The name of this body shall be the Mendocino County Policy Council on Children and Youth. It shall also be referred to as the “PCCY”.
The authority for the formation and operations of the PCCY is set forth in Section 18986 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. The PCCY was established by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on April 7, 1992.
The Policy Council on Children and Youth believes:
• Children,
youth, and families are society’s precious resource, represent our future and
deserve to live in a safe, trusting, and supportive environment;
• It is our primary responsibility as a society to ensure the health, education, and welfare of all our children, youth and families;
• By working together, with respect for differences and commitment to the empowerment of all, our community can accomplish whatever it sets out to do;
• Holistic approaches which address underlying causes, and surrounding influences, as well as symptoms, lead to more successful endeavors.
It is the mission of the Policy Council on Children and Youth to:
• Provide leadership regarding issues that affect children, youth, and families in Mendocino County through collaboration, cooperation, training, needs assessments, analysis,
information dissemination, and advocacy;
• Increase the accessibility of needed services, which are culturally relevant and sensitive, for all our community’s children;
• Work to ensure that services for children are affordable for all families;
• Develop a collaborative, comprehensive, non-duplicative service system, which includes prevention through treatment approaches to meet the needs of children, while being as effective and efficient as possible;
• Create and enable implementation of practical and relevant public policies and legislation which directly increases the health, welfare, and educational opportunities for children, youth, and families;
• Educate our community concerning the needs of children, and the roles community members can play in promoting the health and welfare of our children, youth, and families;
• Create opportunities for individuals and agencies involved with children, youth, and families in our county, to meet, share information, and participate in the planning and decisions concerning our future.
It is the intent of the County of Mendocino in establishing the PCCY to encourage the development of a comprehensive and collaborative delivery system of services to children and youth. The goals of the PCCY shall be to:
A. Develop a service delivery plan and establish priorities which emphasize preventive and early intervention services. Those services shall maximize the healthy development of children and youth, and ensure the effective utilization of public and community resources.
B. Encourage flexible, innovative and collaborative expenditure of public and private funds to accomplish the mission and goals of the PCCY.
C. Emphasize cooperative decision-making, ensure accountability, and provide for flexibility in the design and implementation of service delivery systems. These systems shall:1. Provide for a continuum of family-centered, child-focused services through public/private partnerships within the community.
2. Minimize duplicate administrative systems.
3. Identify and address gaps in services to target populations.
4. Provide case management services to children and families with multiple needs.
5. Ensure participation of and access by all ethnic groups and geographic regions.
6. Ensure the involvement of all appropriate service providers.
The duties of the PCCY shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
A. Ensuring collaboration, accountability, and countywide planning for the provision of services to children and youth.
B. Identifying those agencies that share significant responsibilities in providing services to children, youth and families.
C. Identifying and addressing gaps in services to target populations.
D. Developing policies and setting priorities to ensure service effectiveness.
E. Implementing public and private collaborative programs whenever possible.
F. Providing for countywide interagency case management to coordinate resources, especially for those children, youth and their families who are using the services of more than one agency concurrently.
G. Identifying, coordinating with, and, where feasible, integrating with existing children’s services groups and other coordinating bodies.
A. Composition
The PCCY shall be comprised of the following members, as required by the Welfare
and Institutions Code [nominating groups are listed when not evident]:
1. Person responsible for management of Alcohol and Drug Programs.
2. Person responsible for management of Children’s Services.
3. Person responsible for management of Housing and Redevelopment.
4. Person responsible for management of Mental Health Services.
5. Person responsible for management of Probation.
6. Person responsible for management of Public Health Services.
7. Person responsible for management of Welfare or Public Social Services.
8. The presiding judge of the county’s juvenile court.
9. The superintendent of the county office of education.
10. A superintendent of a unified school district within the county. [nominated by the Superintendents Council]
11. A prosecuting attorney of the county.
12. A representative of a private nonprofit corporation serving children and youth. [nominated by the PCCY ]
13. One member of the county board of supervisors.
14. A representative of law enforcement. [Sheriff’s Office]
15. A representative of the local child abuse council.
16. A representative of a local planning agency for the Early Intervention Program. [Special Education Local Plan Agency]
17. A representative of the local child care resource and referral agency. [North Coast Opportunities]
18. A representative of a community-based group with ties to an ethnic community. [Latino Coalition]
19. A representative of a community-based group with ties to an ethnic community. [Native American representative, nominated by the PCCY]
In addition, the PCCY shall have the following members:
20. A representative of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission.
21. A representative of an Indian Child Welfare Act Agency. [nominated by the PCCY]
22. A representative of the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) Youth Council.
23. An additional representative of a private nonprofit corporation. [nominated by the PCCY]
24. A representative of rural health clinics in the county.
25. A member of the community at large.
26. A member of the community at large.
27. A member of the community at large.
28. A member of the community at large.
B. Appointments
Appointments shall be governed by the following:
1. Appointments shall be made by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on a biannual basis, in February of even-numbered years.
