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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-12-04-HSC-min.pdf Human Services Committee Minutes 12/4/96 Present: Jolly Anne Weinstock, Chair; Barbara Ciampa; Helen Cravis; Lauren MacNeil; Rick Safford; Nancy Freed, Social Services Director; Joan Abrahams, RePlace; Steve Baran (recorder). Absent: Julie Fenn, Roz Gittleman, Eva Glick Minutes 11/4/96 The Minutes of 11/4/96 were approved with the following exceptions: Helen Cravis, listed as present, was absent; Bonnie Saulnier is the Vice President of CBHC not Wayside. Youth Services Contract Nancy Freed, following consultation with Steve and the Human Services Committee expressed concern about the quality and timeliness of RePlace reporting. In addition to the stipulations for improved reporting in a memorandum which was distributed, it was requested that time spent with each client be expressed in units of service (extension of reporting from individuals to group with additional assignment of numbers to clients seen in group); indication of why clients leave the program and whether problems have been successfully resolved. Nancy indicated that RePlace contracts would remain in line with the Town's austerity approach to budgeting. Preschool Steve Baran noted findings from a survey of preschools carried out two years ago suggesting a need for scholarships. There was some consideration given to inserting an article on the Town Warrant indicating need, but this was considered premature. It was felt that many questions had to be answered before need could be properly assessed such as availability of transportation, need for day care vs. preschool, or how much case finding is occurring in relation to parents who may be hesitant about applying. Steve Baran was asked to set up a meeting between preschool directors and a newly appointed Human Services subcommittee whose members are Barbara Ciampa, Julie Fenn and Lauren MacNeil. Youth collaborative report Joan Abrahams reported that a youth collaborative representing a number of youth constituencies was surveying what programs agencies would like to import and export Human Services Committee Minutes 12/4/96 Page 2 by way of sharing resources and avoiding duplication. The collaborative was also interested in preparing a youth services directory, possibly incorporating Lexington data into an existing yellow page-pocket size United Way directory as well as introducing such data into the Lexington home page Question was raised about how contemporary was the name RePlace, and Joan was asked to bring back to her board a suggestion that the agency be renamed Replace/Wayside Family Services Replace response to Bill Deveney evaluation Joan Abrahams said that RePlace was in agreement with the Deveney finding that Replace was doing too much with too little. This was in part due to RePlace attempting to be responsive to parents' demands as, for example, the substance abuse program for athletes and the Student Assistance Program. Replace was inclined to cut its smoking cessation program and move dollars to a substance abuse program, to cut Project Depth and have Wayside take the program into its budget. On the other hand, there was a desire to continue with other programs in the contract including CAPP (currently being evaluated through Jennifer Wolfrum). As to Bill Deveney's comments on Replace counseling, the agency was reviewing instruments that would measure ( outcomes. Health PAC Jennifer Wolfrum, Health Coordinator, discussed her Department of Education-funded K-12 program which is mandated by the Health Reform Act. Her Health PAC advisory committee has representation from teachers, students, administrators, Replace, churches and the Human Services Committee and meets four times a year The Human Services Committee is not at present represented. Among issues discussed are child abuse as it pertains to elementary school children, substance abuse peer violence (Jennifer currently coordinates 16 peer mediators), and drama of social issues. Human services in China Jolley Anne had an exciting time in China and will report her impressions at the next meeting.