June 16th, 2009 YSOC Meeting Update

Here is a recap of the last YSOC meeting in the form of an annotated meeting agenda:

1:30 – 1:40 p.m. Welcome & Introductions
• Brooke explained that an “interim meeting” took place on 6/9 to discuss a shift in the direction of the planning group. The consensus was that the planning group had done an excellent job creating a strategic plan and the idea to transition into an “implementation group” should be brought to the group at the YSOC meeting. (Interim meeting notes also attached).
• The new YSOC Project Coordinator, Melody Hazzard, introduced herself to the group, noting that she is currently working on identifying, contacting, and inviting private pay, insurance, and non-medical funded providers to participate in the YSOC. Thus far, TerraNova and Safety Center have expressed interest in participation.

1:40 – 2:30 Focus Group Discussion, facilitated by Allison Burke (LPC Consulting)
• Allison posed a series of questions to the group for the purpose of evaluating the process of the planning group to date. Questions focused on successes, challenges, limitations, lessons learned, unmet needs, and ideas for moving forward.
• The overall consensus was that being part of a collaborative process has been positive, instilling group members with a sense of ownership in the YSOC. Group members noted that while it was sometimes difficult to maintain motivation to attend the YSOC meetings, they are committed to the goal of better serving youth in the county. Members also noted that in moving forward, they would like to see other providers (especially juvenile justice, CPS, and education), as well as upper-level management and EDs of currently involved providers, become involved in the process.

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Next Steps Discussion
• Would like to see more mental health providers, such as Families First/EMQ and River Oak.
• The group would like the coordinator to “chase” them/check-in to see how they are doing on their action steps. The coordinator will be in touch with the teams in between meetings to see how she can be a resource/support to help teams complete their action steps.
• The group would like to retain copies of the action plan after they work on them. They would also like to see a date, as well as the team lead identified on the action plan.
• There will be a second YSOC Stakeholder’s meeting held in October, for which invitations will be sent out. The group hopes to elicit involvement from upper-level management, EDs, and local elected officials at this meeting. It was suggested that each participating YSOC agency identify a youth that has been particularly successful to give a testimonial at the meeting. It was also suggested that each team prepare a brief presentation about their progress and successes, as well as remaining needs to present at this meeting.

Resolutions
• Agency/organization presentations will continue, with TerraNova presenting at July’s meeting.
• Sacramento PD will continue to attend YSOC meetings.
• Coordinator will get the out-patient treatment schedules for participating providers so the group can better serve clients through referral.
• Planning Group will transition into Implementation Group.
• Coordinator will add title, date, designate team leader on Action Plan and send to group (also attached).