Youth Issues Overview

Youth Issues Overview

Youth issues have captured the attention of many state legislators, due to an increasing recognition of the problems facing today's youth. To assist legislators who are working to create a better world for America's pre-teens and adolescents, NCSL tracks policies and programs in five areas: youth violence, out-of-school time programs, youth engagement in civic and policy development, youth in transition, and youth at-risk.

Youth violence continues to frustrate state lawmakers. Well-publicized incidents of school shootings, bullying, and hazing torment communities and create policy nightmares for legislators trying to coordinate services to address these behaviors. We have information to help you sort through the myths and rumors and locate the facts and research about effective programs to combat youth violence.

Targeted federal funding for out-of-school time programs has re-ignited debates surrounding the goals and impacts of these programs. Peer and adult mentoring programs, literacy enrichment initiatives and community learning centers are just some of the ways that policymakers are trying to make the before and after school hours positive and rewarding for youth. NCSL's D.C. office has additional resources dedicated specifically to before- and after-school programs and policies. Click here to see that webpage.

Some lawmakers have realized the potential power of engaging youth in civic education and policy development. Youth voices lend an authenticity to legislation addressing youth problems. Several states have created youth advisory task forces, councils, or boards. Our webpage contains information about these bodies, their functions, and their accomplishments.

Youth in transition are another group of interest to legislators. Whether transitioning from foster care to independence, from detention to re-entry to society, or from a stable home to a runaway or abandonment situation, youth in transition face challenges and barriers that require special services and attention.

Most people agree that growing up in America is harder today than ever before. Juvenile justice solutions are being supplemented by a growing array of diversion and intervention programs targeting youth at-risk. Even kids that avoid the juvenile justice arena must dodge innumerous pitfalls on the road to adulthood - teen pregnancy, smoking, alcohol and substance abuse, sexual exploitation, etc. We have resources to assist legislators designing policies and programs to help adolescents avoid dangerous and self-destructive behaviors.

NCSL staff in D.C. and Denver can provide comprehensive, thorough, and timely information on critical youth policy issues. We provide services to legislators and staff working to improve state policies affecting children and their families. The Denver-based youth project staff focuses on state policy, tracking legislation and providing research and policy analysis, consultation, and technical assistance specifically geared to the legislative audience. Denver staff includes Stephanie Walton and Katie Thurstin. Denver staff can be reached at 303.364.7700 or cyf-info@ncsl.org.

NCSL staff in Washington, D.C. track and analyze federal legislation and policy and represents state legislatures on youth issues before Congress and the Administration. In D.C., Sheri Steisel and Lee Posey can be reached at 202.624.5400 or fedhumserv-info@ncsl.org.

The youth project and D.C. human services staff receive guidance and support from NCSL's Human Services and Welfare Standing Committee