An Act to establish an office of youth development

This bill establishes a state Office of Youth Development within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to address critical issues affecting urban youth aged 7-18 in specific Massachusetts cities (including Boston, Springfield, and Worcester). It creates after-school, weekend, and year-round programs focused on reducing violence, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and school disengagement through practical skill-building, job training, and community coordination. The programs, delivered via contracts with community health centers, will integrate research-based approaches and include components like court diversion, community coordination, and youth worker certification. The initiative is funded through a dedicated state fund for five years to implement pilot services across targeted communities.