(3)) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``The'' and all that follows through ``means'' and
inserting ``The term `homeless', used with respect to a youth,
means''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``not
less than 16 years of age'' and inserting ``not less than 16
years of age and not more than 21 years of age, except that
nothing in this clause shall prevent a participant who enters
the program carried out under part B prior to reaching 22 years
of age from being eligible for the 635-day length of stay
authorized by section 322(a)(2); and''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Runaway Youth.--Section 387 of the Runaway and
Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5732a) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), (6), and
(7) as paragraphs (5), (6), (7), and (8), respectively;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(4) Runaway youth.--The term `runaway', used
with respect to a youth, means an individual who is less than
18 years of age and who absents himself or herself from home or
a place of legal residence without the permission of a parent
or legal guardian.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 13. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 388(a) of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42
U.S.C. 5751(a)) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in paragraph (1)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) by striking ``is authorized'' and
inserting ``are authorized'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) by striking ``part E) $105,000,000 for
fiscal year 2004'' and inserting ``parts E and F)
$150,000,000 for fiscal year 2009''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) by striking ``2005, 2006, 2007, and
2008'' and inserting ``2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013'';
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in paragraph (4)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) by striking ``is authorized'' and
inserting ``are authorized''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) by striking ``such sums as may be
necessary for fiscal years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and
2008'' and inserting ``$30,000,000 for fiscal year 2009
and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years
2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(5) Part f.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out part F $3,000,000 for fiscal year
2009 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2010,
2011, 2012, and 2013.''.</DELETED>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Runaway and Homeless Youth
Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Section 302 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5701)
is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as
paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) services to such young people should be developed and
provided using a positive youth development approach that
ensures a young person a sense of--
``(A) safety and structure;
``(B) belonging and membership;
``(C) self-worth and social contribution;
``(D) independence and control over one's life; and
``(E) closeness in interpersonal relationships.''.
SEC. 3. BASIC CENTER PROGRAM.
(a) Services Provided.--Section 311 of the Runaway and Homeless
Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5711) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)(B), by striking clause (i) and
inserting the following:
``(i) safe and appropriate shelter provided
for not to exceed 21 days; and''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by striking ``$100,000'' and inserting
``$200,000'';
(B) by striking ``$45,000'' and inserting
``$70,000''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following: ``Whenever
the Secretary determines that any part of the amount
allotted under paragraph (1) to a State for a fiscal
year will not be obligated before the end of the fiscal
year, the Secretary shall reallot such part to the
remaining States for obligation for the fiscal year.''.
(b) Eligibility.--Section 312(b) of the Runaway and Homeless Youth
Act (42 U.S.C. 5712(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (11) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (12) by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(13) shall develop an adequate emergency preparedness and
management plan.''.
SEC. 4. TRANSITIONAL LIVING GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Eligibility.--Section 322(a) of the Runaway and Homeless Youth
Act (42 U.S.C. 5714-2(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``indirectly'' and inserting ``by
contract''; and
(B) by striking ``services'' the first place it
appears and inserting ``provide, directly or
indirectly, services,'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``a continuous period not
to exceed 540 days, except that'' and all that follows and
inserting the following: ``a continuous period not to exceed
635 days, except that a youth in a program under this part who
has not reached 18 years of age on the last day of the 635-day
period may, if otherwise qualified for the program, remain in
the program until the earlier of the youth's 18th birthday or
the 180th day after the end of the 635-day period;'';
(3) in paragraph (14), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(4) in paragraph (15), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(16) to develop an adequate emergency preparedness and
management plan.''.
SEC. 5. GRANTS FOR RESEARCH EVALUATION, DEMONSTRATION, AND SERVICE
PROJECTS.
Section 343 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5714-
23) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``special consideration'' and inserting
``priority'';
(B) in paragraph (8)--
(i) by striking ``to health'' and inserting
``to quality health'';
(ii) by striking ``mental health care'' and
inserting ``behavioral health care''; and
(iii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(C) in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``, including access to educational
and workforce programs to achieve outcomes such as
decreasing high school dropout rates, increasing rates
of attaining a secondary school diploma or its
recognized equivalent, or increasing placement and
retention in postsecondary education or advanced
workforce training programs; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(10) providing programs, which shall include innovative
programs, that assist youth in obtaining and maintaining safe
and stable housing, and which may include programs with
supportive services that continue after the youth complete the
remainder of the programs.''; and
(2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) In selecting among applicants for grants under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall--
``(1) give priority to applicants who have experience
working with runaway or homeless youth in high-quality
programs; and
``(2) ensure that the applicants selected--
``(A) represent diverse geographic regions of the
United States; and
``(B) carry out projects that serve diverse
populations of runaway or homeless youth.''.
SEC. 6. COORDINATING, TRAINING, RESEARCH, AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.
Part D of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5714-21 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 345. PERIODIC ESTIMATE OF INCIDENCE AND PREVALENCE OF YOUTH
HOMELESSNESS.
