By Mary Perham
BATH – A yearlong study by the Steuben County Youth Bureau into problems related to local runaway/homeless youth shows communication between youth-related agencies is key to serving those children. County Youth Bureau Coordinator Bill Caudill said a summary of the study indicated the biggest problem facing groups trying to help homeless children is the differences in defining what "homeless" means. Caudill said conflicting definitions by the state and federal governments has led to inconsistent reporting, and complicates Steuben’s efforts to help children. Those inconsistencies in reporting standards effect children’s security, development and morale; as well as their education, since uprooted families may change school districts, delaying enrollment or a smooth transition between the schools, he said. "The lack of dedicated Runaway/Homeless Youth funding, inadequate transportation and poor family support are also obstacles in serving these kids," Caudill recently told the county Legislature’s Human Services, Health and Education Committee. The yearlong study was conducted by AmeriCorps Runaway & Homeless Youth Outreach and Planning Specialist Arlene Francis, authorized by the county committee and county Youth Board, and funded in part by the state Office of Children and Family Services, Bureau of Youth Development. The study reviewed appropriate legislation, data reviews, 90 interviews with public and private youth service providers, 228 student surveys in three school districts, nine small group discussions with youth and nine confidential interviews with homeless or formerly homeless youth. Caudill said the full report is expected to be completed within the next few months.
