CO HB1268

Establishes the CO9To25 Youth Development Council within the Department of Public Health and Environment to improve health, safety, and well-being of youth and young adults ages 9 to 25 across Colorado.

Council duties include reviewing statewide services for youth and young adults, recommending best practices for violence prevention and substance abuse treatment, and advising the Tony Grampsas Youth Services Board on program implementation.

Council must establish regional councils across the state, increase public awareness of youth services, research positive youth development standards, coordinate funding among state agencies, and identify service gaps and duplications.

Membership must include minimum of 20 members reflecting the state's geographic, age, ethnic, gender, and disability diversity, with interested individuals submitting letters of interest to the Department of Public Health and Environment executive director.

Council shall establish its operational structure according to recommendations from the Colorado State Youth Development Plan; a convening agency (potentially a local nonprofit) may be designated by August 1, 2015 to assist with council administration.