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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-05-HSC-min.pdf Human Services Committee Minutes 2/5/97 Present: Jolly Anne Weinstock, Chair; Barbara Ciampa; Helen Cravis; Julie Fenn; Roz Gittleman; Eva Glick; Lauren MacNeil; Nancy Freed, Social Services Director; Joan Abrahams and Arnie Berger, RePlace Steve Baran (recorder). Absent: Rick Safford Minutes 1/8/96 The Minutes of 1/8/96 were approved with the following corrections: With respect to a young grandmother who was a recipient of financial assistance the wording should be changed from: 'He had been able to help a newly located grandmother who needed transportation for a five year old to a preschool. ( to: "He had been able to help a grandmother new to the community " Jolley Anne Weinstock had questioned whether every possible resource, particularly extended day care, had been explored prior to approving the expenditure. She asked Steve if he had looked into this. Steve replied that, indeed, he had and this resource was fully subscribed before the recipient could apply The Minutes should also have shown that Barbara Ciampa was absent. Three Year Terms Steve reported that he had inquired of the Selectmen's office about length of appointments for Committee members. They took note that the Charge did stipulate three-year terms and would make the necessary corrections. Arnie Berger Arnie Berger was welcomed following the death of her husband. RePlace reporting l Steve, Nancy and Joan reviewed the progress of revised RePlace reporting. Nancy commented that they had discussed timely and complete reporting. Joan noted certain Human Services Committee Minutes ( 2/5/97 Page 2 current programs that were either being discontinued or, because of low utilization, being considered to be discontinued. The value of reporting was discussed as an evaluation tool with Nancy noting that the year-end reporting would be begun as a process well before the end of the year to allow consideration of programming and drawing up a contract for FY '98 Arnie suggested that there be a qualitative aspect to the evaluation with Helen suggesting that respondents to an evaluation include potential as well as current consumers. Joan noted the availability of Beaverbrook counseling services for families with preschoolers. Review of Charge and Policy Statement The Charge was accepted with previous revisions from the Committee. It was suggested that the policy statement be redrafted so that there would be a distinction between mission and implementation. Steve was asked to obtain, to the extent they exist, samples of charges (and policy statements) from other Town committees. ( Preschool Lauren expressed regret that her daytime schedule precluded her ability to attend meetings with preschool providers. Barbara reported that there had been a meeting with Stacy Dimino Executive Director of Communities United, a large preschool and day care provider Stacy had highlighted the lack of response from parents who either don't know about their programs or are over income and therefore not eligible. Another meeting was with Lexington preschool directors representing a variety of auspices. They reported on a high demand for infant care parents' need for education and support, and the need for a coordinator of preschool programs. Helen said that basic data was available through the School Department and Town census. Steve reported that the Children's Trust Fund was preparing to release a Request for Response for FY '98 Parenting Education and Support Grants. These grants are for community-based parenting education and support groups for parents of children ages birth to six years. Grants would be $2,500 each. Steve thought such funding could be used to support a support group that had been initiated at the Hancock Church preschool. Julie said that she had helped to run that group Lauren spoke of how much some parents wanted to make their own parenting different from what they had experienced as parents. Human Services Committee Minutes 2/5/97 Page 3 Council on Aging Roz reported on developments at the Council on Aging: 1 Social day care move 2. Air conditioning 3 Redevelopment of the dining room in the direction of a cafe 4 Expansion in the direction of a community center Human Services Committee Report to Selectmen Nancy will collaborate with the Committee in presenting a report on social services to the Board of Selectmen on March 3 (tentative date). 1