Homeless Children and Youth

Homelessness disrupts children’s safety, stability, education, and long-term success. In Oklahoma, children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence face increased barriers to school attendance, health care, and family stability. Under federal and state definitions, homeless children and youth include young people who are living in shelters, motels, cars, parks, or with other families due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar circumstances. 

The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) collaborates with state and local partners to improve how systems identify, support, and serve these children and youth, and to advance data-informed policies and coordinated practices statewide.

OCCY does not directly provide housing or shelter services. Instead, through the Office of Planning and Coordination and the Homeless Children & Youth Steering Committee, OCCY:

• Facilitates cross-agency coordination to align systems that touch children and youth experiencing homelessness
• Supports data-driven decision-making by identifying trends and gaps in existing services
• Develops policy recommendations to reduce barriers and strengthen statewide responses
• Elevates legislative and practice guidance to improve outcomes for children and youth at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness 

This collaborative approach supports educators, child-serving agencies, community partners, and policymakers in their efforts to prevent and respond to homelessness among children and youth across Oklahoma.

Oklahoma statute and federal law describe homeless children and youth as individuals age 21 or younger who:

• Lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence;
• Are staying in emergency or transitional shelters;
• Are living temporarily with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or other similar reasons;
• Or are residing in places not ordinarily used for human habitation.

This definition aligns with the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which is outlines who is considered homeless and the protections and support available to children and youth, as summarized by SchoolHouse Connection.

For more information, contact:

Danielle Dill, MPH
danielle.dill@occy.ok.gov
(405) 606-4902