Sec. 1. 22 MRSA c. 1071, sub-c. XIV is enacted to read:

SUBCHAPTER XIV

RUNAWAY AND HOMELESS YOUTH

§4095.__Short title

This subchapter may be known as the "Runaway and Homeless Youth Act of 1999."

§4096.__Definitions

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Emergency shelter.__"Emergency shelter" means a program certified by the department as providing short-term residential care to runaway and homeless youth.

2.__Homeless youth.__"Homeless youth" means a person over 12 years of age and under 21 years of age who does not have safe housing that serves as an ongoing place of residence.

3.__Runaway youth.__"Runaway youth" means a person over 12 years of age and under 18 years of age who leaves and remains away from home without permission from the person's parent or other legal guardian.

4.__Transitional living program.__"Transitional living program" means a community-based program certified by the department as providing long-term residential care and supportive services to runaway and homeless youth.

§4097.__Youth services

1.__Street outreach.__The department shall enhance the accessibility of the following resources for runaway and homeless youth:

A.__Street outreach and drop-in services that seek to contact and engage youth at risk of sexual exploitation; and

B.__Street outreach and drop-in services that provide food, clothing, shelter, crisis, counseling, case management and HIV prevention and other health services.