C0218DD16ACBB9AB8725846B0074E34F Hearing Summary

Mr. Ada and Ms. Shaik presented COYAC's third policy recommendation, regarding youth voice in state agencies.  They provided slides on the topic (Attachment D).  Ms. Shaik discussed the Statewide Youth Development Plan and its emphasis on the positive youth development (PYD) approach.  Two editions of the plan were provided to committee members as part of a packet from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) (Attachment E).

Ms. Shaik and Mr. Ada explained that the proposed bill would mandate PYD training for agencies working with programs that impact youth.  They added that such training would also benefit legislators who work on bills affecting youth.  In response to a question from Representative McKean, Ms. Shaik specified that the proposed bill would target departments that work directly with youth.

Audra Bishop, representing CDPHE, discussed the PYD training CDPHE provides in local communities.  She noted that the program has expanded to the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS).  

Pearl Bell, representing CDHS, noted the divisions of CDHS and the Department of Education that have received the training.

Committee members discussed COYAC's role in assisting agencies, with Senator Todd noting the need for further marketing. The legislative members considered whether the policy proposal would be best achieved by bill.

Senator Court expressed concern with the potential costs of the proposal. Ms. Bell noted that the Statewide Youth Development Plan includes fiscal information about department programming for youth.

Ms. Bishop responded to questions from Senator Court. The committee's legislative members requested staff draft a letter to the Governor requesting the expansion of PYD training in the executive branch.