In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing issue of unaccompanied youth in the community, highlighting the challenges faced by 25 to 35 teens who are often living in unsafe conditions. Many of these young individuals have separated from their parents or caregivers due to serious safety concerns, including mental and behavioral health issues.

Since 2018, the county has partnered with the Lopez Family Resource Center to secure funding aimed at providing trauma-informed case management and safe spaces for these vulnerable youths. However, initial efforts to obtain state funding were unsuccessful, primarily due to a lack of data and a focus on larger youth homelessness issues.

The meeting underscored the importance of a comprehensive approach to support these young people, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials noted that while community volunteers have stepped up to provide temporary housing, these solutions often lack the necessary trauma-informed care to address the complex needs of the youth.

Recently, the county received a $33,000 grant aimed at advancing efforts to create a structured support system for unaccompanied teens. This initiative will involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including juvenile courts and resource centers, and will focus on researching successful host home models, particularly in rural areas.

Plans are underway to conduct focus groups across the islands, with the goal of piloting a youth host home program by late 2025. Officials expressed optimism about the potential for a more effective support structure that includes case management and resources for host families, aiming to improve outcomes for the youth in need.