Youth and Young Adults

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Being young and on your own, or not safe at home, is so hard. You're not in trouble for reaching out, and you don't have to figure it all out by yourself. There are people in New York who help young people just like you, every day.

Here is the easy first step: if you need a safe place or someone to talk to, call 1.800.RUNAWAY (800.786.2929). It's at no cost, private and open 24/7. You can also chat at 1800runaway.org.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
• This guide is for every young person: teens, young parents, LGBTQ+ youth, youth in or leaving foster care, young people with disabilities and immigrant youth. If something is for one group, we say so.
• In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.

Where can I go if I can't stay at home?

1.800.RUNAWAY, the National Runaway Safeline, is a great place to start. It gives at no cost, confidential support 24/7, listens without judging, and connects you with local help.

Call or text 800.786.2929, or chat at 1800runaway.org.

• New York's Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) funds runaway and homeless youth programs across the state, with emergency and longer term youth housing, in cities, suburbs and rural areas.
• In New York City, DYCD Drop In Centers are a safe space for ages 14 to 24, with no appointment needed. You can get food, clothing, showers, phone charging, health care and help finding shelter, regardless of immigration status. Some are open 24/7. Call DYCD Community Connect at 800.246.4646, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, or call 311.
• Youth shelters and programs near you are in the county list later in this guide.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.1800runaway.org/ and https://access.nyc.gov/programs/runaway-and-homeless-youth-drop-in-centers/

National Safe Place runs this no cost text service across the country.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nationalsafeplace.org/txt-4-help

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You're not in trouble

Calling a youth hotline doesn't mean you're in trouble. They're there to listen and help you stay safe. You did a smart thing by reaching out!

What if I'm leaving foster care?

In New York, you don't have to leave foster care at 18. Here's how it works.

• You can stay in foster care until age 21 if you agree to stay after you turn 18.
• If you leave before 21, you generally get a trial discharge of at least six months. During that time, the agency can bring you back into care if you need it.
• Even after a final discharge, young people ages 18 to 21 may be able to ask to come back into care, for example if they become homeless, generally within 24 months.
• In New York City, ACS has a page to help youth plan for leaving care.

Ask your caseworker or your agency about your choices. A lawyer for youth can help too, and it's at no cost.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nyc.gov/site/acs/youth/planning-future.page and https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/fostercare/bill-of-rights.php

Where you start doesn't decide where you end up. You've got a whole future ahead of you, friend.

From the Bunklow team

Can I go to college if I was in foster care?

Yes, and New York can help pay. The Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI) is for New York residents working on a first associate or bachelor's degree who were in foster care after age 13.

• At SUNY and CUNY, it can help with tuition and fees, books, transportation, meals and housing, depending on your school.
• You don't have to be in a special opportunity program to qualify at SUNY or CUNY.
• Ask your college financial aid office about FYCSI when you apply.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.suny.edu/fycsi/ and https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/student-affairs/programs-services/foster-youth-college-success-initiative-fycsi/

Can I get money for books and other school costs?

You may. New York's Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program gives eligible current and former foster youth up to $5,000 a year for college or job training costs.

• Funding must start before age 21 and can continue up to your 26th birthday, for up to five years in total.
• You must apply again each year. Funding is limited and given first come, first served, so apply early.
• Apply through the NYS ETV online portal.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/youth/etv.php

Can I stay in school if I don't have a stable home?

Yes. Students without stable housing can get help to stay in school, and every school district has a homeless education liaison to help.

Ask your school counselor or front office for the district's homeless liaison. In New York, NYS TEACHS answers questions at 800.388.2014.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://nche.ed.gov/mckinney-vento/ and https://www.nysteachs.org/

Where can I find a job or training?

• Job Corps, ages 16 to 24. Job Corps says it is a no cost career training and education program for young adults with low incomes, with housing and meals while you train. Call 800.733.5627.
• Career Centers. New York's Career Centers, and Workforce1 Career Centers in New York City, help with jobs and training. See Guide 6.
• Your library. No cost computers, WiFi and often help with resumes.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.jobcorps.gov/

Who can I talk to if I'm struggling?

