SB 463 - This act requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Departments of Economic Development, Health, Mental Health and Social Services, to develop model curriculum programs concerning: (1) the effects of youth violence and methods to decrease youth violence; (2) the effects of teenage pregnancy; (3) the effects of drug and alcohol abuse; (4) conflict resolution and mediation; and (5) parental education classes on how to assist and support children in the learning process.

The act allows family courts and local circuit courts the authority to establish juvenile restitution programs which arrange for juvenile offenders to perform community work to pay restitution for offenses committed.

The act also requires the Department of Social Services with the assistance of the Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education, Economic Development, Health and Mental Health to help develop, operate or expand new and existing youth clubs or associations which provide alternative to illegal gang activities. The Department of Social Services shall also assist communities in starting community revitalization plans which may include child care, community support and volunteer programs to provide mentoring and adolescent specific programs.
OTTO FAJEN