Claude Pepper Young Americans Act of 1990 - Title I: Declaration of Objectives; Definitions - Sets forth the declaration of objectives and definitions under this Act.
Title II: The Administration on Children, Youth, and Families - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services an Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (the Administration) which shall be headed by a Commissioner on Children, Youth, and Families (the Commissioner).
Directs the Commissioner to advise, consult, and cooperate with the head of each Federal agency or department proposing or administering programs or services substantially related to the purpose of this Act.
Establishes a Federal Council on Children, Youth, and Families. Directs the Council to report annually to the President.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to issue regulations for the administration of this Act.
Directs the Secretary to measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized under this Act.
Directs the Commissioner to report annually to the President and the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act and other activities delegated by the Secretary to the Administration.
Provides for advance funding.
Title III: Grants for State and Community Programs for Children, Youth, and Families - Part A: General Provisions - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to encourage and assist State and local agencies to coordinate resources and develop new capacities for more effective and comprehensive developmental, preventive, and remedial services for young individuals. Provides for grant recipients to enter into new cooperative arrangements in each State for the planning and advocacy of such youth services for: (1) adequate and safe physical shelter; (2) the best possible physical and mental health; (3) the highest quality of educational opportunity; (4) effective training, apprenticeship; community service and productive employment; (5) civic, cultural, and recreational activities that recognize youth as resources and promote self-esteem and community; and (6) genuine participation in decisions concerning the planning and managing of their lives.
Authorizes the Commissioner to request technical assistance and cooperation from appropriate Federal agencies in carrying out this title.
Allows grants under this title to be used for up to 80 percent of the costs of: (1) preparation, administration, and evaluation of State plans; and (2) development of comprehensive, efficient, and coordinated supportive services.
Authorizes appropriations.
Bases State allotments under this title on population aged 21 or younger.
Sets forth requirements for a State to be eligible to participate in part A grant programs. Requires designation of an independent State body to: (1) serve as an effective and visible advocate for children and youth by reviewing and commenting on all State plans, budgets, and policies which affect children, youth, and their families and by providing technical assistance to those representing the needs of the young; (2) develop, administer, and monitor the State plan; (3) coordinate all State activities related to the purpose of this Act; and (4) develop a system for in-State distribution of funds under this title, with preference for specified types of local service delivery systems.
Requires State plans to be based upon needs as identified through analysis of updated "state of the Child" reports.
Authorizes State use of certain funds under this title for administration of the State plan, including plan preparation, evaluation of activities, data collection, and analyses related to the need for supportive services, information dissemination, and short-term training of personnel operating programs authorized by this Act.
Part B: Supportive Services - Directs the Commissioner to make grants to States under approved State plans to demonstrate successful program approaches to service gaps identified through State and area planning and advocacy efforts. Lists eligible services.
Title IV: White House Conference on Children, Youth and Families - 1993 White House Conference on Children, Youth, and Families - Directs the President to call a White House Conference on Children, Youth, and Families in 1993. Provides that the Conference shall be planned and conducted under the direction of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary), in cooperation with the Commissioner on Children, Youth, and Families and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies.
Requires a final report of the Conference to the President within 180 days following its adjournment. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days after submission of the report, to transmit to the President and the Congress recommendations for administrative action and legislation necessary to implement the report's recommendations.
Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to the Conference and such other committees as may be necessary to assist in planning, conducting, and reviewing the Conference.
Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994 to carry out this title.
