Bill > H273

This bill establishes an Office of Youth Development within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, tasked with organizing and implementing pilot programs in several cities to provide a coordinated, comprehensive youth development services delivery system. The programs and activities will be offered outside of school hours, year-round, including on weekends, and will focus on developing social skills, preventing violence and gang involvement, improving educational and employment outcomes, and addressing public health concerns such as substance abuse and teen pregnancy. The programs will be implemented through contracts with federally qualified Community Health Centers, and will include a research component, community coordination, and the development of a youth worker certification program. The bill also sets up a dedicated fund to sustain the initiative for at least five years, with Boston being among the first communities to establish the Office of Youth Development.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H273