CONTACT:
Rep. Amy Loudenbeck
Rep.Loudenbeck@legis.wi.gov
(608) 266-9967
Madison- Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly passed a bill authored by Rep. Amy Loudenbeck (R-Clinton).
Assembly Bill 52, would allow a minor who is 17 years of age and is confirmed by a school district’s Local Educational Agency Liaison to be both unaccompanied (not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian) and homeless (living situation is not “fixed, regular, and adequate”) to contract for admission to a shelter facility or transitional living program. Rep. Loudenbeck authored the bill with Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills). The bill is currently waiting for a vote in the State Senate.
According to Rep. Loudenbeck, “Unaccompanied and homeless youth are vulnerable to human trafficking, exploitation, and abuse. Providing these young people with an opportunity for safe shelter and other supports will reduce their risk for negative outcomes. Local advocates for unaccompanied and homeless youth in my district asked me to help them find options for older teens without stable housing who want to complete their high school education. This bill provides a narrow option that respects parents’ rights and maintains the integrity of the juvenile court and justice systems.”