Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS)

	What is RHYMIS?
	What data do we collect?
	Why do we collect data?
	How is the information collected?
	How can you access RHYMIS data?
	How do I install RHYMIS?
	Where do grantees go for help?
	Forms

What is RHYMIS?
The Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS) is a national reporting system for programs receiving Federal runaway and homeless youth funds. Programs funded under the Runaway and Homeless Act (as amended) are required to record information about the youth and families they serve, including demographics, critical issues, and services received.

What data do we collect?
RHYMIS collects a host of confidential data on the young people served by the Basic Center, Transitional Living, and Street Outreach Programs, including:

• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Race/Ethnicity
• Living situation at entry
• Education level
• School status
• Employment status
• Critical issues
• Services provided
• Preventive services
• Living situation at exit
• Referral source

Why do we collect data?
Many people are interested in RHYMIS data, including:

1. The President. RHYMIS data justifies RHY funding in the President’s annual budget and illustrates the effectiveness of RHY agencies. Congressional authorizing and appropriations committees examine strategic goals, targets, and performance measures during the funding and appropriations process each year, and when new program directions are considered during the reauthorization process.
   
   
2. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB). OMB's Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART) is an intensive review rigorously applied to all Federal programs to determine effectiveness. Between 2003 and 2006, based on RHYMIS data, RHY more than doubled its PART score (from 42 to 85) and moved from the worst designation of "results not demonstrated" to the best rating, "effective."
   
   
3. Congress. The biannual Report to Congress on the Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs influences how Congress views the needs and issues of runaway and homeless youth and informs Congress on how the RHY budget is being spent.
   
   
4. FYSB. FYSB uses detailed analyses of RHYMIS data to identify promising practices, areas of concern, and trends in the caseload that suggest new problems or opportunities.
   
   
5. The private sector. Researchers use the data to understand the RHY population, advocates use it to push for more resources, and programs themselves use it to manage their caseloads, plan services, raise funds, and recruit volunteers. 

How is the information collected?
Grantees must file electronic reports every 6 months using RHYMIS software. The midyear report, covering data gathered October 1 through March 31, is due no later than April 15. The yearend report, covering April 1 through September 30, is due no later than October 15.

How can you access RHYMIS data?
To view RHYMIS data online and to create customized reports, visit: http://extranet.acf.hhs.gov/rhymis

How do I install RHYMIS?

Release notes (PDF, 770KB)

Installation guide (PDF, 130KB)

Where do grantees go for help?
For Technical Assistance on RHYMIS, contact:
Arlene Calabro, RHYMIS Support
acalabro@csc.com
(888) 749-6474, option 1 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm ET)
rhymis_help@csc.com

RHYMIS Forms

Basic Center Program Entrance Form (PDF, 42 KB)

Basic Center Program Exit Form (PDF, 36KB)

Basic Center Program Turnaway Form (PDF, 40KB)

Brief Service Contact Form (PDF, 58KB)

Street Outreach Program Report (PDF, 40KB)

Transitional Living Program Entrance Form (PDF, 412KB)

Transitional Living Program Exit Form (PDF, 545KB)

Transitional Living Program Turnaway Form (PDF, 29KB)