CCC Testimony: City Council Oversight Hearing: Mental Health Services for Runaway and Homeless Youth

Published December, 2012

CCC testified about the mental health needs of runaway and homeless youth (RHY) and our recommendations for improving RHY access to mental health services at the New York City Council Committee on Youth Services and the Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services Oversight Hearing on December 14, 2012.

An extremely vulnerable population, RHY suffer from increased risks of poor mental health outcomes while also facing unique barriers to accessing mental health care.  RHY services are a critical linkage for these youth to obtain needed mental health care, as well as to provide them with a safe, stable environment that prevents further trauma.  CCC’s testimony recommends ensuring that RHY services funding is adequate to meet demand, increasing the supply and variety of youth-specific supportive housing, ensuring that RHY have access to sufficient mental health services, and supporting family therapy interventions for RHY.