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 the agency can effectively manage these programs and provide necessary resources to participants.

Additionally, the resolution emphasizes the need for DOES to conduct background checks on individuals who will supervise youth in these programs, as recent guidance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation has indicated that the Department of Human Resources can no longer perform these checks on behalf of DOES. The emergency legislation allows DOES to directly access background check services from the FBI and the Metropolitan Police Department, ensuring the safety of youth participants. The resolution is deemed urgent and will take effect immediately to facilitate the timely implementation of these necessary changes.