Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter, Operating Certificate

Homeless youth shelters need permits from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). OCFS works with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) to oversee shelters in New York City.

New York State has two types of shelters:

• Crisis shelter: Serves youth for 30-60 days. It is certified for youth who are either under age 18 or youth ages 16-20.
• Transitional independent living (TIL) shelter: Serves youth ages 16-20 for up to 18 months.

Youth enter and leave runaway homeless youth (RHY) programs by choice. Courts, the New York State Department of Social Services (DSS) or probation proceedings do not place youth in shelters. Contact DYCD to start the application process. DYCD will then work with OCFS to certify and oversee the shelter or program.

Programs must follow new rules on the food they provide.