DECEMBER 19, 2006

ATTENDANCE: Peter Wien, Chairman; Rhonda Collins, Elaine Anderson,
Darlene Young

STAFF: Linda Wilock

OTHERS: Anthony Daddona, Norwalk High School Principal

CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Wien called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.

INTRODUCTION

Ms. Wilock asked everyone present to introduce themselves.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 26, 2006 MEETING

** MS. ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 26, 2006 MEETING.
** MS. COLLINS SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

NORWALK’S EARLY CHILDHOOD ACTION PLAN

Ms. Wilock explained that Norwalk has been involved in Early Childhood Education for the last 10 years. She reported that the State of Connecticut is looking for communities that are ready with Early Childhood Plans of Action. Norwalk already has done a needs assessment. The Early Care and Education Plan centers around educating the community and developing an information rich community. Ms. Wilock stated that the current goal is to expand the Early Childhood Council umbrella to cover more area. She referred to the diagram on page 15 of the information packet to illustrate the concept. In the future, a new position will need to be drafted to encompass the expanding role of the Early Childhood Council. Ms. Wilock then directed the Board members’ attention to page 2 of the handout, where a list of supporting agencies was printed. In order for the Youth Service Board to appear on the list, Ms. Wilock would be required to write a letter stating that the Youth Service Board endorses the plan as it is outlined in the handout.

** MS. ANDERSON MOVED THAT THE YOUTH SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD ENDORSES THE NORWALK EARLY CHILDHOOD PORGRAM AND AUTHORIZES MS. WILOCK TO WRITE A LETTER TO THAT EFFECT.
** MR. DADDONA SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Young asked what Youth Service’s role would be. Ms. Wilock replied that Youth Services was looking to start an endowment fund for children because there were occasions where students in the Early Childhood program lost their slots because of illness, which prevented their attendance for a period of time. She also stated that Youth Services was looking to expand similar programs.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUTH SERVICES AND NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Mr. Wien introduced this section by stating that the Blue Ribbon Youth Services Commission had recommended that the relationship between the schools and Youth Services be strengthened and expanded.

Mr. Daddona then reported that many in the community expected that the school would provide all the services that a student needed but that often the problems exist outside of the school’s sphere. He stated that the Norwalk Schools rely heavily on Youth Services to fill in the gaps. Mr. Daddona also commented that some families will walk away from the school and dismiss the school’s recommendations, but they are much more willing to continue to work with Youth Services. The school system is not equipped to deal with drug and alcohol abuse, Mr. Daddona stated, but Youth Services can deal with those issues.

The Blue Ribbon Youth Services Commission had recommended preventative action and support for the parents. By encouraging parental involvement outside of the PTO’s, a student can reverse a downward academic trend.

Mr. Daddona said that the community needs to be more aware of the services that Youth Services Department has to offer. He commended that even though newsletters are sent home, parents often aren’t aware of Youth Services.

Ms. Anderson suggested putting Youth Service flyers in the School Based Health Centers. Mr. Daddona also suggested setting up a meeting between Millie and Ms. Wilock. Ms. Anderson commented that there is a program that provides support and assistance to the parents, including accompanying a parent to court, but the parents still seem unaware of the assistance available to them.

Ms. Young asked what happens when a student is suspended. Mr. Daddona replied that the school has to work within the FERPA (Privacy Act Laws), which do not allow them to give out information regarding suspensions. He also said most suspensions are less than 10 days. Parents can appeal a suspension. A suspension that was more than 10 days would require a hearing and could result in expulsion. He also explained that the school system can not recommend counseling because the parent could require the school system to pay for such recommended counseling.

Ms. Anderson asked about the suspension process. Mr. Daddona reviewed that process with her and commented that most parents do not come in to discuss the shorter suspensions. Youth Services can not be present at the meetings that do take place because of the FERPA Laws. Ms. Anderson suggested handing out Youth Service information cards to the parents at these meetings.

Mr. Daddona suggested possibly doing a workshop for parent education. He observed that the younger the child, the more involved the parent is, but as the child gets older, the parents tend to be less involved. He pointed out that when the parent is involved, the student is more likely to succeed.

Ms. Young stated that she felt Youth Services should stress that it is a free service. She also had some questions about having a Youth Services intern at the schools. Ms. Wilock reviewed some of the advantages and drawbacks of this suggestion. There would be confidentiality issues, supervision issues and staffing issues. Ms. Wilock stated that she has been trying to fill a vacancy since August.

ADJOURNMENT

** MR. DADDONA MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MS. YOUNG SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon L. Soltes
Telesco Secretarial Services

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