Lack Of Services For Homeless Youth In California

(KCBS) - Homeless teenagers in California cannot obtain even the most basic services in most counties, according to a new study.

The study by the California Homeless Youth Project finds that 38 of the state's 58 counties don't have any services at all for kids living on the street: no shelters, no substance abuse treatment, no counseling.

KCBS' Doug Sovern Reports:

Two state senators have introduced a package of bills to try to address the lack of homeless youth services.  But since the state is in the midst of a budget crisis, for now the bills simply seek to set a minimum standard for shelters, develop a statewide plan, and prevent any further cuts in homeless youth funding.

"The goal right now is to really raise the visibility of the issue," said Sherilyn Adams with the Larkin Street Youth Services in San Francisco.

There are about 200,000 homeless youths, ages 12 to 17 in the state. The state spends $500,000 a year on the homeless, working out to $2.50 a kid.

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