Minutes of the Board of Youth Services
October 10, 2007
Meeting called to order at 7:10pm.
Present: Carlene Newell, Leon Canter, Mary Deyst, Gene Lucarelli, Cindy Sheridan, Dorothy Williams, Elaine Shea, Leon Cantor, Lynn Horgan and Joan Robbio.
Absent: Dave McKenna, Donna Dolan, Larry Greco, Elizabeth Oppedisano,
Jeannette Mills
Minutes from September 12, 2007 meeting approved.
REPORTS:
CARLENE:
? Passed out an article entitled “Prevention of Sexual Abuse Through Educational Programs Directed Toward Children” to each board member. Carlene highlighted the valid points of prevention and that children educated at a young age “get it”. Programs like CAP referenced.
? Parent Education Forum Booklet: This is coming out and the first program begins on October 24th. This will be distributed throughout the town and offers a nice variety from talented educators.
? Clarified that $350 is the actual donation amount being requested for the Arl. Parents Forums, not $300.00 as previously indicated.
? CAP discussion about reinstating the program. Group questioned the status of the program and how to proceed. Lynn Horgan offered to gather information and inquire about status of program. Group members provided recommendations of who to contact and issues to consider. Lynn will present findings at next meeting.
FIRST STEP- MARY & ELAINE
? Referrals are coming in, and all have been contacted. As of yet, no response back from new referrals. There are 8 members in the group who are known to each other and support each other well.
AYCC- LEON
* School interns are busy and the school year is well under way. They are awaiting a written agreement from the Town Manager that will renew every year.
? The counseling program referral process is being refined. This is being driven by the School Department. Leon provided clarification on special education and short-term friendship group focus and what counseling addresses. Leon pointed out how in school counseling can help a struggling student both socially and academically and that the goals is to “support kids”.
? Cindy inquired whether educational information is available to the community on the great work the intern program provides to the schools. A conversation ensued and Leon was asked if he would communicate inquiry to interns and generate an educational report on the program for parents. Leon acknowledged the request.
MISSION STATEMENT FORMATION:
The Board revisited conversation from last meeting, reviewed historical documents, documents from the town website and verbalized wording that the Board of Youth Services Mission Statement should include. Gene and Joan referenced the 1962 mission statement and remarked on the need to broaden the scope and address how we are going to accomplish the tactical plans outlined.
This is the Mission Statement of Article 63 created in 1962 when the Board of “Directors” of Youth Services was appointed:
“To assist in the prevention, treatment and control of problems relating to the children and youth of the Town and to advise and assist other agencies, both public and private, concerned with such matters”.
PLAN FOR NEXT WEEK:
1) Review mission statement above and edit as needed.
2) Discuss issues of goal, vision, policies and procedures.
3) Next meeting set for November 7, 2007.
Motion to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Lynn Horgan
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