2000
[DOCID: f:h17ih.txt]
107th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 17
To provide assistance to mobilize and support United States communities
in carrying out youth development programs that assure that all youth
have access to programs and services that build the competencies and
character development needed to fully prepare the youth to become
adults and effective citizens.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 3, 2001
Mr. George Miller of California (for himself, Mrs. Roukema, Mr. Gilman,
Mr. Quinn, and Mr. Clement) introduced the following bill; which was
referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide assistance to mobilize and support United States communities
in carrying out youth development programs that assure that all youth
have access to programs and services that build the competencies and
character development needed to fully prepare the youth to become
adults and effective citizens.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
TITLE I--SHORT TITLE; POLICY; FINDINGS; DEFINITIONS
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Younger Americans Act''.
SEC. 102. A NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY.
Congress hereby resolves, in keeping with the traditional United
States concept that youth are the Nation's most valuable resource, that
youth of the Nation need, and it is the joint and several duty and
responsibility of governments of the United States, of the several
States and political subdivisions, and of Indian tribes, to assure that
all youth have access to the full array of core resources, including--
(1) ongoing relationships with caring adults;
(2) safe places with structured activities;
(3) access to services that promote healthy lifestyles,
including those designed to improve physical and mental health;
(4) opportunities to acquire marketable skills and
competencies; and
(5) opportunities for community service and civic
participation.
SEC. 103. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) young people under 18 years of age are now our most
impoverished age group with 1 of every 5 living in poverty, a
higher proportion than in 1968, with the percentage for
minority children being about twice as high;
(2) more than 1 of 4 families is headed by a single parent
and the percentage of such families headed by such single
parents has risen steadily over the past few decades, rising 13
percent since 1990;
(3) approximately 8,000,000 school-age children under 14
years of age spend time without adult supervision on a regular
basis;
(4) an estimated 11,000,000 American children have no
health insurance and 9 out of 10 of such children have parents
who work;
(5) a need exists to address the developmental needs of all
youth while providing more intensive support for youth in
communities where need is greatest;
(6) there is a need to engage youth as active participants
in decision-making that affects their lives, including design,
development, implementation, and evaluation of youth
development programs at the Federal, State, and community
levels;
(7) existing outcome driven youth development strategies,
pioneered by community-based organizations, hold real promise
for promoting positive behaviors and preventing youth problems;
(8) formal evaluations of youth development programs have
documented significant improvements in interpersonal skills,
quality of peer and adult relationships, self-control,
cognitive competencies, commitment to schooling, and academic
achievement;
(9) formal evaluations of youth development programs have
documented significant reductions in drug and alcohol use,
school misbehavior, aggressive behavior, violence, truancy,
high-risk sexual behavior, and smoking;
(10) compared to American youth generally, youth
participating in community-based organizations are more than 26
percent more likely to report having received recognition for
good grades than American youth generally and nearly 20 percent
more likely to rate the likelihood of their going to college as
``very high'';
(11) a partnership between the public and private sector to
promote access to the full array of core resources for youth
who need such resources is necessary because the private sector
alone does not have the capacity to promote such access; and
(12) the availability and use of Federal resources can be
an effective incentive to leverage broader community support to
enable local programs, activities and services to provide the
full array of developmental core resources, remove barriers to
access, promote program effectiveness, and facilitate
coordination and collaboration within the community.
SEC. 104. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Area agency on youth.--The term ``area agency on
youth'' means an area agency on youth designated under section
304(a)(2)(A).
(2) Associate commissioner.--The term ``Associate
Commissioner'' means the Associate Commissioner of the Family
and Youth Services Bureau of the Administration on Children,
Youth, and Families of the Department of Health and Human
Services.
(3) Community-based.--The term ``community-based'', used
with respect to an organization, means an organization that--
(A) is representative of a community or significant
segment of a community; and
(B) is engaged in providing services to the
community.
(4) Community board.--The term ``community board'' means a
community board established in accordance with section 307(a).
(5) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the Office on National Youth Policy.
(6) Funding and coordinating agency.--The term ``funding
and coordinating agency'' means an organization directed by a
board with a wide representation from the community which
generates and distributes charitable health and human service
funds for diverse human service programs and coordinates the
efforts of multiple agencies as needed or called upon but does
not itself provide direct services to children, youth, or their
families.
(7) Indian.--The term ``Indian'' has the meaning given the
term in section 4(d) of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(d)).
(8) Native American organization.--The term ``Native
American organization'' means--
(A) a tribal organization, as defined in section
4(l) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(l));
(B) a Native Hawaiian Organization, as defined in
section 4009(4) of the Augustus F. Hawkins-Robert T.
Stafford Elementary and Secondary School Improvement
Amendments of 1988 (20 U.S.C. 4909(4));
(C) an Alaska Native Village Corporation or
Regional Corporation as defined in or established
pursuant to the Alaskan Native Claims Settlement Act
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(43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.); or
(D) a private nonprofit organization established
for the purpose of serving youth who are Indians or
Native Hawaiians.
