Bill will allow homeless youth to access shelter, services without guardian
“A bill that advocates say will allow homeless youth to access shelter and housing services for the first time without a guardian passed both chambers of the Virginia legislature.
The measure was part of a two-bill package created by a coalition of advocacy groups, with its companion bill dying early in the session in a House committee.
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax, introduced House Bill 717. Any child over age 14 would be considered an adult to give consent to housing and other services. The bill focuses on accessibility of care for unaccompanied homeless youth, which is defined in the text of the bill as a homeless child or youth who is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.
The measure passed unanimously in the House on Feb. 14, after being laid on the table early in the session then brought back the same day. It passed the Senate with amendments on March 3.”