2021-02-24-HSC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Town of Lexington Human Services Committee Wednesday 2/24/2021 @ 7 PM Conducted by Remote Participation* MINUTES Participants: Gail Fields, Leslie Zales, Doug Lucente (Select Board Liaison), Betty Borghesani (Council on Aging Liaison), Martha Kurland, Melissa Interess (staffi, Police Chief Corr(guest) Welcome& introductions: Zoom Meeting Called to order 7:1Opm 1. Reviewed and approved minutes of January 13, 2021 meeting a. Identified Committee Member to take minutes. 2. Welcome and Introduction of public attendees and Chief Corr. 3. Discussion with Lexington Police Leadership Leslie clarifies that our committee is tasked with reviewing the social emotional issues of the community while other committees will address questions related to Civil Rights/Racial Justice. The committee had prepared a list of questions (please see attached) for Chief Corr. He reviewed each question and allow members to ask clarifying questions. Question I Response: Chief Corr reports that many of the "sudden deaths" are people over the age of 80. Other more mental health related calls are often from facilities who are managing the psychiatric components of the call and they are calling LPD to provide containment and safety. Corr would estimate that there are 2 or 3 calls a month where residents might need intervention not already being provided to them. He feels we are in better shape than many communities in terms of our ability to meet the mental health needs of the community. LPD works collaboratively with LHS, Advocates and the Domestic Violence Service Network (DVSN) Team to meet the needs of the residents. They also work closely with Central Middlesex Police Partnership (CMPP)/Elliot Services and defer the non-resident population to this service. The most problematic calls are from residents (most often including seniors,people with mental illness and homeless people)that refuse services Question 2 Response: Chief Corr notes that there used to be many more issues with youth offenders than there are now. He reports that in 2019 there were no arrests of minors and that there were only 13 youth who were charged with a crime. There were only 3 house parties 2019 and possibly some additional noise complaints. They have been trained bRestorative Justice(C4RJ) group ad also utilize the DA's Diversion program which both keep kids out of the system and jails. Question 3 Response: Chief Corr notes that they are not informed of the outcome of 51As filed by the department and therefore do not do much follow-up and are not aware if there are people who are filed upon multiple times. During pandemic, it is common to see more reports of kids not showing up for Zoom school classes. He notes that they are aware there is child abuse and neglect in Lexington.