Strategic plan; desired outcomes

The Commission shall develop a 5-year strategic plan that includes specific recommendations to enhance coordination of existing State programs and services and innovative strategies to achieve the following outcomes: (1) Thriving: preventive health. All children and youth should have access to adequate health care and be educated on healthy lifestyle choices to prevent future illness and disease. (2) Learning: education completion. All children and youth should have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and should receive appropriate individualized supports when they face challenges in doing so. (3) Working: workforce development. All children and youth should have an opportunity for education, skill building, and work experience to prepare them for success in the workforce. (4) Connecting: social and emotional development. All children and youth should have opportunities to develop essential social and emotional skills that allow them to communicate effectively, resolve conflict, and manage stress. (5) Leading: civic engagement. All children and youth should have opportunities to build relationships with adults and their peers as well as cultivate leadership skills through service learning, mentoring, and other safe activities in their communities. (Source: P.A. 95-781, eff. 8-5-08.)