Minutes - 19941110 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 agencies themselves would use their own staff to implement changes. Commissioner Gordon requested that constructive alternatives to destructive activities for the 12-18 year old age group be included as a goal within this process. Commissioner Insko summarized the issues in this discussion: (1) how to get information about currently available services and activities into the hands of citizens who know that they want those services (2) how to determine the level of service delivery of the different agencies which are located in Orange County and are not well known to the public, and (3) how to create activities which do not already exist and how to choose what to create? Chair Carey mentioned that there are at least three or four volunteer groups in the County discussing the possibility of hosting or co-hosting a youth forum. He suggested that the Youth Services Needs Task Force could facilitate bringing those groups together to plan a forum. However, as the discussion progressed it was suggested that the County sponsor this forum and request the Human Relations Commission, Human Services Advisory Commission, Youth Services Needs Task Force, the Public-Private Partnership, and other interested groups to collaborate on expected outcomes. Jacquelyn Gist suggested asking the members of the Association of Community Agencies to take a lead role in determining how to increase the collaboration within the youth community. Commissioner Insko included the schools and County human service departments in the list of groups to be included in this process. Robert Humphries, with the Chapel Hill Teen Center, stated that they have worked to create a greater collaboration among the youth community. The greatest difficulty encountered was the lack of staff to follow through on the details such as phone calls, typing and mailing agendas, etc. He asked that the County consider this need. He also pointed out that youth are as diverse as any other group of people. He suggested a Youth Council which would solicit participation from leaders of the various youth subgroups. Dan Reimer asked that the idea of focus groups be considered rather than hosting one large forum. He felt that it would be much more likely that the opinions of all youth would be included through the focus group process. The County Manager's office will continue in their effort to foster collaboration among the various youth serving groups. The County will consider the idea of sponsoring a forum and will facilitate a conversation among the groups that are currently discussing that option, including the Human Relations Commission, Human Services Advisory Commission, Youth Services Needs Task Force, and the Public-Private Partnership. The ideas offered above about