2017-11-29-HSC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Human Services Committee Meeting Minutes- 11-29-17 Meeting called to order 7pm Attending: Charlotte Rodgers, Gail Fields, Lee Gardner Elkin, Doug Lucente, Pam Joshi, Lana Bastonille, Bonnie TenPas,Jesse Steigerwald, Leslie Zales, Philip Doyle, Helen Walsh, Betty Borghesani Minutes from September and October approved. Introductions made.Two New prospective members: Leslie Zales and Qinghua Li Charlotte Rodgers report on Human Services Department: - Introduction of Philip Doyle LCSW Interim youth and family social worker. Filling the position three days a week until a decision is reached by the Board of Selectman committee and the School Committee as to the structure and role of the Y&FS position. Next joint meeting of BOS and School Committee in February to explore further what the role of municipal government is in providing mental health services. - The Human Services budget was presented to the board of selectman on Tuesday 11/28. Currently no changes being made to budget with exception of a PIR(program improvement request)for Youth and Family Services being submitted with zero dollars attached to fund it. This possible part time position would address the need for increase in crisis response, and therapy. Hiring process currently suspended in light of these considerations. - HS Dept. hoping to have someone hired as the Transportation Manager in the coming month. Also hopeful about the Volunteer Coordinator position. -Charlotte and four other school members will be going to a CHANA 15 four month learning symposium on suicide intervention and prevention.They will review suicide data, assess community need, and town readiness to respond.This ties in with a CHANA 15 grant being written and submitted (due 12/8)for a multi-year impact grant. If awarded funding will allow for a consultant to be hired for the first year for assessment and recommendations for implementation. Funding would be 20k a year. Lexington Community Coalition-Youth Initiative report on recent developments: -The last Coalition for Youth meeting was well attended. They are in an info seeking phase, conducting interviews, and working on an awareness campaign to make people know they are here and are a resource for people.They are looking at what other towns are providing in the way of suicide prevention and intervention. 2017's YRBS results are in and they show an increase in ideation. They have met with Riverside Community Health who attended a steering committee to get an idea of what Needham and Newton are doing in regards to services.