• 988. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time.
• The Trevor Project. No cost, private support 24/7 for LGBTQ+ young people, by call, text or chat at thetrevorproject.org.
• 1.800.RUNAWAY. Call or text 800.786.2929, even if you just need to talk.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

What if I'm pregnant or a young parent?

You and your baby deserve care and support, and you can get it at any age.

• Health coverage. If you're pregnant, you and your children can apply for Medicaid at many clinics, hospitals and doctor's offices. Call your local department of social services to ask where. Child Health Plus covers kids under 19 whose families earn too much for Medicaid. Questions? Call 800.698.4543. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/ and https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/child_health_plus/
• WIC. The New York State Department of Health says WIC is a no cost nutrition program for people who are pregnant, people up to 6 months after giving birth (12 months if breastfeeding), and children under 5. It helps pay for healthy food and formula. If you get SNAP, Medicaid or the Essential Plan, you may qualify automatically. See Guide 4. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/
• Need a safe place for your little one during a crisis? In Rochester, The Center for Youth runs crisis nurseries. Call its 24 hour line at 585.271.7670. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://centerforyouth.net/

Is there help for LGBTQ+ young people?

Yes. You deserve to be safe and respected exactly as you are.

• The Trevor Project gives at no cost, private support 24/7 for LGBTQ+ young people. Call 866.488.7386, text 678678, or chat at thetrevorproject.org. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
• In New York City, DYCD Drop In Centers serve young people ages 14 to 24, regardless of immigration status, and some are open 24/7. The county list later in this guide has two in Manhattan. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://access.nyc.gov/programs/runaway-and-homeless-youth-drop-in-centers/
• Need a ride to a safe place? 1.800.RUNAWAY's Home Free program helps young people ages 12 to 21 get a safe ride back to a confirmed adult or safe place, at no cost to you. Call 800.786.2929. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.1800runaway.org/

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Save the numbers

Take a screenshot of the key numbers in this guide so you have them even without data. Easy peasy!

Do I need working papers to get a job?

In New York, if you are 14 to 17, you need working papers, also called an employment certificate, to hold most jobs. This is true even if you finished high school, or if you work for your parents.

The Department of Labor says there are three kinds:

• Blue papers, for ages 14 and 15. No factory work.
• Green papers, for ages 16 and 17 who are in school.
• Peach (salmon) papers, for ages 16 and 17 who are not in school, or are leaving school to work full time.

You don't need working papers for babysitting, caddying, household chores and yard work at home, or casual work at a nonprofit that doesn't use power machines. In 2027, the Department of Labor plans to move working papers online.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://dol.ny.gov/working-papers

How many hours can I work?

The Department of Labor sets limits so work doesn't get in the way of school. When school is in session:

• Ages 14 and 15: up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on other days, 18 hours a week, 6 days, between 7 am and 7 pm. From June 21 to Labor Day, you can work until 9 pm.
• Ages 16 and 17: up to 4 hours Monday to Thursday and 8 hours Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 28 hours a week, 6 days, between 6 am and 10 pm.
• Ages 16 and 17 can work until midnight before a school day only with written permission from a parent and the school.
• During a full week of vacation, ages 16 and 17 can work up to 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week, between 6 am and midnight.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://dol.ny.gov/youth-ages-14-17 and https://dol.ny.gov/working-papers

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Your safety comes first at work

You can't be made to use dangerous machines, do construction work or ride as a helper on a delivery truck before 18. If a job feels unsafe or a boss asks for too many hours, talk to a trusted adult or call 888.525.2267.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

New York State

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

New York City (all five boroughs)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Erie County (Buffalo)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Monroe County (Rochester)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Onondaga County (Syracuse)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. I believe in you. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Sources were first checked on October 16, 2026. New sources were added, and every link was checked again on October 18, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 18, 2026