HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-11-29-HSC-min 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.
-Coalition looking to gel plans for next year.Three themes they are looking to address. Want to
expand their role beyond primarily a suicide prevention and intervention to include all age
groups,want to take a look and define best practices and define their role for the coming year.
-Coalition have been offering welcome coffee meet ups which provides visibility for them and
provide a point of entry to the town-what's available and where to access it.
Regarding mental health services. Current feeling is that before suggesting what to do regarding mental
health services that the town needs to identify the need and what is being done currently.After, the
next phase would be to find out what other towns are doing and should Lexington adapt any of their
ideas/programs/services.
Presentation of the Interface program which collects and categorizes a wide range resources related to
mental health and wellness for the benefit of the general public — children, adults and families — as
well as educators and mental health professionals. Information provided on other town's experience
with the service. Seems over all positive. Some concerns regarding sustainability, being a referral service
only, how many users, and cost$14k a year for a two year minimum.
Assignment of towns to research and find out what they are providing in terms of mental health
services, if any for presentation at the next meeting. Plan to gather information on budget, staffing,
population served etc.
8:45 pm meeting called to a close.
Next meeting 12/20/2017 @ 7 PM, Lexington Community Center Room 221