OLYMPIA – Rep. Lisa Callan (D-Issaquah) passed a bill out of the House aimed at helping unaccompanied minors and young adults who are experiencing homelessness in Washington. HB 1657 clarifies state law and removes hurdles for the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection to provide a broader range of services.
“The changes in this bill may seem small, but they will make a big difference in the lives of over 13,000 children and young adults who are homeless and on their own in Washington,” said Callan. “We have to treat and protect them like they are our own kids.”
The bill allows HOPE centers to serve youth seeking help through a Child-in-Need-of-Services petition. It empowers the Office of Homeless Youth to pursue innovative ways to connect unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness by connecting them with the services they need through community partner outreach.
The bill also removes conflicts in statute on the number of beds allowed in HOPE centers and gives youth a voice and seat at the table, adding two young people as members of the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee.
HB 1657 will now head to the Senate for consideration. This is Callan’s first bill passed as a member of the State House of Representatives.