§ 80-5-602 — Homeless youth -- Consent to shelter, care, or services by a homeless youth.

(1) As used in this section:

(1)(a) "Care" means providing:
(1)(a)(i) assistance to obtain food, clothing, hygiene products, or other basic necessities;
(1)(a)(ii) access to a bed, showering facility, or transportation; or
(1)(a)(iii) assistance with school enrollment or attendance.
(1)(b) "Licensed services" means a service provided by a temporary homeless youth shelter, a youth services center, or other facility that is licensed to provide the service to a homeless youth.
(1)(c) "Service" means:
(1)(c)(i) youth services;
(1)(c)(ii) child welfare or juvenile court case management or advocacy;
(1)(c)(iii) aftercare services; or
(1)(c)(iv) independent living skills training.
(2) A homeless youth may consent to temporary shelter, care, or licensed services if the homeless youth:

(2)(a) is at least 15 years old; and
(2)(b) manages the homeless youth's own financial affairs, regardless of the source of income.
(3) In determining consent under Subsection (2), a person may rely on the homeless youth's verbal or written statement describing the homeless youth's ability to consent to temporary shelter, care, or licensed services.
(4) A person who provides shelter, care, or licensed services to a homeless youth who consents to the shelter, care, or licensed services under Subsection (2):

(4)(a) shall report to the division as required under Subsection 80-5-601(4); and
(4)(b) may provide the homeless youth a referral to temporary or permanent housing, employment resources, medical or dental providers, or counseling.

Legislative History

Amended by Chapter 256, 2021 General Session; Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 261, 2021 General Session