HR 5654 IH 101st CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 5654 To provide assistance in the development of new or improved programs to help children, youth, and their families through grants to the States for community planning, services, and training, to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services an operating agency to be designated as the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, and to provide for a White House Conference on Young Americans. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 18, 1990 Mr. KENNEDY (for himself, Mr. KILDEE, Mrs. UNSOELD, Mr. SAWYER, Mr. POSHARD, Mr. BONIOR, Mr. GORDON, Mr. FORD of Tennessee, Mr. FAUNTROY, Mr. DE LUGO, Mr. CROCKETT, Mr. FLAKE, Mr. BRUCE, Mr. TRAFICANT, Mr. SMITH of Florida, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. OWENS of New York, Mr. JONES of North Carolina, Mr. FAZIO, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. HERTEL, Mr. MAVROULES, Mrs. COLLINS, Mr. DELLUMS, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA, Ms. OAKAR, Mr. BORSKI, Mr. LEVIN of Michigan, Mr. HAYES of Illinois, Mr. RICHARDSON, Mr. WHEAT, Mr. FUSTER, Mr. FISH, Mr. DWYER of New Jersey, Mr. JONTZ, and Mr. BILBRAY) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor A BILL To provide assistance in the development of new or improved programs to help children, youth, and their families through grants to the States for community planning, services, and training, to establish within the Department of Health and Human Services an operating agency to be designated as the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, and to provide for a White House Conference on Young Americans. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SHORT TITLE SECTION. 1. This Act may be cited as the `Claude Pepper Young Americans Act of 1990'. TITLE I--DECLARATION OF OBJECTIVES; DEFINITIONS FINDINGS AND PURPOSE SEC. 101. (a) The Congress finds and declares that-- (1) children and youth are inherently our most valuable resource; (2) their welfare, protection, healthy development, and positive role in society are essential to the Nation; (3) such children and youth deserve love, respect, and guidance, as well as good health, shelter, food, education, productive employment opportunities, and preparation for responsible participation in community life; (4) such children and youth have increasing opportunities to participate in the decisions that affect their lives; (5) the family is the primary caregiver and the source of social learning and must be supported and strengthened; and (6) when families, however, are unable to ensure the satisfaction of these needs, it is society's responsibility to assist these families. (b) The Congress further finds that it is the joint and several duty and responsibility of the Federal Government and of the States and their political subdivisions to assist our children and youth to secure equal opportunity to full and free access to-- (1) the best possible physical and mental health; (2) adequate and safe physical shelter; (3) the highest quality of educational opportunity; (4) effective training, apprenticeships, opportunities for community service, and productive employment; (5) the widest range of civic, cultural, and recreational activities which recognize young Americans as resources and promote self-esteem and a stake in their communities; (6) comprehensive community services which are efficient, coordinated, and readily available; and (7) genuine participation in decisions concerning the planning and managing of their lives. (c) It is the purpose of this Act to encourage and assist Federal, State, and local agencies in coordinating resources, reducing barriers to services, and developing new capacities to ensure that State and community services designed to serve children, youth, and families are more effective and comprehensive. DEFINITIONS SEC. 102. For the purposes of this Act-- (1) the term `Commissioner' means, unless the context otherwise requires, the Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families; (2) the term `nonprofit' as applied to any agency, institution, or organization means an agency, institution, or organization which is, or is owned and operated by, one or more corporations or associations no part of the net earnings of which inures, or may lawfully inure, to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual; (3) the term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (4) the term `State' includes the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; and (5) the terms `youth' and `young individual' mean any individual who has not attained 21 years of age. TITLE II--THE ADMINISTRATION ON CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATION ON CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES SEC. 201. (a) There is established in the Office of the Secretary an Administration on Children, Youth, and Families which shall be headed by a Commissioner on Children, Youth, and Families. The Administration shall be the agency responsible for carrying out this Act. The Secretary shall not approve or require any delegation of the functions of the Commissioner to any other officer not directly responsible to the Commissioner. (b) The Commissioner shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER SEC. 202. (a) It shall be the duty and function of the Administration to-- (1) serve as the effective and visible advocate for children and youth within the Department of Health and Human Services and with other departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government by maintaining active review and commenting responsibilities over all Federal policies affecting children, youth, and their families; (2) collect and disseminate information related to problems