Canton Selectmen Mull Next Steps With Town's Youth Services Bureau

CANTON, CT — The Canton Board of Selectmen discussed the future of the town’s youth services bureau during its Jan. 14 meeting, focusing on leadership transition and long-term direction.

Last summer, selectmen discussed myriad concerns relative to the bureau, about the efficiency and effectiveness of the Canton Youth Services Bureau, saying its offerings have been so few that it is returning grant money to the state.

Since then, the bureau has been active in working with the town to improve itself.

At last month's selectmen meeting, Canton Youth Services Bureau Chairperson Laurie Meherhan thanked the board for its support during her exit transition and outlined points she said were necessary for the bureau to move forward.

Meherhan has served with the bureau for 16 years.

All members of the board provided feedback during the discussion.

Canton First Selectman Kevin Witkos proposed forming a subcommittee to assist with the transition to a new Canton Youth Services Bureau committee.

He suggested the subcommittee include Selectman Tim LeGeyt, Selectman Sarah Faulkner, and Selectman Sarah Hague.

Witkos said the new committee should incorporate feedback from current YSB members and be composed of dedicated educators, social workers, and business leaders from the community.

No vote was recorded on the proposal during the meeting.

For the minutes of the Jan. 14 Canton Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.

To watch the Jan. 14 Canton Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.

From July 23, 2025: 'Concerns Raised With Canton Youth Services: Selectmen'