The Youth Workforce Development Programs Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025, introduced by Councilmember Anita Bonds, addresses urgent administrative issues faced by the Department of Employment Services (DOES) in preparation for the upcoming Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) and the Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP). The resolution seeks to modify the use of DOES funds for food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases for program participants and expands the definition of covered child or youth services providers to include employees or volunteers of host employers involved in summer youth programs.

Additionally, the resolution authorizes DOES to conduct background checks and motor vehicle record checks for individuals with direct contact or unsupervised access to youth in these programs, as recent guidance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has indicated that the Department of Human Resources is no longer authorized to perform these checks. The emergency legislation is deemed necessary to ensure the safety of youth participants and to clarify the permissible use of funds, allowing for immediate action to be taken as the programs are set to commence. The resolution is intended to be adopted after a single reading and will take effect immediately.