2. Terms shall last for the two year period of appointment.
3. There shall be no limit to the number of terms an individual may serve in any category.
4. Every effort shall be made to ensure balanced representation including all ethnic groups and geographic regions.
5. Membership shall be for an agency’s top policy-maker as specified in the State regulations. A near top individual will be acceptable to the PCCY if he/she has the authority to make decisions and commit to actions on behalf of the agency.
6. No member shall fill more than one membership category.
7. A category shall not be filled by more than one person.
8. A majority of the seated membership shall be in the required categories.
9. All members of the PCCY shall be concurrently appointed by the Board of Supervisors to serve as members of the PCCY Child Abuse Prevention Commission.
C. Nominations
Nominations shall be governed by the following:
1. Nominations shall be made by the appropriate agency or group and written notification forwarded to the Convener.
2. In the case of a vacancy, the Convener will schedule a vote at the next PCCY meeting for the PCCY to confirm the nomination and forward it to the Board of Supervisors for appointment.
3. In the case of biannual appointments, the Convener will schedule the vote at the January PCCY meeting in an even-numbered year, and forward the full slate of PCCY members to the Board of Supervisors in February.
4. The PCCY may reject a nomination from an agency or group, and decline to confirm it and forward it to the Board of Supervisors for appointment. If this occurs, the PCCY shall respond in writing to the nominating agency or group with an explanation as to why the nomination is not being confirmed.
D. Attendance
Attendance shall be governed by the following:
1. Members shall be expected to attend all meetings of the PCCY.
2. Members shall be expected to attend the entire meeting.
3. In the absence of a member who represents a group or agency, for three meetings in a calendar year, s/he shall be removed from membership and another nomination sought from the appropriate group or agency.
4. In the absence of a member who is specified in State law, for three meetings in a calendar year, a note shall be sent to that individual and to the Board of Supervisors.
5. A member may send a representative to a PCCY meeting in his/her absence, however, that individual does not make up for the member’s absence, nor may that individual vote on behalf of the member.
A. Chairperson
The officers of the PCCY shall include a Chairperson.
1. The term of office shall be for a one-year period, January – December.
2. The Chairperson may resign at any time by giving written notice to the PCCY.
3. The responsibility of the Chairperson is to facilitate the meetings of the PCCY and to sign correspondence on behalf of the PCCY.
4. In the absence of the Chairperson at a meeting, the Vice-Chairperson will facilitate that meeting.
5. The Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson cannot both be from a government agency.
B. Vice-Chairperson
The officers of the PCCY shall include a Vice-Chairperson.
1. The term of office shall be for a one-year period, January – December.
2. The Vice-Chairperson may resign at any time by giving written notice to the PCCY.
3. The responsibility of the Vice-Chairperson is to facilitate the meetings of the PCCY and to sign correspondence in the absence of the Chairperson.
4. In the absence of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson at a meeting, the PCCY shall select someone to facilitate that meeting by consensus or by vote.
5. The Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson cannot both be from a government agency.
C. Other Officers
The PCCY, by a majority vote, may authorize the creation and appointment of
any other officers deemed necessary to PCCY business.
D. Nomination and Election of Officers
1. A nominating committee shall be formed at the September meeting of each year in order to develop a slate of candidates for Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.
2. The nominating committee shall present the slate of candidates for Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson at the October meeting of each year.
3. Election shall take place at the December meeting of each year.
4. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall be elected by a majority vote of the PCCY.
E. Convener
State regulations specify the appointment of an executive director, by the county board of supervisors, to convene the Council.
1. The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors appointed the Director of Social Services, as the “executive director,” referred to as the Convener.
2. The Convener shall be responsible for ensuring the conduct of effective meetings, communication necessary to accomplish goals and tasks, and compliance with the State regulations.
3. The Convener shall develop the PCCY agenda, in consultation with the Chairperson and as directed by the PCCY.
4. The Convener shall make arrangements for giving notice of meetings, minute-taking, and record-keeping.
5. The Convener shall keep track of membership and attendance and shall carry out the responsibilities of these by-laws, as directed by the PCCY.
A. Frequency
and Time
The regular meeting of the PCCY shall be held on a monthly basis, at an
hour, day, and place determined by the PCCY.
B. Minutes
Minutes shall be recorded of regular meetings of the PCCY. These minutes shall
be sent to PCCY members, and anyone requesting copies. Copies of the minutes
of the previous meeting shall be available at the next regular meeting of the
PCCY.
C. Agenda
Items to be considered for regular meetings of the PCCY shall be sent to the
Convener. The agenda for a regular meeting of the PCCY shall be sent to
members in a timely manner. The agenda shall be posted according to State
law. Copies of the agenda shall be available at each regular meeting of
the PCCY.
D. Public
Testimony
The PCCY shall invite public testimony.
A. Ad-Hoc
Committees
The PCCY, by majority vote, may establish time-limited, ad-hoc committees to
perform tasks in support of the business of the PCCY.