of children and youth; (3) assist the Secretary in all matters pertaining to children, youth, and their families; (4) administer the grants authorized by this Act; (5) develop plans, conduct and arrange research in the field of children, youth, and families, and assist in the establishment and implementation of programs designed to meet the needs of young individuals for supportive services consistent with the findings and purpose under section 101; (6) provide technical assistance and consultation to States and political subdivisions thereof with respect to programs for children and youth; (7) prepare, publish, and disseminate educational materials dealing with the welfare of children and youth; (8) gather statistics in the field of children, youth, and families which other Federal agencies are not collecting, and take whatever action is necessary to achieve coordination of activities carried out or assisted by all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government with respect to the collection, preparation, and dissemination of information relevant to young individuals and their families; (9) stimulate more effective use of existing resources and available services for the children and youth; (10) develop basic policies and set priorities with respect to the development and operation of programs and activities conducted under this Act; (11) promote the establishment of comprehensive, coordinated services and opportunities for young individuals among the States and public and private agencies at the Federal, State, and local levels; (12) convene conferences of such authorities and officials of public (including Federal, State, and local agencies) and nonprofit private organizations concerned with the development and operation of programs for young individuals as the Commissioner deems necessary or proper for the development and implementation of policies related to the priorities of this Act; (13) carry on a continuous evaluation of the programs and activities related to the purpose of this Act; and (14) develop, in coordination with other agencies, methods to ensure adequate training for personnel in the field of children, youth, and families and to ensure adequate dissemination of this information to appropriate State and community agencies. (b) In executing the duties and functions of the Administration under this Act and carrying out the programs and activities provided for by this Act, the Commissioner, in consultation with the Director of the ACTION Agency, shall take necessary steps to coordinate with and seek the advise of voluntary agencies and organizations that provide services related to the purpose of this Act. FEDERAL AGENCY CONSULTATION SEC. 203. The Commissioner, in carrying out the purpose and provisions of this Act, shall advise, consult, and cooperate with the head of each Federal agency or department proposing or administering programs or services substantially related to the purpose of this Act, with respect to such programs or services. To the extent possible, the Commissioner shall facilitate such cooperation by entering into written agreements with such departments and agencies. FEDERAL COUNCIL ON CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES SEC. 204. (a) There is established a Federal Council on Children, Youth, and Families to be composed of 15 members. Members shall serve for terms of three years without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code. Members shall be appointed by each appointing authority so as to be representative of rural and urban populations, national organizations with an interest in children, youth, and families, business, labor, minorities, and the general public. At least one of the individuals appointed by each appointing authority shall be under the age of 21 at the time of appointment. No full-time officer or employee of the Federal Government may be appointed as a member of the Council. (b)(1) Of the members appointed, five shall be appointed by the President, five by the President pro tempore of the Senate upon the recommendation of the majority leader and the minority leader, and five by the Speaker of the House of Representatives upon the recommendation of the majority leader and the minority leader. (2) 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 only for the remainder of such term. Members shall be eligible for reappointment and may serve after the expiration of their terms until their successors have taken office. (3) Any vacancy in the Council shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner by which the original appointment was made. (4) Members of the Council shall, while serving on business of the Council, be entitled to receive compensation at a rate not to exceed the daily rate specified for grade GS-18 in section 5331 of title 5, United States Code, including traveltime, and while so serving away from their homes or regular places of business, they may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as the expenses authorized by section 5703(b) of title 5, United States Code, for persons in the Government Service employed intermittently. (c) The President shall designate the Chairperson from among members appointed to the Council. The Council shall meet at the call of the Chairperson at least quarterly. (d) The Council shall-- (1) advise and assist the President on matters relating to the special needs of young individuals; (2) review and evaluate, on a continuing basis, Federal policies regarding the young individuals and programs and other activities affecting the young individuals conducted or assisted by all Federal departments and agencies for the purpose of appraising their value and their impact on the lives of young individuals; (3) serve as a spokes group on behalf of young individuals by