New law will reach out to homeless youth, runaways in Maine

Maine Homeless youths helped by law

AUGUSTA, Maine — State services to help homeless youths and runaways in Maine will be bolstered under a bill that’s been signed into law.

Gov. John Baldacci yesterday marked enactment of the bill with its sponsors.

Sen. Justin Alfond’s bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to enter into contracts with agencies to provide street and community outreach, drop-in programs, emergency shelter and other services. Monitoring will be in place to ensure quality and track homeless rates.

Alfond is a Portland Democrat. His bill goes into effect 90 days after the close of the Legislative session.