The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
As a social worker here in Wisconsin, I’ve spent years supporting young people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Among the most heartbreaking situations I encounter are students who are experiencing homelessness—especially those who are unaccompanied and under the age of 18. These kids are on their own, often because home was unsafe, unstable, or simply no longer an option.
Many fled abuse, neglect, or conflict. Some have lost parents to incarceration, addiction, or death. And now, they are trying to survive independently—without a parent, guardian, or any meaningful safety net. That includes being denied access to basic health care, because under current Wisconsin law, they are not legally allowed to consent to it.
That means a 16-year-old living on their own can’t get treated for strep throat, an asthma attack, or an infected cut without parental consent. They can’t even get a physical to play on a school sports team. I’ve worked with homeless students who’ve had to ignore worsening symptoms because they were afraid of being turned away at the doctor’s office—or worse, getting in trouble for even trying.
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This isn’t just in theory. According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, more than 18,500 students in our state were identified as homeless in the 2022–2023 school year. Of those, at least 2,154 were unaccompanied. That number is likely even higher in reality—many kids stay under the radar until they hit a breaking point.
Right now, the Wisconsin Legislature has an opportunity to fix this. Senate Bill 70 and Assembly Bill 49 would allow certified unaccompanied homeless youth to consent to medically necessary care. This includes basic, non-elective treatment—nothing cosmetic or optional. It builds on a 2019 law (PA 22) that already lets these youth consent to shelter and supportive services. Extending that right to health care is a logical, humane next step.
Importantly, there are safeguards. Only youth certified as both unaccompanied and homeless by a qualified adult—like a school social worker, counselor, or homeless liaison—would be eligible. That’s the same process already in place under current law.
This idea is neither new nor radical. In fact, 35 other states and Washington, D.C. already allow unaccompanied minors to consent to care in similar situations. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports it. And as someone working on the frontlines, I can tell you this is a deeply practical solution to a real and urgent problem.The bills have considerable bipartisan support and are led by Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton) and Representative Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc).
Beyond physical health, the bills would also open doors for timely mental health treatment, which is often the most pressing need for homeless youth. With rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts among Wisconsin teens at crisis levels, failing to remove this barrier puts vulnerable homeless students at even greater risk.
Lack of a high school diploma is the greatest determinant of adult homelessness. But no child can succeed in school if they’re sick, in pain, or battling untreated trauma. By removing this barrier to care, we give more vulnerable youth a better shot at staying healthy, remaining in school, and building a future.
I urge Wisconsin lawmakers to support SB 70/HB 49. Let’s make sure that every young person—regardless of their home situation—can get the care they need to survive and thrive.
– Irene TenEyck, of La Crosse, is a medical social worker.
