Bill Summary: SB 958 - An Act Concerning Disengaged Youth

• Establishes the Disengaged Youth Pilot Program for fiscal years ending June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2021, to be implemented by local education boards in Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport.

• Defines "disengaged youth" as students in grades 6-12 who are truant, academically failing, in need of mental health services, homeless or unaccompanied, or involved with the juvenile justice system.

• Requires local boards of education to partner with community providers to offer assistance including academic tutoring, employment services, shelter, clothing, food, and transportation.

• Allows boards of education to utilize existing funds from sections 10-223h or 10-262u of the general statutes to implement the pilot program.

• Mandates the Department of Education to submit an evaluation report to the education committee by January 1, 2022, assessing the program's implementation, effectiveness, and recommending any needed legislation.