A Message from the Chair

The Honorable Barbara A. Favola, Senate of Virginia
It is my pleasure as Chair of the General Assembly’s Commission on Youth to welcome you to our website. The Commission on Youth is tasked with providing a forum for review and study of youth policies and services. Whether you are a member or staff of the General Assembly, a government official, service provider, educator, parent or caregiver, or interested member of the public, you will find this website a wonderful resource on the Commission’s work on a host of issues, from child welfare to juvenile justice, or from mental health to education.

Children matter to policymakers in Virginia. Almost 2 million young people age 0-18 live in our state. This number represents almost 25% of our state’s population. Correspondingly, a significant percentage of our state budget goes directly to services for these youth and their families. Given the size of this population and the breadth of special needs associated with young people and their families, Virginia is fortunate to have the Commission on Youth to provide guidance and leadership on youth policy issues. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with our work and to let us know whenever we can be of assistance to your child, family or community.

Announcements

Listening Sessions for Special Education Dispute Resolution

The Virginia Commission on Youth will be holding listening sessions open to the public at locations across the Commonwealth at the following dates and times. Register here for the events below:

  • June 20, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Virtual
  • June 24, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Location: Wytheville Meeting Center, 333 Community Blvd, Wytheville, VA 24382
  • June 25, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Location: Twin Hickory Area Library, 5001 Twin Hickory Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059
  • June 26, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Location: The Conference Center at Courthouse Plaza, 2300 Clarendon Blvd., 2nd Floor, Arlington, VA 22201
  • June 27, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Location: Endependence Center, Inc., 6300 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502

Round tables for the Use and Impact of Relief of Custody on Care and Support of Youth

The Virginia Commission on Youth will be holding round tables open to the public at locations across the Commonwealth. Find more information about this study here on our studies page. Round tables will be held at the following dates and times:

  • June 24, 2024 at 2:30 p.m.; Location: Wytheville Meeting Center, 333 Community Blvd, Wytheville, VA 24382

2024 Commission Meetings - Click here or on the Meetings link to view Meeting handouts

The Virginia Commission on Youth will be holding meetings at the following dates and times:

In the News