making recommendations to the President, to the Secretary, the Commissioner, and to the Congress with respect to Federal policies regarding the young and federally conducted or assisted programs and urban activities relating to or affecting them; (4) inform the public about the problems and needs of the young individuals by collecting and disseminating information, conducting or commissioning studies and publishing the results thereof, and by issuing publications and reports; and (5) provide public forums for discussing and publicizing the problems and needs of the young individuals and obtaining information relating thereto by conducting public hearings, and by conducting or sponsoring conferences, workshops, and other such meetings. (e) The Council shall have staff personnel, appointed by the Chairperson, to assist it in carrying out its activities. The head of each Federal department and agency shall make available to the Council such information and other assistance as it may require to carry out its activities. (f) Beginning with the fiscal year 1992, the Council shall make such interim reports as it deems advisable and an annual report of its findings and recommendations to the President not later than March 31 of each year. The President shall transmit each such report to the Congress together with his comments and recommendations. ADMINISTRATION OF THE ACT SEC. 205. (a) In carrying out the provisions of this Act, the Commissioner is authorized to-- (1) provide consultative services, technical assistance, and short-term training to the independent State bodies; (2) conduct research and demonstrations; (3) collect, prepare, publish, and disseminate special educational or informational materials, including reports of the projects for which funds are provided under this Act; and (4) provide staff and other technical assistance to the Federal Council on Children, Youth, and Families. (b) In administering the functions of the Administration under this Act, the Commissioner may utilize the services and facilities of any agency of the Federal Government and of any other public or nonprofit agency or organizations, in accordance with agreements between the Commissioner and the head thereof, and is authorized to pay therefore, in advance or by way of reimbursement, as may be provided in the agreement. (c) Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue and publish in the Federal Register proposed regulations for the administration of this Act. After allowing a reasonable period for public comment on such proposed rules and not later than 90 days after such publication, the Secretary shall issue, in final form, regulations for the administration of this Act. EVALUATION SEC. 206. (a) The Secretary shall measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act, their effectiveness in achieving stated goals in general, and in relation to their cost, their impact on related programs, and their structure and mechanisms for delivery of services, including where appropriate, comparisons with appropriate control groups composed of persons who have not participated in such programs. Evaluations shall be conducted by persons not immediately involved in the administration of the program or project evaluated. (b) The Secretary shall annually publish summaries and analyses of the results of evaluative research and evaluation of program and project impact and effectiveness. (c) The Secretary shall take the necessary action to assure that all studies, evaluations, proposals, and data produced or developed with Federal funds shall become the property of the United States. (d) Each department and agency of the Federal Government shall make available to the Secretary, upon request, such information as the Secretary deems necessary for the purpose of the evaluations conducted under this section. (e) The Secretary is authorized to use such sums as may be required but not to exceed $300,000 for each fiscal year to conduct program and project evaluations (directly, or by grants or contracts) as required by this Act. REPORTS SEC. 207. Not later than 180 days after the close of each fiscal year, the Commissioner shall prepare and submit to the President and to the Congress a full and complete report on the activities carried out under this Act and other such activities as delegated by the Secretary to the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families. Each such annual report shall include statistical data reflecting services and activities provided young individuals during the preceding year. ADVANCE FUNDING SEC. 208. For the purpose of affording adequate notice of funding available under this Act, appropriations are authorized to be included in the appropriation Act for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. RESERVATION OF APPROPRIATION SEC. 209. From the amount appropriated to carry out this title, the Commissioner may reserve an amount not to exceed 10 percent for salaries and expenses of the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families related to the administration of this Act. TITLE III--GRANTS FOR STATE AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES Part A--General Provisions PURPOSE; ADMINISTRATION SEC. 301. (a) The Commissioner may make grants under this part to encourage and assist State and local agencies to coordinate resources and develop new capacities to ensure that State and community services designed to serve young individuals are more effective and comprehensive by entering into new cooperative arrangements in each State for the planning and advocacy of services in order to ensure young individuals the availability of developmental, preventive, and remedial services designed to promote-- (1) adequate and safe physical shelter; (2) the best possible physical and mental