(9) Native hawaiian.--The term ``Native Hawaiian'' has the
meaning given the term in section 4009(1) of the Augustus F.
Hawkins-Robert T. Stafford Elementary and Secondary School
Improvement Amendments of 1988 (20 U.S.C. 4909(1)).
(10) Office.--The term ``Office'' means the Office of
National Youth Policy.
(11) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Health and Human Services.
(12) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several
States of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(13) Unit of general purpose local government.--The term
``unit of general purpose local government'' means--
(A) a political subdivision of a State whose
authority is general and not limited to only 1 function
or combination of related functions; or
(B) a Native American organization.
(14) Youth.--The term ``youth'' means an individual who is
not younger than age 10 and not older than age 19.
(15) Youth development organization.--The term ``youth
development'', used with respect to an organization, means a
public or private youth-serving organization with a major
emphasis on providing youth development programs.
(16) Youth development programs.--The term ``youth
development programs'' means programs that prepare youth to
contribute to their communities and to meet the challenges of
adolescence and adulthood through a structured, progressive
series of activities and experiences that (in contrast to
deficit-based approaches that focus solely on youth problems)--
(A) help the youth obtain social, emotional,
ethical, physical, and cognitive competencies; and
(B) address the broader developmental resources all
children and youth need, such as the core resources
described in section 101.
(17) Youth-serving organization.--The term ``youth-
serving'', used with respect to an organization, means a public
or private organization with a primary focus on providing youth
development programs, or health, mental health, fitness,
education, workforce preparation, substance abuse prevention,
child welfare, psychological, parenting, recreation, teen
pregnancy prevention, rehabilitative, or residential services,
to youth.
TITLE II--COORDINATION OF NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY
SEC. 201. OFFICE ON NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Executive Office of
the President an Office of National Youth Policy.
(b) Administration.--The Office of National Youth Policy
established under subsection (a) shall be administered by a Director
who shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of
the Senate.
(c) Responsibilities.--The Director appointed under subsection (b)
shall--
(1) establish, in cooperation with the Associate
Commissioner, policies, objectives, and priorities for programs
funded under this Act;
(2) serve as an effective and visible advocate for youth in
the Federal Government, and with other departments, agencies,
and instrumentalities of the Federal Government, by actively
reviewing and commenting on all Federal policies affecting
youth;
(3) develop mechanisms to resolve administrative and
programmatic conflicts between Federal programs that would be
barriers to parents, community-based, youth-serving, and youth
development organizations, local government entities, education
entities, older adult organizations, faith-based organizations,
and organizations supporting youth in service related to the
coordination of services and funding for programs promoting
access to the full array of core resources described in section
102 of this Act; and
(4) consult with and assist State and local governments
with respect to barriers they encounter related to the
coordination of services and funding for programs under this
Act.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purposes of carrying
out this title, there are authorized to be appropriated $500,000 for
fiscal year 2002 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years, to remain available until expended.
SEC. 202. COUNCIL ON NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY.
(a) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--There is hereby established in the Office
a Council on National Youth Policy (referred to in this section
as the ``Council'').
(2) Composition.--
(A) Number.--The Council shall be composed of 12
members.
(B) Qualifications.--The President shall appoint
the 12 members of the Council from among--
(i) individuals who have expertise or
experience with youth development or youth-
serving programs, especially those serving
rural and inner-city urban youth;
(ii) representatives of national
organizations with an interest in youth
development programs;
(iii) representatives of business;
(iv) representatives of minorities; and
(v) parents.
(C) Age.--At least \1/3\ of the individuals
appointed shall be younger than age 21 at the time of
appointment.
(D) Limitations.--No full-time officer or employee
of the Federal Government may be appointed to be a
member of the Council.
(b) Appointment and Terms.--
(1) Terms.--Except as otherwise provided in this section, a
member of the Council shall serve for a term of 3 years, which
shall end on March 31 regardless of the actual date of the
appointment of the member.
(2) Service.--Members of the Council shall serve without
regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code.
(c) Service During Vacancies.--Any member appointed to fill a
vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which such
member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder
of such term. Members shall be eligible for appointment and may
continue to serve after the expiration of their terms until their
successors have taken office.
(d) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the Council shall not affect the
powers of the Council, but shall be filled in the same manner as the
original appointment was made.
(e) Chairperson.--The President shall designate a Chairperson for
the Council from among the members appointed to the Council.
(f) Meetings.--The Council shall meet at the call of the
Chairperson at least twice a year.
(g) Duties.--The Council shall--
(1) advise and assist the President on matters regarding
the core resources youth need and the capacity of youth to
contribute to the Nation and their communities;
(2) directly advise the Director and the Associate
Commissioner on matters affecting the youth development needs
of youth for services and assistance under this Act;
(3) make recommendations to the President, to the Director,
to the Secretary, to the Associate Commissioner, and to
Congress with respect to Federal po
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licies regarding youth; and
(4) provide public forums for discussion, publicize the
core resources youth need, and obtain information relating to
assuring all youth access to the full array of core resources
described in section 102, by conducting public hearings, and by
conducting or sponsoring conferences, workshops, and other such
meetings.
