Guide to TA

The Runaway and Homeless Youth Training, Technical Assistance, and Capacity Building Center, operated by Youth Collaboratory, is designed to provide Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB)-funded Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) grantees and allies in the field with training and technical assistance (TA) services and support. 

Online Resources

These resources are tailored to and designed by professionals who work with youth and young adults impacted by runaway and homeless situations. Anyone can access these resources at no cost.

• Web-based learning opportunities and materials, and peer networking on the RHYTTAC eLearning and Community of Practice platform
• Articles, research, tip sheets, toolkits, videos, and other resources addressing topics like RHY-HMIS data entry, positive youth development, and trauma-informed care on the RHYTTAC website
• Recordings from the National Training in 2020 and more on our YouTube channel
• Information distributed by RHYTTAC via social media on Facebook and Twitter
• Resources and support for young people, adults, and professionals impacted by runaway and homelessness situations from the National Runaway Safeline
• Resources for organizations that support runaway and homeless youth and their families with programs and services through the National Resource Database
• Guidance on RHY-HMIS data collection and uploads including access to the RHY-HMIS Service Desk
• Explore the RHY Grantee Foundational Resources for guidance on effectively implementing RHY grants and complying with RHY requirements.

Types of Technical Assistance Events

These events are tailored to and designed by RHY grantees and allies in the field to facilitate learning and sharing between peer professionals, youth leaders, and organizations.   

• Annual RHY National Grantee Training

• Regional Meetings of FYSB-funded RHY grantees
• TA Cafes (informal topical sessions)
• Webinars

Individualized Technical Assistance

These services are scheduled individually and are designed to meet the specific needs of a program/organization. RHYTTAC provides two levels of technical assistance (TA).

• Brief TA - Provide a resource or consultation on a specific topic to enhance organizational/program practices or address a challenge.
• Intensive TA - Engage in an initial meeting to assess needs, and to identify the strengths and resources available to draw upon. Then, RHYTTAC and the requesting organization create a collaborative TA plan and work in partnership to meet goals and timelines. This may involve virtual and/or in-person meetings, training, coaching, and resource sharing, depending on organizational and program needs.

Technical assistance may be provided by staff or subject matter expert consultants of RHYTTAC, based on the individual request. Topics may include all aspects of RHY program development and implementation, as well as capacity building within the organization, system, and community.

Example topics include:

• Coordinated Entry and working within the Continuum of Care (CoC)
• Collaboration with the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project (YHDP)
• Youth leadership models and practices
• Aftercare
• Outreach strategies
• Youth engagement and Positive Youth Development (PYD)
• Culturally responsive services
• Engaging cross-system partners (i.e., education, child welfare, mental health)
• Intake and assessment
• Nonprofit leadership and board engagement
• Trauma-informed care
• Policies and procedures
• Harm Reduction and Stages of Change
• Attracting, hiring, and retaining staff
• Mental health support for youth and staff

How to Access Support for Your Organization   

• Access online articles and resources on our website
• Register for events
• Participate in RHYTTAC’s eLearning and Community of Practice
• Request individualized Technical Assistance
• Email us at [email protected]
• Call us at (412) 399-5747

RHYTTAC Points of Contact