health; (3) the highest quality of educational opportunity; (4) effective training, apprenticeship, opportunities for community service, and productive employment; (5) the widest range of civic, cultural, and recreational activities which recognize youth as resources, promote self-esteem, and a sense of community; and (6) genuine participation in decisions concerning the planning and managing of their lives. (b)(1) In carrying out this title, the Commissioner may request the technical assistance and cooperation of the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, the Department of Justice, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Transportation, the Office of Community Services, and such other agencies and departments of the Federal Government as may be appropriate. (2) Grants made under this title may be used for paying not more than 80 percent of the cost of-- (A) the preparation, administration, and evaluation of State plans under part A; and (B) the development of comprehensive, efficient, coordinated supportive services under part B. The remaining 20 percent of such costs shall be met by the State from non-Federal sources. DEFINITIONS SEC. 302. For the purpose of this title the term `independent State body' means the State body designated under section 305(a)(1). AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS SEC. 303. (a) There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1991, 1992, and 1993. Funds appropriated for any fiscal year shall remain available for obligation in the succeeding fiscal year. (b) Of the amount authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a)-- (1) 15 percent shall be available to carry out title II; and (2) 85 percent shall be available to carry out title III. ALLOTMENT SEC. 304. (a)(1) From the amount appropriated to carry out this title, each State shall be allotted an amount which bears the same ratio to such sums as the population aged 21 or younger in such State bears to the population aged 21 or younger in all States, except that no State shall be allotted less than $300,000 except that Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall each be allotted not less than $75,000. (2) The number of individuals aged 21 or younger in any State and in all States shall be determined by the Commissioner on the basis of the most recent satisfactory data available to the Commissioner. (b) Whenever the Commissioner determines that any amount allotted to a State under part A or B 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, or when the Commissioner finds that a State has failed to qualify under the State plan requirement of section 306, the Commissioner shall make such allotment available for carrying out such purposes to other participating States in a proportional manner based on their relative population of individuals aged 21 or younger. ORGANIZATION SEC. 305. (a) A State shall not be eligible to receive a grant from an allotment under this part unless-- (1) the chief executive officer of such State, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Commissioner, designates an independent State body that is composed of-- (A) cabinet level representatives from each agency of such State that has responsibilities for programs affecting young individuals; and (B) individuals appointed from among-- (i) private nonprofit providers of services to young individuals; (ii) advocacy and citizens groups concerned with young individuals; (iii) committees of the legislature of such State that have responsibility for young individuals; (iv) leaders who are young individuals, including such leaders who are recipients of service provided under this title; (v) representatives of the business community; (vi) representatives of employees of providers of services to young individuals; (vii) representatives of general purpose local government; and (viii) such staff as shall be necessary to-- (I) develop a State plan to be submitted to the Commissioner for approval under section 306; (II) administer and monitor the State plan within such State; (III) be primarily responsible for the coordination of all State activities related to the purpose of the Act; and (IV) serve as an effective and visible advocate for children and youth by reviewing and commenting on all State plans, budgets, and policies which affect children, youth, and their families and by providing technical assistance to any agency, organization, association, or individual representing the needs of the young; and (2) the independent State body designated under paragraph (1)-- (A) develops a system, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Commissioner, for the distribution within the State of funds received under this title; (B) ensures that each area within a State that receives funds under such system has an equal opportunity to apply for and receive funds; (C) submits a description of such system to the Commissioner for review and comment; and (D) ensures that preference will be given in such distribution of funds to developing or supporting local service delivery systems that-- (i) provide a range of services organized to tailor responses to needs rather than a predetermined array of services; (ii) are rooted in and part of the communities they are designed to serve as measured by the degree to which public, private community leadership and youth participate in planning; and (iii) demonstrate systematic collaboration among all service providers on behalf of young Americans as demonstrated by joint planning, joint financing, joint service delivery, common intake and assessment, and other arrangements that promote more effective service systems for young Americans. (b) The Commissioner may approve a State plan in which the chief executive officer of the State designates as the independent