(h) Travel Expenses.--Members of the Council shall not receive
compensation for the performance of services for the Council, but shall
be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence,
at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of
chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes
or regular places of business in the performance of services for the
Council. Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code,
the Director may accept the voluntary and uncompensated services of
members of the Council.
(i) Reports.--Not later than March 31 of 2003 and each subsequent
year, the Council shall prepare and submit to the President an annual
report of the findings and recommendations of the Council. The
President shall transmit each such report to Congress together with
comments and recommendations.
(j) Permanent Committee.--Section 14 of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Council.
(k) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $250,000 for fiscal year 2002
and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2003 through 2006.
TITLE III--GRANTS FOR STATE AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
SEC. 301. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this title is to encourage and assist State
agencies, community boards, and area agencies on youth to mobilize and
support communities in planning, implementing, and being accountable
for strategies that link community-based organizations, local
government, volunteer centers, schools, faith-based organizations,
business, and other segments of the community in assuring that all
youth have access to the full array of core resources consisting of--
(1) ongoing relationships with caring adults;
(2) safe places with structured activities;
(3) access to services that promote healthy lifestyles,
including those designed to improve physical and mental health;
(4) opportunities to acquire marketable skills and
competencies; and
(5) opportunities for community service and civic
participation.
SEC. 302. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title
$500,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, $750,000,000 for fiscal year 2003,
$1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2004, $1,500,000,000 for fiscal year
2005, and $2,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2006.
SEC. 303. ALLOTMENTS TO STATES.
(a) Reservations.--From sums appropriated under section 302 for
each fiscal year, the Associate Commissioner shall reserve--
(1) 95 percent of the sums for allotments to States to
enable the States to make allocations to area agencies on
youth;
(2) 1 percent of the sums for grants to Native American
organizations to carry out activities consistent with the
objectives of this title;
(3) 1 percent of the sums for grants to outlying areas to
carry out activities consistent with the objectives of this
title; and
(4) 3 percent of the sums for Federal discretionary
programs aimed at demonstrating ways to respond to the special
developmental needs of youth--
(A) in correctional facilities and other out-of-
home residential settings;
(B) in areas with high concentrations of poverty;
(C) in rural areas; and
(D) in situations where youth are at higher risk
due to abuse, neglect, disconnection from family,
disconnection from school, or another community risk
factor.
(b) Use of Funds.--For each fiscal year for which a State receives
a State allotment, the State shall ensure that funds shall be used for
the purpose of conducting community-based youth development programs
that--
(1) recognize the primary role of the family in positive
youth development in order to strengthen families;
(2) promote the involvement of youth (including program
participants), parents, and other community members in the
planning and implementation of the programs, activities, and
services;
(3) coordinate services with other youth and family
services in the community;
(4) eliminate barriers, such as transportation, cost, and
service delivery location to the access of core youth
development services;
(5) provide, directly or through written contract, a broad
variety of accessible programs, activities, and services for
youth that are designed to assist youth in acquiring skills and
competencies necessary to make a successful transition from
childhood to adulthood;
(6) incorporate activities that foster relationships
between positive adult role models and youth, provide age-
appropriate activities, engage youth in, and promote, positive
youth development, including activities such as--
(A) youth clubs, character development activities,
mentoring, community service, leadership development,
recreation, literacy and educational tutoring;
(B) sports, workforce readiness, peer counseling,
fine and performing arts; and
(C) camping and environmental education, cultural
enrichment, risk avoidance programs, academic
enrichment, and participant-defined special interest
groups, courses, or club; and
(7) employ strong outreach efforts to engage the
participation of a wide range of youth, families, and service
providers.
(c) Allotments.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), from
sums reserved under subsection (a)(1), the Associate
Commissioner shall allot to each State the sum (referred to in
this title as the ``State allotment'') of--
(A) an amount that bears the same relation to \1/2\
of the reserved sums as the number of individuals who
are not younger than age 10 and not older than age 19
in the State bears to the number of such individuals in
all the States; and
(B) an amount that bears the same relation to \1/2\
of the reserved sums as the number of youth who are
receiving free or reduced price lunches under the
school lunch program established under the Richard B.
Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et
seq.) in the State bears to the number of such youth in
all the States.
(2) State minimum.--No State shall be allotted less than
0.40 percent of the reserved sums for a fiscal year.
(3) Determinations.--For purposes of this subsection, the
number of individuals in the State who are not younger than age
10 and not older than age 19 in any State and in all the
States, and the number of youth who are receiving free or
reduced price lunches under the school lunch program
established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act in
any State and in all the States, shall be determined by the Associate
Commissioner on the basis of the most recent data available from the
Bureau of the Census, and other reliable demographic data satisfactory
to the Associate Commissioner.
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(d) Reallotments.--Whenever the Associate Commissioner determines
that any amount allotted to a State for a fiscal year under this
section will not be used by such State for carrying out the purpose for
which the allotment was made, the Associate Commissioner shall make
such amount available for carrying out such purpose to 1 or more other
States to the extent the Associate Commissioner determines that such
other States will be able to use such amount for carrying out such
purpose.
