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Promise 4: The government will spend public money well and in the best interest of children and youth

Government has a responsibility to effectively and efficiently manage all of its resources, to be a good steward, maximizing resources and directing them where they are needed most. Internal operational fixes must be a priority of the city’s new leadership; these fixes will ultimately lead to better outcomes and results for children and youth, particularly since the necessary fixes involve systems reforms and a meaningful and transparent budget process.

The new administration and City Council can take decisive action in their first 100 days to keep the “youth opportunity” promise by

• Implementing all components of the youth development strategy and directing funding to support it.



• In FY 2006, only the “Safety First!” components of the strategy are being implemented.



• Currently, there are no mandatory program standards for young people over age 13.



• Fully implementing a comprehensive strategy to prepare older youth who will exit foster care without a permanent family so they have the tools to live well independently.



• As of June 2006, 37% of 2,554 youth in foster care were 15 years of age or older. As many as 700 of these youth will not go home or be adopted.



• Dramatically increasing the number of children and youth with Serious Emotional Disorders who receive mental health treatment.



• The Department of Mental Health served only 5% of young people with this debilitating disorder in FY 2005.



• Fully implementing the Department of Health’s School Health Plan.



• The law requires all public and public charter schools to have at least part-time nursing services; presently, not all schools have nurses.

These recommendations are achievable. To date, DC Action for Children has done its part to support the fulfillment of this promise by successfully advocating for

• Increased funding for the School Mental Health Program. The Committee on Health dedicated $4.1 million to improve the capacity of the program in FY 2007.



• Greater attention paid to the unique needs of older youth, especially those in the child welfare system and those who are not engaged in school or productive out-of-school time activities.

* Mayoral candidates are excluded from registering for the 5 Promises to Kids Campaign.