As Chairman of the Governor's Committee for Youth, it is my pleasure to submit to you the results of the studies and findings of our Committee and our recommendations based on these studies and findings.

We have been most fortunate to have had a committee composed of distinguished Virginians who have brought a wealth of experience and wisdom to our meetings. The members, where their schedules would allow, have served with faithfulness and enthusiasm and a real dedication to the opportunity given our Committee to strengthen the youth services of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Our basic premise has been that the communities are best served when youth programs are developed at the community level. We have tried to use our Committee Meetings, first, to familiarize ourselves with the present youth services available; second, to recognize areas of need for additional services and third, to exchange ideas among the Committee members which might be carried back and used in the communities.

We have also done our best to stimulate the formation of local youth committees and to encourage local committees which were already established. We have recently divided the full Committee into area sub-committees with the intent to provide closer liaison between our statewide committee and the local committees. We believe that our Committee is moving in the right direction but we recognize that there is still much to be done if the young people of Virginia are to have their fullest opportunities for education, employment, health, welfare and recreation.

My fellow members would like me to express to you our thanks for the wonderful opportunity of serving on your Committee for Youth. We would also like to recognize the able leadership of the Honorable Kathryn H. Stone, our first Chairman. The Committee has also been most fortunate to have had the benefit of the experience and wisdom, and the example of the firm but gentle justice of the Honorable Kermit V. Rooke who has served as our Vice-Chairman. In addition, we have received full cooperation and assistance from the Departments of Education, Employment and Welfare and Institutions in the lending of their personnel, services and facilities. Particularly we are grateful for the time and interest of Mr. William E. Weddington of the latter Department.

It has been a singular privilege for me to have worked in association with the members of this Committee and I am most appreciative of the opportunity and the experience involved. Our highest hope, however, is that our recommendations will be helpful to you and the members of the General Assembly in coordinating and strengthening our State services to Virginia youth. We believe our future depends on it.

Respectfully submitted,

Sidney Buford Scott, Chairman
Governor's Committee for Youth