(e) Withholding.--If the Associate Commissioner finds that any
State has failed to meet the State plan requirements of section 305 or
the Associate Commissioner does not approve the in-State funding
formula required under section 306(b), the Associate Commissioner shall
withhold the State allotment from such State. The Associate
Commissioner shall disburse the funds withheld directly to any entity
that is a public or private institution, organization, or agency, or
unit of general local government of such State that submits an approved
plan described in section 308, if the plan includes an agreement that
the entity will make available (directly or through donations from
public or private entities) non-Federal contributions, in cash or in
kind, in an amount equal to a percentage determined for the State of
the funds.
SEC. 304. STATE AGENCIES AND PLANNING AND MOBILIZATION AREAS.
(a) State Agencies.--In order for a State to be eligible to receive
a State allotment under this title--
(1) the State shall, in accordance with regulations issued
by the Associate Commissioner, designate a State agency as the
sole State agency to--
(A) develop a State plan to be submitted to the
Associate Commissioner for approval pursuant to section
305;
(B) administer the plan in the State;
(C) be primarily responsible for the planning,
policy development, administration, coordination,
priority setting, and evaluation of all State
activities related to the objectives of this Act;
(D) serve as an effective and visible advocate for
youth by reviewing and commenting on all State plans,
budgets, and policies that affect youth; and
(E) divide the State into distinct planning and
mobilization areas, after considering the views offered
by units of general purpose local government and
appropriate public or private agencies and
organizations in the State, in accordance with
regulations issued by the Associate Commissioner; and
(2) the State agency shall--
(A) designate for each such area, after
consideration of the views offered by the units of
general local government and by agencies and
organizations in such areas, a public or private
nonprofit agency or organization to serve as the area
agency on youth for such area;
(B) provide assurances that the State agency will
solicit and take into account, with regard to general
policy related to the development and the
administration of the State plan for any fiscal year,
the views of youth who are the recipients of services
provided for in the plan;
(C) in accordance with guidelines issued by the
Associate Commissioner, make allocations to designated
area agencies on youth with mobilization and planning
areas pursuant to section 306(b);
(D) provide reasonable assurances that Federal
funds made available under this title for the State for
any period will be used to supplement, and not
supplant, the State, local, and other funds that would
in the absence of such Federal funds be made available
for the programs, services, and activities described in
this title;
(E) coordinate the activities of the State agency
with other State agencies and offices, including--
(i) State Commissions on National and
Community Service established under section 178
of the National and Community Service Act of
1990 (42 U.S.C. 12638);
(ii) entities carrying out programs under
the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C.
5701 et seq.) and other programs under the
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act
of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5601 et seq.);
(iii) entities carrying out independent
living programs;
(iv) entities carrying out foster care
programs;
(v) youth councils established under
section 117(h) of the Workforce Investment Act
of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2832(h)); and
(vi) entities carrying out 21st Century
Community Learning Centers under part I of
title X of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8241 et seq.);
and
(F) compile reports from area agencies on youth,
including outcome data and evaluation information
regarding programs funded under this title, and provide
an annual report to the Associate Commissioner, and
provide a copy of such report to the Director.
(b) Planning and Mobilization Areas.--
(1) Unit of general purpose local government.--
(A) Criteria.--In carrying out subsection (a)(1),
the State agency may designate as a planning and
mobilization area any unit of general purpose local
government that has a population of 100,000 or more. In
particular, the State agency may designate such a unit
as a planning and mobilization area if the unit has
been engaged in youth development program planning and
mobilization, such as a ``community of promise''
coordinated by America's Promise: the Alliance for
Youth.
(B) Hearing.--In any case in which a unit of
general local government applies to the State agency to
be designated as a planning and mobilization area under
this paragraph, the State agency shall, upon request,
provide an opportunity for a hearing to such unit of
general purpose local government.
(2) Region.--The State agency may designate as a planning
and mobilization area under subsection (a)(1) any region in the
State that includes 1 or more units of general purpose local
government if the State agency determines that the designation
of such a regional planning and mobilization area is necessary
for, and will enhance, the effective administration of the
programs authorized by this title.
(3) Additional areas.--The State agency may include in any
planning and mobilization area designated under subsection
(a)(1) such additional areas adjacent to a unit of general
purpose local government or as the State agency determines to
be necessary for and will enhance the effective administration
of the programs authorized by this title.
(4) Indian reservations.--The State agency, in carrying out
subse
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ction (a)(1), shall to the extent practicable include all
portions of an Indian reservation in a single planning and
mobilization area.
SEC. 305. STATE PLANS.
(a) In General.--To be eligible to receive a State allotment under
this title, a State shall submit to the Associate Commissioner a State
plan, for a 2-, 3-, or 4-year period determined by the State agency, at
such time, in such manner, and meeting such criteria as the Associate
Commissioner may by regulation prescribe, and shall make such annual
revisions as may be necessary to the plan.
