First network meeting of the year

Boston Youth Service Network
Monthly Meeting Minutes
January 11, 2007

In attendance: Alex Oliver-Davila (Sociedad Latina), Roger Oser (Ostiguy High/ ABCD), Mark Isenberg (ABCD), Jerome Ryan (EDCO), Larry Smith (JCS), Jenny Yoon (Access), Maureen Bruce (Bridge), Lory Newmyer (Hull Lifesaving), Edward Tirrell (Crittenton Women’s Union), Hope Koram (Crittenton), Lynn Dever (JCS), Sacha Long (JCS), Susan Lange (YO), Andrea Bertucci (YO), Frances Laroche (Notre Dame), Gregory Mumford (YouthBuild), Jaime Escobar (Sociedad Latina), Magdalana Reis (El Centro del Cardenal), Yi Chin Chen (Hyde Square Task Force), Heidi Hall (BYSN), Matthew Weeman (The Work Place), Steven Backman (Database Designs), Bill Cambell (Navin Associates), Chris Navin (Navin Associates), Marc Germain (Boston Foundation)

1. Introductions & Information Sharing

• Several programs are recruiting for their upcoming cycles – ABCD (web design), Crittenton (Woman-to-Woman program), Sociedad Latina (training institute and dance program), YouthBuild (design/arch program).
• EDCO Youth Alternative currently has openings for court-involved students.

2. Marketing Committee vote

• Network members voted to accept Marketing Policy Regarding Public Relations and Mission Statement—Bridge, Hull Lifesaving, Notre Dame, YouthBuild, Sociedad Latina, ABCD, Hyde Square, EDCO, El Centro.

3. Discussion of BYSN Gang Culture Training (Jan 2, 12:00-2:00 pm)

• Overall feedback that this was a productive activity. People liked the opportunity to bring direct line staff together. 41 people attended.
• Some comments shared by those who attended: Staff liked the training, while they knew much of the information it helped to think about how to do case management; learned an enormous amount, good handouts; training offered in the afternoon when class in session; not necessarily new information, would have liked more interaction among people who came; include the socioeconomic context as part of presentation.
• Would like additional opportunities to bring program staff together - case managers, etc.

4. Learning Disabilities Capacity-Building Project Update (Navin Associates)

• Chris Navin: 11 members completed the online survey in December. He had a few question and clarifications regarding the initial survey:
• Assessment & diagnosis within programs? Low TABE scores, some diagnosis and student records. General steps: (1) identify potential problem and (2) refer to outside organization/ resource.
• Q #20: Availability of insurance does affect referral for diagnostic assessment, particularly where the young person is referred (e.g. Children’s vs. MassRehab). There is a window of opportunity with students → when it takes 2-3 months (MassRehab) to actually get an appointment, the student may not be around.
• Q#22: Referrals handled differently in every organization, but generally various positions within organization can make referrals. This has implications for professional development.
• Q #23: Referrals made to Mass Mental Health Center. It is unclear what services are available at Solomon Carter Fuller and Lindemann Mental Health Centers.
• Q #27: Helpful trainers? Harry Parad (Wediko Services)
• Next steps: follow-up with individual organizations as needed, create a map of resources, BYSN P.D. trainings, establishment of a network protocol around servicing youth with learning disabilities.

5. Web Portal Demo (Database Designs)

• Steve Backman provided a demonstration of the structure of the BYSN web portal, on behalf of the data committee. The website includes public and internal sections, allowing (1) communication to larger community and (2) internal coordination.
• The data committee will begin to think about policies around who posts stuff where. Next step is a meeting with committees to think about how they will use the site for committee-based work and some initial training.
• BYSN database/ data warehouse – one-time meeting (1 ½ hours) to brainstorm the database design and key elements. This will be a fun meeting (no papers to fill out)!

6. JCS Administrative Update

• Feb 26 – JCS WIA audit. JCS provided several handouts:
• WIA eligibility Checklist – follow up with Sacha if you have questions.
• Applicant/ parent statement → NEW signature line for parents if under 18
• MOSES trainings upcoming; those entering case notes should also attend the Case Note Management training.
• ISS → electronic, except for 1-sheet of WIA program elements.
• WIA federal update? Reauthorization might happen this year, but would not be until end. Congress will be looking at all features of the legislation. “Common Measures” is part of the reauthorization.
• WIA and AEI? Separate procurements that happen at the same time. Why not one procurement? This was done in the past but did not work as well, it was awkward. Separate procurements allow people to know what they are requesting.
• Level of funding? Assume restored level of funding since JCS has not heard otherwise.

7. The Boston Foundation
TBF recently released an RFQ for a public policy consultant as part of their High-Risk Youth Intiative. Marc Germain, program associate for this initiative, briefly introduced himself and indicated he would like to present more information about this initiative at an upcoming meeting.

8. Strategic Planning

• BYSN members met as a group from ~3:30-4:00 to discuss and develop an agenda for a more extensive planning meeting in February with the following goals:

1. Identify BYSN strategic priorities for this year and update the MOU (building upon discussion of strategic goals in Dec and Jan).
2. Break into committees to develop work plans for the coming year (based on the BYSN strategic goals and assigned to committees as appropriate).
3. Discuss what an advocacy agenda would look like for BYSN.

• A Steering Committee will be implemented this year, which meets bi-monthly or quarterly and includes BYSN Co-Chairs and committee chairs. This committee will be responsible for network-wide issues/ strategic goals—leadership development, fundraising, network professional development, advocacy and youth voice.
• This planning meeting will take place during the Feb BYSN monthly meeting (Feb 8).

Next meetings: 2/8/07, 3/8/07, 4/12/07
BYSN meets the second Thursday of each month, 2:00-4:00 pm, at 2201 Washington Street. BYSN Committees generally meet from 1:00-2:00 pm.