B. Standing Committees
1. In accordance with the intent of the State and the goals of the PCCY, the PCCY shall establish committees as necessary to address topics and tasks which focus on children, youth and families.2. Standing Committees shall include, but are not limited to:
a. Children’s Action Committee (PCCY Child Abuse Prevention Commission Sub-Committee)
b. Children’s Health Committee3. Standing Committees shall be governed as follows:
a. The PCCY may determine the need for a committee and, by majority vote, shall establish the committee.
b. Selection of a committee chairperson may be by the committee, with approval by the PCCY, or by the PCCY.
c. Every committee shall have a designated liaison who is a PCCY member.
d. An official purpose/definition shall be developed by each committee, subject to acceptance and adoption by the PCCY.
e. Committees shall provide periodic written reports/notes/summaries and/or presentations as requested by the PCCY.
f. A committee chair, or PCCY liaison, shall submit specific agenda items to the Convener when a committee needs input from the PCCY, wants to check in on a project, or requests action of the PCCY.
C. Affiliated Committees
1. In accordance with the intent of the State and the goals of the PCCY, the PCCY shall identify other councils and advisory groups which are focused on children, youth and families, shall coordinate mutual deliberations and actions, and shall seek to integrate membership and efforts whenever possible.2. Affiliated Committees shall include, but are not limited to:
a. Alliance for Rural Community Health (ARCH)
b. Child Care Planning Council
c. Coast Child Abuse Prevention Council
d. Early Start Council/SELPA
e. FIRST 5 Mendocino
f. Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission
g. Latino Coalition
h. Superintendents’ Council
i. Workforce Investment Board Youth Council3. Affiliated Committees shall be governed as follows:
a. The PCCY, by majority vote, shall establish committee affiliation. A group may request to be affiliated with the PCCY and the PCCY may decide to accept it or not.
b. Selection of a committee chairperson shall be by the committee.
c. Every committee shall have a designated liaison who is a PCCY member.
d. An official purpose/definition shall be developed by each committee.
e. Committees shall provide periodic written reports/notes/summaries and/or presentations as requested by the PCCY.
f. A committee chair, or PCCY liaison, shall submit specific agenda items to the Convener when a committee needs input from the PCCY, wants to check in on a project, or requests action of the PCCY.
A. Annual
Report
The PCCY shall provide a written and oral report to the Board of Supervisors
in April of each year. This report shall cover the accomplishments of the
Council, outcomes of public meetings, and recommendations.
B. Status
Report on Children and Youth
The Status Report on Children and Youth shall be maintained as a PCCY document.
C. Operating
Agreements and Policies
PCCY shall develop, adopt, and sustain operating agreements and policies to
govern interagency collaboration.
A. Conduct
of Meetings
The meetings of the PCCY shall be conducted in accordance with relaxed Robert’s
Rules of Order and the Brown Act.
B. Quorum
A quorum shall be a simple majority of the total seated members. No decisions
requiring votes of the PCCY shall be conducted without a quorum present.
C. Majority
Vote
Fifty-one percent (51%) of the PCCY members, present and voting, shall constitute
a majority vote, provided there is a quorum.
A. Adoption
These By-Laws shall become effective immediately upon approval by the majority
of the total membership of the PCCY and approval by the Board of Supervisors.
B. Amendment
These By-Laws are subject to amendment in accordance with Robert’s Rules
of Order. The By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of a quorum
of the PCCY and subsequent approval by the Board of Supervisors, provided that
15 days prior to the PCCY meeting, the full PCCY is notified of the language
of such change(s), and of the time, date and place of the intended voting on
such change(s).
HISTORY
1. Approved by the Policy Council on Children and Youth on October 30, 1998.
2. Adopted by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on February 23, 1999.
3. Article VI. A. Membership Composition amended by the Council on March 24, 2000.
4. Article VI. A. Membership Composition amended by the Board on May 9, 2000.
5. Article VI. A. Membership Composition, Article VI. B. Appointments, Article IX. B. Standing Committees, Article IX. C. Affiliated Committees amended by the Council on October 25, 2001 and by the Board on November 13, 2001.
6. Article VI. A. Membership Composition, Article VI. B. Appointments, Article IX. B. Standing Committees, Article IX. C. Affiliated Committees amended by the Council on March 22, 2002 and by the Board on May 14, 2002.
7. Article VI. A. Membership Composition, Article VII. A. Officers, Article VII. B. Officers, Article IX. B. Standing Committees amended by the Council on January 23, 2004 and by the Board on February 24, 2004.
8. Article VI.C. Membership Nominations, Article VII. A. Chairperson, Article VII. B. Vice-Chairperson, Article VII. D. Nomination and Election of Officers, Article VIII. D. Meetings Public Testimony, Article IX. B. Standing Committees, Article IX. C. Affiliated Committees amended by the Council on April 22, 2005 and by the Board on June 7, 2005.