Bill > LD1389

This bill establishes the Building Opportunity Through Out-of-school Time Program, a competitive grant program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, to expand and enhance structured out-of-school programming for school-age youth, defined as children aged 5 to 13. The program aims to improve social, emotional, academic, or vocational skills, prevent teenage pregnancies, reduce negative behaviors, provide safe environments, and engage youth in career exploration, with funding coming from a dedicated, nonlapsing fund that can accept both public and private sources. Eligible providers, including community-based nonprofit organizations, libraries, and statewide youth-serving nonprofit organizations, can receive grants to support their programming, with a priority given to those demonstrating a commitment to serving at-risk youth, reducing access barriers like transportation and enrollment costs, and integrating trauma-informed approaches. The bill also outlines reporting requirements for the department to the Legislature, detailing grant awards, criteria, and grantee information, and includes a small initial appropriation to establish the program fund, with further implementation contingent on sufficient legislative funding.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1389&snum=132