State body an existing State entity that is comprised of the parties described in subsection (a) and that is authorized to conduct the same range of interagency planning and coordination activities. STATE PLANS SEC. 306. (a) Each State, in order to be eligible for grants from its allotment under this title for any fiscal year, shall submit to the Commissioner a State plan for a two-, three-, or four-year period determined by the independent State body with such annual revisions as are necessary. Each such plan shall-- (1) contain assurances that the independent State body is committed to interagency planning that results in statewide policies that promote systematic collaboration among agencies on behalf of young Americans as demonstrated by joint planning, joint financing, joint service delivery, common intake and assessment and other arrangements that promote more effective local service delivery system for young Americans; (2) contain assurances that the State plan will be based on needs as identified through analysis of updated `State of the Child' reports including detail on the age, sex, race, and ethnicity of children; where they live; incidence of homelessness; the composition of their families; economic situation; incidence of poverty; experiences in care away from home; and facts on their health, the violence in their lives, the nature of their attachment to school and work, drop out rates, and the character of the communities in which they live; (3) contain assurances that the system to be used for the distribution of funds within the State provides that each planning and service area has equal opportunity to apply for or receive funds under this title and that the public is given an opportunity to express views concerning the development and administration of the State plan; (4) provide that the independent State body will evaluate the need for supportive services within the State to address the purposes of the Act and determine the extent to which existing public and private programs meet such need; (5) provide that the independent State body will make such reports, in such form, and containing such information, as the Commissioner may require; (6) provide satisfactory assurance that such fiscal control and fund accounting procedures will be adopted as may be necessary to assure proper disbursement of, and accounting for, Federal funds paid under this title to the State, including any such funds paid to the recipients of a grant or contract; (7) provide that the independent State body will conduct periodic evaluations of activities and projects carried out under the State plan and will report the results and recommendations to the chief executive officer of the State and the State legislature; (8) provide assurances that each State will provide inservice training opportunities for personnel of agencies and programs funded under this Act; and (9) provide assurances that the State will provide for carrying out part B of this title, relating to supportive services. (b)(1) The Commissioner shall approve any State plan which the Commissioner finds fulfills the requirements of subsection (a). (2) The Commissioner shall not make a final determination disapproving any State plan, modifying such plan, or declaring a State to be ineligible to receive funds under this part without previously affording such State reasonable notice and opportunity to correct deficiencies in its application. PLANNING, COORDINATION, EVALUATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF STATE PLANS SEC. 307. Subject to section 301(b)(2), amounts available to a State under this title may be used to pay the cost of administration of its State plan, including-- (1) the preparation of the State plan, including technical assistance to local planning and service areas; (2) the evaluation of activities carried out under such plan; (3) the collection of data and the carrying out of analyses related to the need for supportive services within the State; (4) dissemination of information so obtained; and (5) the provision of short-term training to personnel of public or nonprofit private agencies and organizations engaged in the operation of programs authorized by this Act. Part B--Supportive Services PROGRAM AUTHORIZED SEC. 308. The Commissioner shall carry out a program for making grants to States under State plans approved under section 306 to demonstrate successful program approaches to service gaps identified through State and area planning and advocacy efforts for any of the areas specified in subsection (b). The services eligible under this part are services which are designed to-- (1) facilitate the provision of comprehensive community based services which are efficient, coordinated, and readily available through such activities as case planning, case management, intake and assessment, and information and referral; (2) provide adequate and safe physical shelter to young individuals and their families, especially in emergency circumstances; (3) provide transitional living services to homeless youth; (4) enable young individuals to attain and maintain physical and mental well-being; (5) provide health screening to detect or prevent illnesses, or both, that occur most frequently in young individuals, as well as better treatment and counseling; (6) promote the highest quality of educational opportunity, especially through drop-out prevention programs, remediation for youth who have dropped out, and vocational education; (7) provide effective training apprenticeships, and employment opportunities; (8) promote participation in community service, civic, cultural, and recreational activities which value youth as resources, and promote self-esteem and a stake in the community; (9) promote the genuine participation of young individuals in decisions concerning