Updated Illinois Homeless Youth Handbook now available online

The Law Project has published an online update of the Illinois Homeless Youth Handbook, collaborating again with attorneys from Baker McKenzie and United Airlines.

First released in 2015, the new version of the Illinois handbook is accessed at www.homelessyouth.org

“The recent handbook update reflects changes to state and federal laws. The content has been enhanced to make a more comprehensive useful tool for homeless youth and professionals who work with them,” said Associate Law Project Director Beth Malik.

“We’re grateful to Baker McKenzie and United Airlines for their pro bono work and collaboration on this project.”

The 17-chapter handbook is used by educators, advocates, and youth providers, as well as youth. It explains the legal rights and resources for homeless and unaccompanied youth in Illinois, including chapters on education, employment, healthcare, immigration, housing, and accessing identification records.

The 2018 Illinois handbook is one of six state handbooks available on a redesigned website maintained by the Baker McKenzie law firm. Its enhanced search features are to access and navigate from mobile devices.

Youth Futures staff will promote the updated Illinois Homeless Youth Handbook during community outreach at schools, shelters and drop-in centers, as well as conferences and professional training sessions.

– Christy Savellano, Media