Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) on Friday would take steps to promote collaborative efforts that set at-risk juveniles on a path toward long-term success.
The Supporting Youth Opportunity and Preventing Delinquency Act, H.R. 5963, would reauthorize and reform current federal law to help at-risk kids develop skills, provide states the flexibility to meet the needs of delinquent youth, and support prevention services that help at-risk youth avoid the criminal justice system.
“Giving our nation’s at-risk youth and juvenile offenders the services they need to get on the right track gives them a chance to succeed,” Curbelo, a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, said. “It’s important that these children are afforded the opportunity to be active, engaged members of their communities. This bill will help kids find a path to long-term success by targeting resources to programs proven to work, particularly those that are community-based.”
The legislation would also prioritize programs that work by emphasizing evidence-based strategies with proven track records, and it would improve accountability and oversight to ensure that taxpayer resources lead to positive outcomes.
“Currently, about two million children are in the juvenile system, their involvement often stemming from the challenging personal circumstances they face,” Curbelo said. “I am proud to stand up for these kids in South Florida and around the country to provide them with tools for a brighter future.”
Curbelo introduced the bill with U.S. Reps. John Kline (R-MN), the chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce; Bobby Scott (D-VA), the ranking member of the committee; Earl “Buddy” Carter (R-GA); Susan Davis (D-CA); and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).