(1) The Youth Development Council is established.

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(2) The council is established for the purpose of coordinating a unified and aligned system that provides services to school-age children through youth 24 years of age in a manner that supports educational and workforce success, promotes protective factors, prevents justice system involvement, reduces high risk behaviors and is measurable and accountable. The council shall develop policy for and provide guidance to the Youth Development Division.

(3) The council consists of no fewer than 15 members who are appointed by the Governor. The Governor shall ensure that membership of the council satisfies any federal requirements for membership of a state advisory group on juvenile justice, and shall include tribal representation in the membership of the council.

(4) The council shall:

(a) Approve funding processes to support community-based youth development programs, services and initiatives with demonstrated outcomes and strategic objectives established by the council by rule.

(b) Prioritize funding for services related to:

(A) The prevention of and intervention in the risk factors that lead to justice system involvement and the promotion of protective factors that improve the health and well-being of children and youth, as supported by evidence-based program models, culturally specific and traditional practices and other emerging models;

(B) The prevention of and intervention in community violence and gang activity, with an emphasis on a public health approach and community-based programs; and

(C) The provision of workforce development, reengagement and other types of programming designed to support educational success, increase youth career readiness and post-secondary success or otherwise deliver training and remove barriers in order to promote positive youth development.

(c) Coordinate the statewide youth reengagement system described in ORS § 417.859, in collaboration with the division.

(5) The council may:

(a) Enter into intergovernmental agreements with county and municipal governments, tribal governments, educational institutions and other governmental entities identified by rule of the council for the provision of youth development programs, services and initiatives.

(b) Enter into grant agreements and contracts with community-based organizations, educational institutions, regional entities and other entities identified by rule of the council for the provision of youth development programs, services and initiatives.

(c) Determine the means by which services to children and youth may be provided effectively and efficiently across multiple programs to improve the academic and social outcomes of children and youth, including directing the distribution of funding by the division through processes approved by the council.

(d) Assess state programs and services related to youth development and training, and identify methods by which programs and services may be coordinated or consolidated.

(e) Establish common academic and social indicators to support attainment of goals established by the council.

(f) Establish common program outcome measurements and coordinate data collection across multiple programs and services.

(g) Ensure implementation of best practices that:

(A) Are informed by developmental science, evidence, and effective or promising community practices;

(B) Are culturally, gender and age appropriate;

(C) Address individual protective and risk factors;

(D) Build upon factors that improve the health and well-being of children and youth; and

(E) Include tribal best practices.

(h) Delegate responsibilities to the division.

(6) The Governor may designate one member of the council to serve as the chairperson or, if the Governor chooses not to designate a chairperson, the council may elect one of its members to serve as chairperson.

(7) In accordance with applicable provisions of ORS Chapter 183, the council may adopt rules necessary for the administration of the laws that the council is charged with administering. [2012 c.37 § 21; 2012 c.37 § 23; 2013 c.623 4,5; 2015 c.774 33,63; 2015 c.788 1,2; 2017 c.17 35,36; 2019 c.122 § 34; 2019 c.395 12,13; 2021 c.315 § 1; 2023 c.499 § 1]