Education & Human Services Standing Committee January 8, 2026 Staff Report

Summary

The Education & Human Services Standing Committee is meeting on January 8, 2026, to discuss several key items. These include an update on the Positive Youth Development (PYD) Fund, which supports out-of-school-time programming for youth aged 11-19 as part of the Gun Violence Prevention and Intervention Framework. The committee will also consider three ordinances:

1. Ord. 2025-275: Transfers $1.1 million for Safer Communities grants, allocating $600,000 to the YWCA for trauma-informed services at the Family Justice Center and $500,000 to Next Up for high-quality out-of-school-time programs. These funds are part of a larger $3.538 million grant from the VA Department of Criminal Justice Services.
2. Ord. 2025-276: Authorizes a contract with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond to expand life skills programming (conflict resolution, self-regulation, academic planning) at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, aiming to engage at least 100 youth.
3. Ord. 2025-277: Authorizes a regional cooperative partnership agreement with Henrico and Chesterfield counties to support a recovery academy initiative funded by the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority. This includes a matching appropriation of $8,519.98 to support Chesterfield County's recovery high school.

Citizen Impact

Residents can expect expanded youth programs focused on development and safety through the Positive Youth Development Fund and specific initiatives like the Boys & Girls Club program at MLK Middle School. Additionally, funding is being allocated for violence prevention services and a regional opioid recovery academy, potentially impacting public health and safety.

Confidence

high