Unaccompanied youth

To find a safe place: If you’re in trouble or need help, text SAFE and your current location (address, city, state) to 4HELP (44357) for immediate help.

Who is an unaccompanied youth?

The McKinney-Vento Act defines an unaccompanied youth as someone under 21 who does not live in the physical care of a parent or guardian.

This may include young people who:

• Have left home to escape harm

• Were told to leave

• Were abandoned by parents or guardians

Why youth leave home

Many young people leave because home is unsafe. For example:

• Over half report physical abuse.

• More than one-third report sexual abuse.

• Many have parents struggling with drug or alcohol use.

• Others are forced out because they are pregnant, identify as LGBTQ+, or their parents believe they can care for themselves.

Leaving home is often about survival.

How to get support

Your School Liaison can help you enroll in school and find resources. You will not get in trouble for asking for help.

You can also:

• Visit the Online ePass Portal for benefits and services.

• Contact Wrenn House (ages 10–17).
  908 W. Morgan St., Raleigh, NC
  Call (919) 832-7866

• If you are 18 or older, find a shelter at an Access Site.

• Learn about Transition In Place, transitional housing for pregnant or parenting youth ages 18–24.
  Call (919) 833-3312 or (919) 980-2015.

• Call Haven House 24 hours at (919) 832-7866.