HSC - Human Services Committee - Charge - Revised January 2020

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HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE Members: 5 Appointed by: Select Board Length of Term: 3 years, staggered terms Appointments made: September 30 Meeting Times: Typically every other month, and as deemed necessary Description: The Human Services Committee is advisory to the Select Board. In that capacity it will recommend to the Select Board human service goals and priorities that directly address issues and needs of residents across the lifespan that the Committee identifies in regards to social, emotional, and financial health. The Committee will advocate for any necessary resources and funding to meet those identified needs and/or provide prevention and education services to address those needs proactively. The Committee will seek to recruit public participation and regularly collaborate with other community groups in addressing community human service issues, as well as monitor trends and identify emerging needs. The Committee is also committed to making the Lexington community more aware of the available resources and supports within the Human Services Department. The Human Services Committee shall report at least annually to the Select Board and Town Meeting via the Committee's written annual report and its presence at meetings, as necessary. It shall review periodically its composition, purpose and charge, recommending changes as necessary to the Select Board. Criteria for Membership: Desirable qualities/experience includes: • Interest in Human Services in municipal setting • human services management,planning, evaluation, and/or provision • education, prevention, and intervention services as they relate to social issues and mental health • Knowledge of Lexington community Interested citizens without such experience will also be considered. Ref.: Charge adopted by the Board of Selectmen on August 3, 1981. Revised 1984, changing annual appointment date. Revised 1985, changing the length of term. Revised 1998, approving an amended human services policy. Selectmen designated as Special Municipal Employees on January 18, 2006. Revised 2020, changing the number of committee members, meeting frequency, references to Select Board, and updating the charge.