Formation | 1975 |
---|---|
Type | NGO |
Purpose | Homeless youth |
Headquarters | Washington, D.C. |
Region served | National |
Policy Director | Darla Bardine |
Main organ | Board of Directors |
Website | nn4youth |
National Network for Youth (NN4Y) was founded in 1974 as the National Network of Runaway and Youth Services (NNRYS), as a membership association of community-based organizations that aimed to focus on the needs of youth in runaway and homeless situations. Today, NN4Y represents more than 500 community-based organizations s in the United States and territories.[1] NN4Y members work with their neighborhood youth, adults, associations, and regional and state networks of youth workers to provide street-based services, emergency shelter, transitional living programs, counseling, and social, health, educational and job-related services to over 2.5 million youth each year.
Many members of the NN4Y receive funding through the federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act of 1974.[2] Funds and practices from the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act,[3] the McKinney-Vento Act on homelessness,[4] and the Workforce Investment Act[5] also assist local program operators in leveraging state, local and private funding. NN4Y was the architect of the federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA). Additionally, NN4Y works with Learn & Serve America to engage young people volunteer projects in their communities.
National Network for Youth has five focus areas: public policy, professional development, program dissemination, development and publication of training and information materials, and Symposium.