Commission on Youth adopts 2026 work plan, approves remote participation policy

At the conclusion of presentations and discussion, the Commission on Youth took two formal actions. A motion to adopt the commission's work plan for 2026 was moved and seconded and adopted by voice vote after the chair asked for verbal affirmations: "All those in favor, signify by saying aye." The chair declared a unanimous voice vote on the work plan.

Later, staff member Regan presented the commission's annual remote participation policy, which the Code of Virginia requires be adopted each year for virtual participation and remote attendance exceptions. Senator David Suterlein moved to adopt the policy (which was unchanged from the previous year) and the commission again approved it by voice vote. The chair and staff clarified that members participating electronically may not make motions or vote under the policy and that a quorum must be physically present when a member participates remotely.

The adopted work plan includes three studies: (1) funding and support for Virginia's Children's Advocacy Centers (work group, site visits, stakeholder interviews); (2) powers and duties review for the Office of the Children's Ombudsman related to DJJ; and (3) dissemination of evidence-based mental-health practices for children and adolescents. Commission staff will convene the work groups, schedule site visits and report back to the commission.