1. Purpose

To provide local elected officials policy information approved by the Governor's Workforce Policy Board regarding local Youth Councils for Ohio Option Areas.

2. Effective Date

December 1, 1999

3. Background

The Governor's Workforce Policy Board considers it critical to Ohio's workforce development system to focus strategically on services to youth. The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 requires that local elected officials must appoint a Youth Council as a subcommittee of the Local Workforce Investment Board. Local Policy Boards constituted pursuant to House Bill 470 within the Ohio Strategic Option Area have the same authority and responsibilities as Local Workforce Investment Boards under the Workforce Investment Act.

4. Policy Statement

The Governor's Workforce Policy Board and the Governor require through Partnership Agreements developed pursuant to House Bill 470 that local elected officials in Ohio Strategic Option Areas appoint a Youth Council as a subcommittee of the Local Workforce Policy Board.

Local elected officials may consider but are not limited to the following kinds of members for the Local Youth Council in Ohio Option areas: 

• members of the Local Workforce Policy Board and local employers with special interest or expertise in youth policy;

• representatives of youth service agencies, including juvenile justice and local law enforcement agencies;

• representatives of local public housing authorities;

• parents of youth that are eligible for Title I services;

• individuals, including former participants, and representatives of organizations that have experience relating to youth activities (e.g. universities, community and technical colleges, organized labor, and community organizations);

• representatives of the Job Corps, where operating in Ohio;

• representatives of the Ohio Civilian Conservation Corps, where operating in Ohio;

• representatives from public school districts, especially those with career/technical expertise;

• representatives of schools or agencies serving youth with disabilities;

• representatives from prominent community youth organizations such as 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Junior Achievement, and others.

5. Action Required

Local elected officials in Ohio Strategic Option areas must appoint a Youth Council as a subcommittee of the Local Workforce Policy Board. Local elected officials may consider the kinds of members listed above for membership on the Local Youth Council in Ohio Option areas.

Rescissions: None 

Distribution: WIA Policy Letter                                Expiration Date: Continuing