``(a) Periodic Estimate.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Protection Act, and at 5-
year intervals thereafter, the Secretary shall prepare, and submit to
the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro
tempore of the Senate, a written report that--
``(1) contains an estimate, obtained by using the best
quantitative and qualitative social science research methods
available, of the incidence and prevalence of runaway and
homeless individuals who are not less than 13 years of age but
less than 26 years of age; and
``(2) includes with such estimate an assessment of the
characteristics of such individuals.
``(b) Content.--Each assessment required by subsection (a) shall
include--
``(1) the results of conducting a survey of, and direct
interviews with, a representative sample of runaway and
homeless individuals who are not less than 13 years of age but
less than 26 years of age to determine past and current--
``(A) socioeconomic characteristics of such
individuals; and
``(B) barriers to such individuals obtaining--
``(i) safe, quality, and affordable
housing;
``(ii) comprehensive and affordable health
insurance and health services; and
``(iii) incomes, public benefits,
supportive services, and connections to caring
adults; and
``(2) such other information as the Secretary determines,
in consultation with States, units of local government, and
national nongovernmental organizations concerned with
homelessness, may be useful.
``(c) Implementation.--If the Secretary enters into any agreement
with a non-Federal entity for purposes of carrying out subsection (a),
such entity shall be a nongovernmental organization, or an individual,
determined by the Secretary to have appropriate expertise in
quantitative and qualitative social science research.''.
SEC. 7. SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM.
Section 351(b) of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C.
5714-41(b)) is amended by inserting ``public and'' after ``priority
to''.
SEC. 8. NATIONAL HOMELESS YOUTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.
The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating part F as part G; and
(2) by inserting after part E the following:
``PART F--NATIONAL HOMELESS YOUTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
``SEC. 361. NATIONAL HOMELESS YOUTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.
``(a) Awareness Campaign.--The Secretary shall, directly or through
grants or contracts, conduct a national homeless youth awareness
campaign (referred to in this section as the `national awareness
campaign') in accordance with this section for purposes of--
``(1) increasing awareness of individuals of all ages,
socioeconomic backgrounds, and geographic locations, of the
issues facing runaway and homeless youth (including youth
considering running away); and
``(2) encouraging parents and guardians, educators, health
care professionals, social service professionals, law
enforcement officials, stakeholders, and other community
members to assist youth described in paragraph (1) in averting
or resolving runaway and homeless situations.
``(b) Use of Funds.--Funds made available to carry out this part
for the national awareness campaign may only be used for the following:
``(1) Dissemination of educational information and
materials through various media, including television, radio,
the Internet and related technologies, and emerging
technologies.
``(2) Evaluation of the effectiveness of the activities
described in paragraphs (1) and (5).
``(3) Development of partnerships with national
organizations concerned with youth homelessness, community-
based youth service organizations, including faith-based
organizations, and government organizations to carry out the
national awareness campaign.
``(4) Conducting outreach activities to stakeholders and
potential stakeholders in the national awareness campaign.
``(5) In accordance with applicable laws (including
regulations), development and placement in telecommunications
media (including the Internet and related technologies, and
emerging technologies) of public service announcements that
educate the public on--
``(A) the issues facing runaway and homeless youth
(including youth considering running away); and
``(B) the opportunities that adults have to assist
youth described in subparagraph (A).
``(c) Prohibitions.--None of the funds made available to carry out
this part may be obligated or expended for any of the following:
``(1) To fund public service time that supplants pro bono
public service time donated by national or local broadcasting
networks, advertising agencies, or production companies for the
national awareness campaign, or to fund activities that
supplant pro bono work for the national awareness campaign.
``(2) To carry out partisan political purposes, or express
advocacy in support of or opposition to any clearly identified
candidate, clearly identified ballot initiative, or clearly
identified legislative or regulatory proposal.
``(3) To fund advertising that features any elected
official, person seeking elected office, cabinet level
official, or other Federal employee employed pursuant to
section 213.3301 or 213.3302 of title 5, Code of Federal
Regulations (or any corresponding similar regulation or
ruling).
``(4) To fund advertising that does not contain a primary
message intended to educate the public on the issues and
opportunities described in subsection (b)(5).
``(5) To fund advertising that solicits contributions from
both public and private sources to support the national
awareness campaign.
``(d) Financial and Performance Accountability.--The Secretary
shall cause to be performed--
``(1) audits and examinations of records, relating to the
costs of the national awareness campaign, pursuant to section
304C of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of
1949 (41 U.S.C. 254d); and
``(2) audits to determine whether the costs of the national
awareness campaign are allowable under section 306 of such Act
(41 U.S.C. 256).
``(e) Report.--The Secretary shall include in each report submitted
under section 382(a) a summary of information about the national
awareness campaign that describes--
``(1) the strategy of the national awareness campaign and
whether specific objectives of the campaign were accomplished;
``(2) steps taken to ensure that the national awareness
campaign operated in an effective and efficient manner
consistent with the overall strategy and focus of the national
awareness campaign; and
``(3) all grants or contracts entered into with a
corporation, partnership, or individual working on the national
awareness campaign.''.
