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The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) only requires the Youth
Council (YC) to be established and to provide "advice" to the Workforce
Investment Board on WIA related youth issues. There are two types of roles a
Youth Council could assume. They are:
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WIB Advisor on WIA Issues
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This approach is the minimalist approach. The YC becomes
an advisor to the WIB to meet the requirements of the law, but;
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Fails to maximize the opportunity that the requirement of
forming a YC presents.
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Youth Policy Maker and System Builder
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This approach will provide our community with the opportunity
to change the way the federal resources are used at the local level.
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In the final analysis it appears very appropriate for a WIB
to bestow upon the YC a role as Youth Policy Maker and System Builder. In
this role, the YC will:
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Oversee the planning process,
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Determine needs and gaps,
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Reallocate and tap new resources,
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Recommend vendors and programs who pass careful scrutiny,
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Monitor outcomes to assure vulnerable youth a better chance
at a productive life, and;
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Lay the groundwork for the collaborative infrastructure to
support a viable system of connections to the mainstream.
The Duties of the Youth Council
Specific duties and responsibilities are spelled out in Title
I, Chapter 2 of WIA, Section 117 (h)(4). Most are the typical type of
responsibilities of an advisory committee: some provide enhanced opportunities
for the YC and WIB to take advantage of in order to bring about real change.
- Develop the portions of the local plan relating to eligible youth, as
determined by the chairperson of the local board;
- Recommend eligible providers of youth activities, to be awarded grants
or contracts on a competitive basis by the local board to carry out the
youth activities; and
- Conduct oversight with respect to the eligible providers of youth
activities, in the local area;
- Coordinate youth activities authorized and;
Other duties determined to be appropriate by the chairperson of the local
board.
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