The Youth Workforce Development Programs Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025 addresses urgent administrative needs for the Department of Employment Services (DOES) as it prepares for the upcoming Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) and the Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP). The resolution seeks to amend existing laws to allow DOES to modify the use of its funds for food purchases during workforce development programs and to expand the definition of covered child or youth services providers to include employees or volunteers from host employers involved in summer youth programs. This change is necessary to ensure that funds can be appropriately allocated for food and non-alcoholic beverages at events attended by program participants.

Additionally, the resolution aims to grant DOES the authority to conduct background checks on employees or volunteers who will have direct contact with youth in these programs, as recent guidance from the FBI has indicated that the Department of Human Resources can no longer perform these checks on behalf of DOES. The urgency of this legislation is underscored by the need to begin background checks immediately, as the agency is preparing to issue a solicitation for a background check company. The resolution is deemed necessary to ensure the safety of youth participants and to clarify the permissible uses of funds, allowing for the effective operation of these critical youth employment programs.