(b) Contents.--Each such State plan shall contain assurances that
the plan is based on area plans developed under section 308 by area
agencies on youth in the State and that the State has prepared and
distributed a uniform format for use by area agencies on youth in
developing the area plans.
SEC. 306. DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS FOR STATE ACTIVITIES AND LOCAL
ALLOCATIONS.
(a) In General.--From a State allotment made under this title for
any fiscal year--
(1)(A) the State agency may use such amount as the State
agency determines to be appropriate, but not more than 7
percent, for the purposes of subparagraphs (B) and (C);
(B) the State agency may use such amount as the State
agency determines to be appropriate, but not more than 4
percent of the State allotment, for paying the cost of--
(i) reviewing area plans and distributing funds to
area agencies on youth; and
(ii) assisting community boards and area agencies
on youth in carrying out activities under this title;
and
(C) the State agency may use such amount as the State
agency determines to be appropriate, but not less than 3
percent and not more than 7 percent of the State allotment, for
making State discretionary grants to respond to the special
developmental needs of youth--
(i) in correctional facilities and other out-of-
home residential settings;
(ii) in areas with high concentrations of poverty;
(iii) in rural areas; and
(iv) in situations where youth are at greater risk
due to abuse, neglect, disconnection from family,
disconnection from school, or another community risk
factor; and
(2) the State agency shall use the remainder of such
allotment to make allocations under subsection (b) to area
agencies on youth associated with planning and mobilization
areas, to pay for the cost of programs under this title that
are specified in area plans that--
(A) are developed through a comprehensive and
coordinated system of planning;
(B) have been approved by the community board; and
(C) have been approved by the State agency.
(b) Allocations.--From the remainder of the State allotment
described in subsection (a)(2), the State agency, using the best
available data, shall allocate for each planning and mobilization area
in the State--
(1) an amount that bears the same relation to \1/2\ of the
remainder as the number of individuals who are not younger than
age 10 and not older than age 19 in the planning and mobilization area
bears to the number of such individuals in the State; and
(2) an amount that bears the same relation to \1/2\ of the
remainder as the number of youth who are receiving free or
reduced price lunches under the school lunch program
established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch
Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) in the planning and mobilization
area bears to the number of such youth in the State.
(c) Non-federal share.--A State that uses funds under this title
for the purposes of section 306(a)(1)(B) shall match such sums so used
on a dollar-for-dollar basis in cash.
SEC. 307. COMMUNITY BOARDS AND AREA AGENCIES ON YOUTH.
(a) Community Board.--
(1) Selection.--
(A) Local governments and funding and coordinating
agencies.--Except as otherwise provided in this
paragraph, in order to receive funds from a State
pursuant to this title, a planning and mobilization
area shall have a community board appointed and
convened jointly by the chief executive officer of a
local funding and coordinating agency in the area and
the chief executive officers of units of general local
government in the area.
(B) Private agencies and local governments.--In the
event that a local funding and coordinating agency is
not represented in the planning and mobilization area,
or the chief executive officer of a local funding and
coordinating agency in the area is unwilling or unable
to participate in jointly appointing and convening the
community board, the State agency, after consideration
of the views offered by the units of general local
government and by nonprofit agencies and organizations
in such area, shall designate a private nonprofit
agency or organization in the area to appoint and
convene the community board jointly with the chief
executive officers of units of general local government
in the area.
(C) Local funding and coordinating agencies and
public entities.--In the event that a chief executive
officer of a unit of general local government in the
planning and mobilization area is unwilling or unable
to participate in jointly appointing and convening the
community board, the State agency, after consideration
of the views offered by the units of general local
government and by youth-serving agencies and
organizations in such area, shall designate an
executive official of a public entity in the area to
appoint and convene the community board jointly with
the chief executive officer of a local funding and
coordinating agency.
(D) Existing entity.--An existing entity in the
planning and mobilization area may serve as the
community board if--
(i) such entity's membership meets the
requirements for a community board or is
adapted to meet such requirements;
(ii) such entity's membership was appointed
by the chief executive officer of a unit of
general local government in the area;
(iii) such entity is approved by the State
agency; and
(iv) such entity is approved by the chief
executive officer of a local funding and
coordinating agency, or by the chief executive
officer of a private nonprofit agency or
organization designated according to
subparagraph (B) in the event that a local
funding and coordinating agency is not
represented in the area or is unwilling or
unable to consider the approval of the entity.
(2) Composition.--A community board shall consist of an
equal number of local representatives from each of the
following 3 groups:
(A) A group comprised of individuals, including
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minority individuals, under age 21 at the time of their
appointment.
(B) A group comprised of representatives of--
(i) private youth-serving and youth
development organizations (in existence as of
the date of appointment of the representatives
to the board);
(ii) public youth-serving and youth
development organizations; and
(iii) organizations supporting youth in
service.
