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National Needs Assessment

The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) is working with the Runaway and Homeless Youth Training, Technical Assistance, and Capacity Building Center (RHYTTAC) and Chapin Hall to conduct the annual National Needs Assessment (NNA). This assessment is administered to all Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) grantee organizations.  Grantee organizations are encouraged to participate in this web-based online assessment.

We encourage grantee organizations to participate in this web-based online assessment. Your organization’s participation is voluntary but strongly encouraged.  

Purpose of the Needs Assessment 

The goal of the needs assessment is to identify training needs for RHY grantee organizations in a variety of areas and to assess the utilization and experiences with existing training and technical assistance (TTA) provided by RHYTTAC.

FYSB and RHYTTAC use the results of the assessment to identify TTA priorities for the following year and how to best support grantee organizations in improving outcomes for youth. The assessment also helps ensure that RHYTTAC’s services best meet the needs of grantee organizations, leading to new and adapted TTA resources available to RHY grantee organizations in the future.

 

Here are some results in brief from the 2025 National Needs Assessment: 

Infographic summarizing the 2025 National Needs Assessment (NNA) survey by RHYTTAC. ​ 63% of FYSB-funded RHY grantees responded, representing diverse programs, regions, and communities. ​ Key findings include TTA needs, priorities, and practices to support youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness. ​

Some of the 2025 Assessment findings: Grantees need TTA on staff development, youth outcomes measurement, mental health, program sustainability, and youth engagement. ​ 92% require TTA for measuring core outcomes: housing, connections, education/employment, and well-being. ​ 70% need TTA for EBPs, 90% for CQI practices. ​ TTA is also needed for cross-system collaboration with behavioral health, education, and medical systems. ​

This infographic outlines the Training and Technical Assistance Needs (TTA) of RHY Grantees for 2021-2025. It highlights the most requested TTA and capacity building topics to improve programs and outcomes for youth. The topics are categorized into six areas: Safe and Stable Housing, Education or Employment, Permanent Connections, Social-Emotional Wellbeing, Cross-Cutting Topics, and Leadership & Operations. Theses topics reflect the ongoing needs of RHY Grantees.

 Last updated 2/9/2026