The efforts of the Office of National Youth Policy in advocating for the needs of youth, and the Department of Health and Human Service in implementing the Younger American's Act will be helped by the Council on National Youth Policy. Block grant funds will be used to expand existing resources, create new ones where none existed before, overcome barriers to accessing those resources, and fill gaps to create a cohesive network for youth. The funds will be funneled through states, based on an allocation formula that equally weighs population and poverty measures, to communities where the primary decisions regarding the use of the funds will take place. Thirty percent of the local funds are set aside for to address the needs of youth who are particularly vulnerable, such as those who are in out-of home placements, abused or neglected, living in high poverty areas, or living in rural areas where there are usually fewer resources. Empowering community boards, comprised of youth, parents, and other members of the community, to supervise decisions regarding the use of the block grant funds ensures that the programs, services, and activities supported by the Act will be responsive to local needs.
Accountability is integral to any effective federal program.
The Younger American's Act provides the Department of Health and Human Services with the responsibility and funding to conduct research and evaluate the effectiveness of funded initiatives. States and the Department are charged with monitoring the use of funds by grantees, and empowered to withhold or reduce funds if problems arise. The Younger Americans Act will help kids gain the skills and experience they need to successfully navigate the rough waters of adolescence. It's time to get the rest of the community involved. It's time to give the same level of support to the thousands of youth development and youth-serving organizations that struggle to keep their doors open every day.