(C) A group comprised of representatives of--
(i) local elected officials;
(ii) educational entities, including local,
middle, and secondary schools, community
colleges, colleges, and universities;
(iii) volunteer centers;
(iv) philanthropic organizations, including
community foundations;
(v) businesses and employee organizations;
(vi) faith-based organizations;
(vii) health and mental health agencies;
and
(viii) parents and grandparents.
(3) Chairperson.--After being appointed and convened, the
community board shall elect a chairperson from among its
membership.
(4) Responsibilities.--Each community board in each
planning and mobilization area shall have responsibility for
supervising the preparation, submission, and implementation of
the area plan described in section 308, including the approval
of grants and contracts funded pursuant to this title within
the planning and mobilization area.
(b) Area Agency on Youth.--An area agency on youth--
(1) shall serve as the fiscal agent for a planning and
mobilization area;
(2) shall be under the supervision of the community board
for the planning and mobilization area with regard to
activities conducted pursuant to this title;
(3) shall provide an assurance to the State agency, that is
determined to be adequate by the State agency, that such area
agency on youth will have the ability to develop an area plan
for the planning and mobilization area and to carry out, either
directly or indirectly through contractual or other
arrangements, a youth development program in accordance with
such plan; and
(4) shall compile reports from programs, services, and
activities approved by the community board for funding under
this Act, including outcome data and evaluation information
regarding program accomplishments, and provide an annual report
to the State agency.
(c) Community Mobilization Expenses.--An area agency on youth may
use not more than 10 percent of the allocation made to the agency under
this title for expenses related to community mobilization, including
generating additional commitments of cash and in-kind resources,
administration, planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
SEC. 308. AREA PLANS.
(a) In General.--Each area agency on youth for a planning and
mobilization area shall, in order to be approved by the State agency
and receive an allocation under this title, develop, prepare, and
submit to the State agency an area plan, approved by the community
board, for the planning and mobilization area. Such plan shall be for a
2-, 3-, or 4-year period determined by the State agency, with such
annual revisions as may be necessary. Each such plan shall be based
upon a uniform format for area plans in the State prepared in
accordance with section 305(b).
(b) Contents.--Each such plan shall--
(1) provide specific outcome objectives for youth
development programs, services, and activities to be carried
out in the planning and mobilization area, based on an
assessment of needs and resources, sufficient to assure that
all youth in the area have access through a comprehensive and
coordinated system to the full array of core resources that
consist of--
(A) ongoing relationships with caring adults;
(B) safe places with structured activities;
(C) access to services that promote healthy
lifestyles, including those designed to improve
physical and mental health;
(D) opportunities to acquire marketable skills and
competencies; and
(E) opportunities for community service and civic
participation;
(2) provide an assurance that, in awarding grants and
contracts to entities to implement the area plan to provide
youth with access to core resources described in paragraph (1)
through youth development programs, the agency will give
priority to entities as described in section 310(b);
(3) provide that not less than 30 percent of the funds
allocated for the planning and mobilization area will be used
for youth development programs that respond to the special
developmental needs of youth--
(A) in correctional facilities and other out-of-
home residential settings;
(B) in areas with high concentrations of poverty;
(C) in rural areas; and
(D) in situations where youth are at higher risk
due to abuse, neglect, disconnection from family,
disconnection from school, or another community risk
factor;
(4) provide assurances that youth engaged in programs
carried out under the area plan will be treated equitably;
(5) contain strategies for mobilizing and coordinating
community resources to meet the outcome objectives;
(6) describe activities for which funds made available
through the allocation will be used to fill gaps between unmet
needs and available resources;
(7) describe the inclusive process used by the area agency
on youth to engage all segments of the communities in the
planning and mobilization area in developing the area plan;
(8) provide measures of program effectiveness to be used in
evaluating the progress of the programs, services, and
activities approved by the community board in the area in
assuring access for all youth to the full array of core
resources described in paragraph (1), including specific
measures for providing access to such resources for youth
living in areas with high concentrations of poverty;
(9) describe how local requirements for providing matching
funds will be achieved, how resources will be leveraged, and
the uses to which matching funds and leveraged resources will
be applied, in carrying out the area plan;
(10) provide for the establishment and maintenance of
outreach sufficient to ensure that youth and their families in
the planning and mobilization area are aware of programs
providing access to the core resources described in paragraph
(1);
(11) provide that the area agency on youth, under the
supervision of the community board, will--
(A) conduct periodic evaluations of, and public
hearings on, activities carried out under the area
plan;
(B) furnish technical assistance to entities within
the planning and mobilization area carrying out
programs under this title;
(C) establish effective and e
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fficient procedures
for the coordination of--
(i) entities carrying out programs under
this title within the planning and mobilization
area; and
(ii) entities carrying out other Federal
programs for youth within the planning and
mobilization area;
(D) conduct outreach, to identify youth in the area
and inform the youth of the availability of resources
under this Act; and
(E) take into account in connection with matters of
general policy arising in the development and
administration of the area plan, the views of youth who
have participated in programs pursuant to the plan; and
(12) provide for the utilization of entities carrying out
volunteer service centers and organizations supporting youth in
service in the area to--
(A) encourage and enlist the services of local
volunteer groups to provide assistance and services
appropriate to the unique developmental needs of youth
in the planning and mobilization area;
(B) encourage, organize, and promote youth to serve
as volunteers to communities in the area; and
(C) promote recognition of the contribution made by
younger volunteers to programs administered in the
planning and mobilization area.