planning and managing their lives; (10) encourage young individuals and their families to use community facilities and services available to them; (11) assure that children and youth who can't live with their biological families have a safe place to live until they can return home or move into independent adult life; and (12) prevent the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of young individuals. TITLE IV--WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the `1993 White House Conference on Children, Youth, and Families'. SEC. 402. FINDINGS. (a) FINDINGS- The Congress finds that-- (1) children and youth are inherently our most valuable resource and their welfare, protection, healthy development, and positive role in society are essential to the Nation; (2) children and youth deserve love, respect, and guidance, as well as good health, shelter, food, education, productive work, and preparation for responsible participation in community life; (3) an increasing opportunity for children and youth to participate in the decisions that affect their lives is essential; (4) the family is the primary caregiver and the source of social learning which must be supported and strengthened, but when families are unable to ensure the satisfaction of the needs of children and youth, it is society's responsibility to assist them; (5) at a minimum, all children and youth need and deserve access to-- (A) the best possible physical and mental health; (B) adequate and safe physical shelter; (C) the highest quality of educational opportunity; (D) effective training, apprenticeships, opportunities for community service, and productive employment; (E) the widest range of civic, cultural, and recreational activities which recognize young Americans as resources and promote self-esteem and a stake in their communities; (F) comprehensive community services which are efficient, coordinated, and readily available; and (G) genuine participation in decisions concerning the planning and managing of their lives; and (6) there is a great need for a comprehensive national policy with respect to young individuals, designed to engage Federal, State, and local government agencies, youth organizations, and other voluntary organizations. (b) STATEMENT OF POLICY- It is the policy of the Congress that the Federal Government should work jointly with the States and their citizens to develop recommendations and plans for action to meet the challenge and needs of young individuals. SEC. 403. AUTHORITY OF THE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY; FINAL REPORT. (a) CALLING OF THE CONFERENCE- The President shall call a White House Conference on Children, Youth, and Families in 1993 in order to develop recommendations for further action in the field of children, youth, and families which will further the policy set forth in section 402(b). The Conference shall be planned and conducted under the direction of the Secretary in cooperation with the Commissioner on Children, Youth, and Families and with the heads of such other Federal departments and agencies as are appropriate. Such assistance may include the assignment of personnel. (b) PURPOSES OF THE CONFERENCE- The purposes of the Conference shall be-- (1) to increase the public awareness of the value and needs of young individuals; (2) to examine the well-being of young individuals as well as the problems which they face; (3) to describe the extent to which young individuals with identified needs do not receive services to meet such needs; (4) to determine the reasons why young individuals are not receiving needed services; and (5) to develop such specific and comprehensive recommendations for executive and legislative action as may be appropriate to improve the well-being of youth and their families. (c) CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS AND DELEGATES- (1) PARTICIPANTS- In order to carry out the purposes of the Conference, the Conference shall bring together-- (A) representatives of Federal, State, and local governments, including representatives of the General Accounting Office; (B) professionals who are working in the field of children, youth, and families; and (C) representatives of the general public, particularly young individuals. (2) SELECTION OF DELEGATES- The delegates to attend the Conference shall be selected without regard to political affiliation or past partisan activity and shall, to the best of the appointing authority's ability, be representative of the spectrum of thought in the field of children, youth, and families. SEC. 404. CONFERENCE ADMINISTRATION. (a) ADMINISTRATION- For purposes of carrying out this title, the Secretary shall-- (1) request the cooperation and assistance of the heads of such other Federal departments and agencies as may be appropriate; (2) furnish all reasonable assistance, including financial assistance, to State agencies administering programs related to children, youth and families, and to other appropriate organizations, to enable them to organize and conduct conferences in conjunction with the Conference; (3) prepare and make available for public comment a proposed agenda for the Conference which reflects to the greatest extent possible the major issues facing children, youth, and families consistent with subsection (a); (4) prepare and make available background materials which the Secretary deems necessary for the use of delegates to the Conference; and (5) engage such additional personnel as may be necessary to carry out this section without regard to provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates. (b) DUTIES- The Secretary shall, in carrying out the Secretary's responsibilities and functions under this section, ensure that-- (1) the conferences under subsection (a)(2) will be conducted so as to ensure