Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the RHY Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) Provider?
Answer: The Runaway and Homeless Youth Training and Technical Assistance Center (RHYTTAC) is part of the National Resource Center for Youth Services (NRCYS) within The University of Oklahoma. The Center has been serving the youth services community for more than thirty years, providing training and technical assistance to programs in Oklahoma and nationally. NRCYS was awarded a cooperative agreement by the Family Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) to provide, tools, technical assistance, training and information to assist the approximately 750 FYSB funded Runaway and Homeless Youth grantees.
 
What is Technical Assistance (TA)?
Answer: The Runaway and Homeless Youth Technical Assistance Center (RHYTAC) provides tools, and information to assist FYSB RHY grantees so they may engage in continuous quality improvement of their services and to build their capacity to effectively serve runaway and homeless youth. Technical assistance services can include the provision of timely resources, telephone information and consultation, and on-site assessment and consultation to address program specific needs. For more information on RHYTTAC's Three-Tiered Approach to TA click here.
 
Can I get help over the phone or by e-mail?
Answer: Yes, contact us directly from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST at 1 (800) 806-2711 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 
What is a Technical Assistance Clinic?
Answer: A Technical Assistance clinic is designed for agency staff to come together with peers around a specific topical issue to participate in facilitated discussions regarding common issues and develop helpful strategies to improve the effectiveness of their programs.
 
How much do Training and Technical Assistance services cost grantees?
Answer: Training and technical assistance services provided by RHYTTAC are available free to FYSB funded grantees. Travel costs and per diem expenses for agency staff will be incurred by the agency when staff attend a training or technical assistance clinic.
 
How do I register for a technical assistance clinic or training event?
Answer: When a new technical assistance clinic or training event is posted to the RHYTTAC website, a link to the online registration form will be provided. Fill in all of the required pieces of information (i.e. Name, Agency, Address, etc.). When you submit this form electronically or via fax at (918) 660-3737, your registration will be received by a Conference Specialists who will register you.
 
How do I verify registration for a technical assistance clinic or training event?
Answer: Once your registration has been submitted and entered into the RHYTTAC registration system, you will receive a confirmation email from RHYTTAC. This normally takes one business day.
 
Who delivers the Training and Technical Assistance services?
Answer: Training and Technical Assistance services are delivered by a coordinated network of consultants. RHYTTAC's network of consultants have extensive experience in both the direct provision of runaway and homeless youth services, and the provision of training and technical assistance services to runaway and homeless youth providers.
 
What principles guide the delivery of Training and Technical Assistance services?
Answer: The following principles guide RHYTTAC services: (click on each link below to read more about each core principle)
Youth Development
Collaboration
Cultural Competence
Permanent Connections
 
How do I access Training and Technical Assistance materials?
Answer: To find and access learning materials developed by RHYTTAC and additional experts in the field including manuals, tip sheets, sample forms, effective practices and other materials click here to review available resources.
 
Are the RHYTTAC services only available for organizations receiving Family Youth Services Bureau funding?
Answer: Information and resources are available to the general public.  However, training and technical assistance are limited to FYSB RHY funded agencies.
 
Can I get someone to come to my organization and consult with us?
Answer: Yes, if your agency has specific technical assistance requirement(s) in response to a monitoring report or if your agency has specific needs with regard to capacity building and service provision for RHY youth and their families, assistance can be provided by RHYTTAC. If you have a current technical assistance need click here to complete the form or call (800) 806-2711 to request technical assistance.
 
How does RHYTTAC determine where training events and technical assistance clinics are conducted?
Answer: In conjunction with FYSB, RHYTTAC selects the sites for Training and Technical Assistance events based on a series of criteria. Geographic distribution of grantees, proximity to a location that is accessible by several agencies and programmatic trends are only a few of the items reviewed for selecting sites. Additional factors such as hotel availability, meeting space for participants, and transportation options may also impact site selections.
 
How does RHYTTAC determine which training event topics or technical assistance clinics topics are delivered?

Answer: RHYTTAC selects the topics for Training and Technical Assistance events based on a series of criteria:

  • Review of the topics/issues that have been most requested by the grantees through our 1 (800) number, emails, phone calls, etc.
  • Review of any new legislation that may require changes or additions to program services such as the new RHY Act legislation requiring programs to implement an Emergency Preparedness and Management Plan.
  • Surveys of programs to get input from the grantees on the topics or issues needed by the field.
  • Surveys of FYSB Federal Project Officers to collect information on trends and issues identified through program monitoring.
  • Mapping of the newest grantees and their locations to see if or what would best serve their immediate needs within reasonable proximity to their programs.
  • Finally, RHYTTAC compiles all the information gathered and determines the highest priorities for Training and Tier 2 Technical Assistance in conjunction with FYSB.