NY A02449

Department of Labor, in consultation with the Office of Children and Family Services, shall conduct a pilot program providing job and vocational skills training to adjudicated juvenile delinquents or offenders in three residential facilities selected by OCFS.

Pilot program shall use integrated support services, educational, vocational, and job skill training to prepare youth for higher education and higher wage jobs in growing occupational fields.

Youth participating in the program while attending school or receiving educational services must be given the option to participate at times that do not conflict with their education schedule.

Department of Labor and OCFS shall collaborate with community organizations including not-for-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, local development corporations, and small businesses in the counties where facilities are located.

Department of Labor and OCFS shall issue a joint report to legislative committees by December 31, 2019 on program status, number of youth served, average length of services, and employment and educational outcomes of participants.

Act takes effect immediately and expires and is repealed on April 1, 2020.