NJ A6171

Expands transitional living program eligibility from homeless youth ages 16-21 to ages 16-25, allowing up to 18 months of residential care and treatment services for those demonstrating maturity to function with minimal adult supervision.

Requires all three program types (street outreach, basic center shelter, and transitional living) to provide services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and consider the age, gender, and social and developmental needs of homeless youth.

Adds new mandatory services including assistance with completing FAFSA and other financial aid applications, and trauma-informed services for survivors of human trafficking or sexual exploitation.

Mandates that homeless persons ages 22-25 receive additional services beyond standard program offerings, which may include crisis intervention, referrals to homelessness assistance agencies, and help accessing age-appropriate support services toward permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

Requires all staff at street outreach, basic center shelter, and transitional living programs to complete training developed by the Department of Children and Families and Commission on Human Trafficking on the connection between human trafficking, childhood trauma, sexual exploitation, and youth homelessness within one year.