Bill > H293

This bill proposes establishing a state-wide Office of Youth Development within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, specifically targeting urban youth between ages seven and eighteen who are facing significant social challenges. The office will implement pilot programs in eight cities (Boston, Springfield, New Bedford, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Holyoke, and Worcester) designed to address critical issues such as criminal justice involvement, violence, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and educational deficits. Programs will be offered year-round and outside of school hours, focusing on skill-building, social development, and career opportunities, with design elements inspired by historical work programs like the WPA and CCC. The office will be implemented through contracts with Community Health Centers, include a research component to analyze successful strategies, develop a community youth worker certification program, create a management information system, and provide services like court diversion and mini-grants to community agencies. A dedicated fund will be established to support the initiative for five years, with Springfield being among the first communities to receive the program. The underlying goal is to proactively address the negative social and economic indicators affecting urban youth and prevent potential long-term societal challenges.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H293