SEC. 9. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Reports.--Section 382(a) of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act
(42 U.S.C. 5715(a)) is amended by striking ``, and E'' and inserting
``, E, and F''.
(b) Consolidated Review.--Section 385 of the Runaway and Homeless
Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5731a) is amended by striking ``, and E'' and
inserting ``, E, and F''.
(c) Evaluation and Information.--Section 386(a) of the Runaway and
Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5732(a)) is amended by striking ``, or
E'' and inserting ``, E, or F''.
SEC. 10. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Part G of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5714a et
seq.), as redesignated by section 8, is amended by inserting after
section 386 the following:
``SEC. 386A. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
``(a) Establishment of Performance Standards.--Not later than 1
year after the date of enactment of the Runaway and Homeless Youth
Protection Act, the Secretary shall issue rules that specify
performance standards for public and nonprofit private entities that
receive grants under sections 311, 321, and 351.
``(b) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with
representatives of public and nonprofit private entities that receive
grants under this title, including statewide and regional nonprofit
organizations (including combinations of such organizations) that
receive grants under this title, and national nonprofit organizations
concerned with youth homelessness, in developing the performance
standards required by subsection (a).
``(c) Implementation of Performance Standards.--The Secretary shall
integrate the performance standards into the processes of the
Department of Health and Human Services for grantmaking, monitoring,
and evaluation for programs under parts A, B, and E.''.
SEC. 11. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE STUDY AND REPORT.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct a study, including making findings and
recommendations, relating to the processes for making grants
under parts A, B, and E of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act
(42 U.S.C. 5711 et seq., 5714-1 et seq., 5714-41).
(2) Subjects.--In particular, the Comptroller General shall
study--
(A) the Secretary's written responses to and other
communications with applicants who do not receive
grants under part A, B, or E of such Act, to determine
if the information provided in the responses and
communications is conveyed clearly;
(B) the content of the grant applications for the
grants, and of other associated documents (including
grant announcements), to determine if the applications
and other associated documents are presented in a way
that gives an applicant a clear understanding of the
information that the applicant must provide in each
portion of an application to successfully complete it,
and a clear understanding of the terminology used
throughout the application and other associated
documents;
(C) the peer review process for applications for
the grants, including the selection of peer reviewers,
the oversight of the process by staff of the Department
of Health and Human Services, and the extent to which
such staff make funding determinations based on the
comments and scores of the peer reviewers;
(D) the typical timeframe, and the process and
responsibilities of such staff, for responding to
applicants for the grants, and the efforts made by such
staff to communicate with the applicants when funding
decisions or funding for the grants is delayed, such as
when funding is delayed due to funding of a program
through appropriations made under a continuing
resolution; and
(E) the plans for implementation of, and the
implementation of, where practicable, the technical
assistance and training programs carried out under
section 342 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42
U.S.C. 5714-22), and the effect of such programs on the
application process for the grants.
(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General shall prepare and submit to the
Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate a report containing the
findings and recommendations resulting from the study.
SEC. 12. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Homeless Youth.--Section 387(3) of the Runaway and Homeless
Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5732a(3)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``The'' and all that follows through ``means'' and inserting
``The term `homeless', used with respect to a youth, means'';
and
(2) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``not less than 16
years of age'' and inserting ``not less than 16 years of age
and not more than 21 years of age, except that nothing in this
clause shall prevent a participant who enters the program
carried out under part B prior to reaching 22 years of age from
being eligible for the 635-day length of stay authorized by
section 322(a)(2); and''.
(b) Runaway Youth.--Section 387 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth
Act (42 U.S.C. 5732a) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), (6), and (7) as
paragraphs (5), (6), (7), and (8), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Runaway youth.--The term `runaway', used with respect
to a youth, means an individual who is less than 18 years of
age and who absents himself or herself from home or a place of
legal residence without the permission of a parent or legal
guardian.''.
SEC. 13. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 388(a) of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C.
5751(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``is authorized'' and inserting
``are authorized'';
(B) by striking ``part E) $105,000,000 for fiscal
year 2004'' and inserting ``section 345 and parts E and
F) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2009''; and
(C) by striking ``2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008'' and
inserting ``2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013'';
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``In'' and inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--In'';
(B) by inserting ``(other than section 345)''
before the period; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Periodic estimate.--There are authorized to
be appropriated to carry out section 345 such sums as
may be necessary for fiscal years 2009, 2010, 2011,
2012, and 2013.'';
(3) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by striking ``is authorized'' and inserting
``are authorized''; and
(B) by striking ``such sums as may be necessary for
fiscal years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008'' and
inserting ``$30,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and such
sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2010, 2011,
2012, and 2013''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Part f.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out part F $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and such sums
as may be necessary for fiscal years 2010, 2011, 2012, and
2013.''.
Calendar No. 751
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 2982
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to authorize
appropriations, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
May 22, 2008
Reported with an amendment