SEC. 309. GRANTS AND CONTRACTS TO ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.
(a) Request for Proposals.--In implementing an area plan, once the
plan has been submitted to and approved by the State agency, an area
agency on youth, under the supervision of a community board, shall
issue a request for proposals to award grants and contracts to eligible
entities to carry out youth development programs under the plan.
(b) Grants and Contracts.--The area agency on youth, under the
supervision of the community board, shall use the funds made available
through the allocation made to the agency under this title to award
grants on a competitive basis and contracts to eligible entities to pay
for the Federal share of the cost of carrying out the youth development
programs. From funds made available to the area agency on youth, not
more than 50 percent may be awarded to a single grantee except if such
grantee is a collaboration as described in section 310(a)(1) or
approved by the Assistant Secretary.
(c) Period.--The area agency on youth may award such a grant or
contract for a period of not more than 4 years. The area agency on
youth, under the supervision of the community board and after reviewing
the reports and evaluation information pursuant to section 307(b)(4) of
this Act, may terminate the funding made available through such grant
or contract during such grant or contract period for a program if the
program fails to comply with the requirements of this Act or if
insufficient Federal funds are appropriated under section 302 to permit
continuation of funding.
(d) Federal Share.--
(1) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of carrying
out a program described in this section shall be--
(A) 80 percent for the first and second year for
which the program receives funding under this section;
(B) 70 percent for the third such year;
(C) 60 percent for the fourth year; and
(D) 50 percent for any subsequent year.
(2) Non-federal share.--An entity that receives a grant or
contract under this section may provide for the non-Federal
share of the cost from non-Federal sources (which may include
State or local public sources) in cash or in kind, fairly
evaluated, including facilities, equipment, or services.
(3) Adjustments.--A State agency and the Associate
Commissioner may jointly adjust the Federal share of the cost
that applies to an entity that receives a grant or contract
under this section from an area agency on youth, in the event
that the agency demonstrates significant economic need
sufficient to cause difficulties in area plan implementation.
SEC. 310. ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.
(a) In General.--To be eligible to receive a grant or contract
under section 309, an entity shall be--
(1) a consortium of community-based youth-serving or youth
development organizations, public agencies, health and mental
health agencies, education entities including community
colleges, colleges, and universities, volunteer centers, faith-
based organizations, older adult organizations, or
organizations supporting youth in service; or
(2) a community-based public or private youth-serving or
youth development organization.
(b) Priority.--In awarding grants and contracts under section 309,
an area agency on youth shall give priority to--
(1) entities that carry out programs in the existing health
and human service infrastructure (as of the date of submission
of the area plan) that use proven methods and materials
supported by evaluation and have proven records of effective
service delivery and sustainability; and
(2) entities that submit applications under section 311
that--
(A) evidence collaboration among community agencies
in providing services under an area plan; and
(B) are outcome driven.
(c) Administrative Expenses.--An entity that receives a grant or
contract under section 309 may use up to 5 percent of the funds
received through the grant or contract for the cost of administrative
expenses.
(d) Limitation.--A for-profit entity that receives a grant or
contract under section 309 may not use funds made available through the
grant or contract for the purposes of generating additional profits.
SEC. 311. APPLICATIONS.
To be eligible to receive a grant or contract under section 309 to
carry out youth development programs under an area plan, an entity
shall submit an application to the area agency on youth for the area at
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the area
agency on youth, under the direction of the community board, and the
appropriate State agency, may reasonably require.
SEC. 312. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.
(a) Access.--An entity that receives a grant or contract to carry
out a program under section 309 shall implement a program that
promotes, either directly, through contract, or indirectly through
collaboration with other community entities, access to the full array
of core resources specified in section 101.
