OKLAHOMA CITY - State Rep. Chelsey Branham has filed legislation that hopes to increase opportunity and improve the quality of life among Oklahoma’s homeless youth population.
House Bill 2927, authored by Ms. Branham, would create the “Unit for Runaway, Homeless and At-Risk Youth,” which would be a public-private partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and organizations working with Oklahoma’s homeless youth population.
The legislation would also establish criteria that allow homeless youth to voluntarily seek assistance from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
“Last January, during the coldest time of the year, 85 metro youth had no place to live,” Ms. Branham said. “This legislation and the mission of this coalition speaks directly to the needs of those children.
“We have a duty as lawmakers to protect and speak up for our vulnerable citizens. This legislation hopes to begin a movement that ushers in a new way of thinking and new solutions to the problems facing our state’s homeless population.”
By offering an avenue to have DHS act as an administrative guardian, Branham’s legislation would make it easier for homeless youth to take part in regular activities like play sports, receive healthcare, and apply for a driver’s license.
“These young people still need the same things as other youth,” said Pivot President and CEO Jennifer Goodrich. “Birth certificates, social security cards, IDs, mental health and medical health services.
“Representative Branham’s willingness to address this issue has opened up new avenues of understanding of current statutes that provide allowances and identifying areas where work needs to be done. Statutes aren’t enough - it will take continued understanding, education, and partnership to change the way things are currently responded to.”