National Network for Youth (NN4Y) was founded in 1974 as the National Network of Runaway and Youth Services (NNRYS), as a membership association of community-based organizations that aimed to focus on the needs of youth in runaway and homeless situations. Today, NN4Y represents more than 530 community-based organizations s in the United States and territories. NN4Y members work with their neighborhood youth, adults, associations, and regional and state networks of youth workers to provide street-based services, emergency shelter, transitional living programs, counseling, and social, health, educational and job-related services to over 2.5 million youth each year.

Funding

Many members of the NN4Y receive funding through the federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act of 1974. Funds and practices from the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the McKinney-Vento Act on homelessness, and the Workforce Investment Act also assist local program operators in leveraging state, local and private funding. NN4Y was the architect of the federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA). Additionally, NN4Y works with Learn & Serve America to engage young people volunteer projects in their communities.

Activities

National Network for Youth has five focus areas: public policy, professional development, program dissemination, development and publication of training and information materials, and Symposium.