(b) Activities.--An entity that receives a grant or contract to
carry out a program under section 309 may include among eligible
activities, which are part of an effort to provide access to the full
array of core resources specified in section 101--
(1) character development and ethical enrichment
activities;
(2) mentoring activities, including one-to-one relationship
building and tutoring;
(3) provision and support of community youth centers and
clubs;
(4) nonschool hours, weekend, and summer programs and
camps;
(5) sports, recreation, and other activities promoting
physical fitness and teamwork;
(6) services that promote health and healthy development
and behavior on the part of youth, including risk avoidance
programs;
(7) academic enrichment, peer counseling and teaching, and
literacy;
(8) camping and environmental education;
(9) cultural enrichment, including music, fine and
performing arts;
(10) workforce preparation, youth ent
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repreneurship, and
technological and vocational skill building, including computer
skills;
(11) opportunities for community service aimed at involving
youth in providing the full array of core resources described
in section 101 to other youth, including opportunities provided
in conjunction with activities being performed by entities
under the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
12501 et seq.);
(12) opportunities that engage youth in civic participation
and as partners in decision-making, especially opportunities
with respect to programs and strategies that seek to offer
access to the full array of core resources described in section
102;
(13) special interest groups or courses, including video
production, cooking, gardening, pet care, photography, and
other youth-identified interests;
(14) efforts focused on building the capacity of community-
based youth workers, utilizing community colleges, colleges,
and universities;
(15) public and private youth led programs, including such
programs provided by youth-serving or youth development
organizations;
(16) transportation services to foster the participation of
youth in youth development programs in the community;
(17) subsidies for youth from families that meet the income
eligibility guidelines for a free or reduced price lunch under
section 9(b) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch
Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(b)), if the provision of the subsidy allows
the youth to fully participate in youth development programs
that are part of a strategy to promote access to the full array
of core-resources described in section 102 of this Act;
(18) training or group counseling to assist youth by State
certified counselors, psychologists, social workers, or other
State licensed or certified mental health professionals who are
qualified under State law to provide such services to children
and adolescents; and
(19) referrals to State certified counselors,
psychologists, social workers, or other State licensed or
certified mental health professionals or health professionals
qualified under State law to provide such services to children
and adolescents.
TITLE IV--TRAINING, RESEARCH, AND EVALUATION
SEC. 401. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.
The purpose of this title is to expand the Nation's knowledge and
understanding of youth, youth development programs, and community
mobilization aimed at providing all youth with access to the full array
of core resources described in section 102 by--
(1) assisting States in evaluating the effectiveness of
activities implemented under this Act, including the outcomes
resulting from the activities;
(2) placing priority on the education and training of
personnel, with respect to youth development programs, to work
with youth, with a special emphasis on younger minority
individuals and younger low-income individuals;
(3) conducting research and identifying effective practices
directly related to the field of youth development; and
(4) disseminating information acquired through such
research.
SEC. 402. GRANTS AND CONTRACTS.
(a) In General.--The Assistant Secretary may award grants and
contracts to eligible entities to carry out evaluation, education and
training, research, and dissemination activities described in this
section.
(b) Evaluation.--
(1) System.--The Associate Commissioner shall develop and
establish a system for evaluating the effectiveness of
activities implemented under this Act, including mechanisms for
determining and measuring programmatic outcomes resulting from
those activities.
(2) Distribution.--In awarding grants and contracts under
subsection (a), the Assistant Secretary shall use 50 percent of
the funds appropriated for carrying out this section for an
equitable distribution among the States to allow State agencies
to be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of the
activities implemented in the State under this Act.
(c) Education and Training.--The Associate Commissioner shall
develop and establish a system for providing education and training of
personnel of States, area agencies on youth, and community boards to
increase their capacity to work with youth, with a special emphasis on
younger minority individuals and younger low-income individuals, in
carrying out quality youth development programs under this Act.
(d) Impact Evaluation.--
(1) Biennial evaluation.--The Associate Commissioner, in
consultation with the Director and the National Council on
Youth Policy, shall conduct an independent biennial evaluation
of the impact of programs assisted under this Act and of other
recent and new initiatives to promote positive youth
development. The evaluation shall report on--
(A) whether funded programs, services, and
activities--
(i) provided a thorough assessment of local
resources and barriers to access the full array
of developmental core resources;
(ii) used objective data and the knowledge
of a wide range of community members;
(iii) developed measurable goals and
objectives; and
(iv) implemented research-based programs
that have been shown to be effective and meet
identified needs; and
(v) conducted periodic program evaluations
to assess progress made towards achieving
program goals and objectives and whether they
used evaluations to improve program goals,
objectives and activities;
(B) whether funded programs, services, and
activities have been designed and implemented in a
manner that specifically targets, if relevant to the
program--
(i) research-based variables that are
predictive of healthy adolescent development;
(ii) risk factors that are predictive of an
increased likelihood that young people will use
drugs, alcohol or tobacco or engage in violence
or drop out of school; or
(iii) protective factors, buffers, or
assets that are known to protect youth from
exposure to risk, either by reducing the
exposure to risk factors or by changing the way
the young person responds to risk, and to
increase the likelihood of positive youth
development;
(C) whether funded programs, services, and
activities have appreciably reduced individual risk-
taking behavior and community risk factors and
increased either individual or community protective
factors; and
(D) whether funded programs, services, and
activities have conducted effective youth and parent
involvement.
(2) Biennial report.--Not later than January 1, 2004, and
every 2 years thereafter, the Associate Commissioner shall
submit to the President and Congress a report on the findings
of
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the evaluation conducted under paragraph (1) together with
the data available from other sources on the well being of
adolescents.
(e) Dissemination.--The Associate Commissioner shall develop a
system to facilitate the dissemination of information acquired through
the research to States, area agencies on youth, community boards, and
the public about successful and promising strategies for providing all
youth with the full array of core resources specified in section 101.
SEC. 403. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title
$7,000,000 for fiscal year 2002 and such sums as may be necessary for
each of fiscal years 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006.
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