H.R. 5524 would amend the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to authorize appropriations.

== Detailed Summary ==

<summary>
Reconnecting Homeless Youth Act of 2008 - Amends the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to revise requirements for services provided under grants from the Secretary of Health and Human Services for centers for runaway and homeless youth and their families. Limits the length of stay in such a center, unless it is located in a state or locality with a child or youth-serving-facility licensure law or regulation that permits a longer length of stay.

Increases grant allotments for states and specified U.S. territories.

Requires the plan proposed by grant applicants for a runaway and homeless youth center to include an adequate emergency preparedness and management plan.

Redefines age limits of homeless youth served under such Act.

Revises requirements for transitional living programs to provide a longer length of stay if the program is located in a state or locality that permits one.

Requires the Secretary to report periodically to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate estimates of the incidence and prevalence of runaway and homeless individuals between 13 to 25 years of age.

Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a national homeless youth awareness campaign; and (2) establish priorities for making grants for research, evaluation, demonstration, and service projects.

Requires the Secretary to: (1) give priority to public and, as under current law, nonprofit private agencies for sexual abuse programs; (2) establish performance standards for grant recipients; and (3) establish appeals procedures regarding amounts or denials of such grants.

Defines &quot;runaway youth&quot; as an individual under age 18 who absents himself or herself from home or place of legal residence without the permission of parents or legal guardians.<br>
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== Status of the Legislation ==

<status>
Latest Major Action: 6/9/2008: Passed/agreed to6/10/2008: Received in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 773.
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== Points in Favor ==

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== Points Against ==

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