June 8, 1999
Statement Of Mayor Anthony A. Williams On Council Approval Of Funding For Children And Youth Investment Fund
"Today the Council approved legislation that substantially changes how the District provides support to children. This legislation will allow neighborhood-based nonprofits -- not District agencies -- to meet the needs of our young people through the Children and Youth Investment Trust, funding for which was included in the consensus budget.
"Working in partnership with the private sector, faith community, and neighborhood organizations, we will launch a new nonprofit organization that will have the flexibility and the funding to make a major impact in the lives of our children. The innovation and ingenuity found in community-based solutions are a good investment in our children and in our future.
"The Trust will be fund results-driven programs aimed at achieving measurable improvements it the lives of our children. It will use a competitive funding process guided by criteria and priorities developed by the community.
"This vote is particularly important because it represents a departure from business as usual. No longer will we throw money at problems through inefficient government bureaucracies; we will roll up our sleeves and partner with the community to come up with neighborhood-based solutions.
"Over the years, we have pumped billions of dollars into government-run children's programs aimed responding to crisis driven needs. The result? Our city ranks 51st in the nation in infant mortality, 51st in the nation in child poverty, and 51st in the nation in reduction of teen birth rates.
"Clearly, the old ways of doing business have failed. It is time to try something new. Now the District joins Kansas City, Boston, St. Louis, and Los Angeles which have enjoyed tremendous success with a community driven partnership for children, youth, and families. Partnerships provide a more flexible and efficient approach than a government bureaucracy can achieve.
"The District government currently spends more than $1.5 billion on human services, much of it aimed at programs that react to the problems of our children -- abuse, neglect, poor health care, juvenile crime and low achievement in schools. We ought to at least spend one percent of that amount on prevention, especially community-based after school programs. In other cities, young people in out-of-school programs have significantly increased test scores, lower crime rates, and lower dropout rates. In a budget of more than $5.5 billion, $15 million isn't too much to invest in our children's potential.
"Sometimes people want a risk-free solution. They won't find one. If we want to turn the situation around and do right by our children, we need a new approach. We need to be willing to take a risk-a calculated risk.
"I applaud the Council for joining me in ushering in a new day for the children of the District. The Councilmembers have demonstrated their commitment to children, and their willingness to try something new."