broad participation of young individuals; (2) the proposed agenda for the Conference under subsection (a)(3) is published in the Federal Register not less than 180 days before the beginning of the Conference and the proposed agenda is open for public comment for a period of not less than 60 days; (3) the final agenda for the Conference, taking into consideration the comments received under paragraph (2), is published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the chief executive officers of the States not later than 30 days after the close of the public comment period provided for under paragraph (2); (4) the personnel engaged under subsection (a)(5) shall be fairly balanced in terms of points of views represented and shall be appointed without regard to political affiliation or previous partisan activities; (5) the recommendations of the Conference are not inappropriately influenced by any appointing authority or by any special interest, but will instead be the result of the independent judgment of the Conference; and (6) current and adequate statistical data (including decennial census data) and other information on the well-being of young individuals in the United States are readily available, in advance of the Conference, to the delegates of the Conference, together with such information as may be necessary to evaluate Federal programs and policies relating to children and youth. In carrying out this subparagraph, the Secretary may make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public agencies and nonprofit private organizations. SEC. 405. CONFERENCE COMMITTEES. (a) ADVISORY COMMITTEE- The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to the Conference which shall include representatives from public agencies and nonprofit private organizations as appropriate. (b) OTHER COMMITTEES- The Secretary may establish such other committees, including technical committees, as may be necessary to assist in the planning, conducting, and reviewing of the Conference. (c) COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEES- Each committee established under this section shall be composed of professionals and public members, and shall include individuals from low-income families and from minority groups. (d) COMPENSATION- Members of any committee established under this section (other than any officers or employees of the Federal Government), while attending conferences or meetings of the committee or otherwise serving at the request of the Secretary, shall be entitled to receive compensation at a rate to be fixed by the Secretary, but not to exceed the daily rate payable for GS-18 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code (including travel time). While away from their homes or regular places of business, such members may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized under section 5703 of such title for persons employed intermittently in Federal Government service. SEC. 406. REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE. (a) PROPOSED REPORT- A proposed report of the Conference which shall include a statement of comprehensive coherent national policy on children, youth, and families together with recommendations for the implementation of such policy, shall be published and submitted to the chief executive officers of the States not later than 60 days following the date on which the Conference is adjourned. The findings and recommendations included in the published proposed report shall be available immediately to the public. (b) RESPONSE TO PROPOSED REPORT- The chief executive officers of the States, after reviewing and soliciting recommendations and comments on the proposed report of the Conference, shall submit to the Secretary, not later than 180 days after receiving such report, their views and findings on the recommendations of the Conference. (c) FINAL REPORT- After reviewing the views and recommendations of the chief executive officers of the States, the Secretary shall prepare a final report of the Conference, which shall include a compilation of the actions, views, and comments of the chief executive officers of the States and take into consideration the views and findings of such officers. (d) RECOMMENDATIONS OF SECRETARY- The Secretary shall, within 90 days after submission of the views of the chief executive officers of the States, publish and transmit to the President and to the Congress recommendations for the administrative action and the legislation necessary to implement the recommendations contained in such report. SEC. 407. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this title-- (1) the term `Conference' means the 1993 White House Conference on Children, Youth, and Families; (2) the term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services; and (3) the terms `child', `youth', and `young individual' means an individual who is less than 22 years of age. SEC. 408. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) AUTHORIZATION- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary, for each of the fiscal years 1992, 1993, and 1994, to carry out this title. Sums appropriated under this subsection shall remain available until the expiration of the 1-year period beginning on the date the Conference is adjourned. New spending authority or authority to enter into contracts as provided in this title shall be effective only to the extent and in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriations Acts. (b) RETURN OF UNEXPENDED FUNDS- Any funds remaining upon the expiration of the 1-year period referred to in subsection (a) shall be returned to the Treasury of the United States and credited as miscellaneous receipts.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Human Resources.
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