Thomas Mott Osborne: “Yesterday H.R. 4703 was introduced in response to a report issued by the White House Task Force for Disadvantaged Youth.…”

“Yesterday H.R. 4703 was introduced in response to a report issued by the White House Task Force for Disadvantaged Youth. The findings of the study are as follows: Number one, 10 million American teens are plagued by poverty, abuse and neglect, academic failure and substance abuse. Number two, the Federal Government has created 355 programs to serve youth in response to these deficits and afflictions. The result has been chaotic. Two-thirds of the programs evaluated by OMB were rated ineffective or redundant. This bill would create a Federal Youth Development Council. The Council is charged with, number one, improving and coordinating youth-serving programs; number two, issuing an annual report on youth programs and their effectiveness; and, number three, setting quantifiable goals and developing a plan for each program. This legislation will allow more children in need to be served more effectively. It is supported by an overwhelming majority of youth agencies. I urge support of H.R. 4703.”