Youth Advisory Committee Charge Set

The town is moving with determination to hire a youth coordinator to assist students from all schools in Concord as well as parents in pulling together resources in cases of mental or psychological distress.

The new position will be funded by the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest. The position will be overseen by the Town Manager's office, and report to a citizen advisory committee.

The charge for the new committee was finalized at the selectmen's Monday meeting. As an advisory board, it will not set policies for the youth coordinator.

"The YCAB exists both to advocate for the needs and welfare of young people living in Concord and to support and assist the Youth Coordinator in carryig out his/her mission," the draft charge stated.

Last year was particularly challenging with two suicides at the high school, and difficulty finding appropriate resources for the age group. The town has a community services coordinator, but the new position caters to the school community, public and private.

The advisory board will have seven members appointed by the selectmen and up to two nonvoting associate members. In addition, "there shall be one representative" designated by the Recreation Commission, Board of Health and School Committee. The youth coordinator will be an ex officio member.

The advisory board will, among other duties spelled out in the charge, evaluate services and programs; provide guidance to the coordinator; assist in budget preparations; initiate fact-finding or studies relating to theneeds of young people; and disseminate public information concerning youth programs and needs.

The Deputy Town Manager, Doug Meagher, will oversee the youth coordinator position, and the advisory board will assist him in evaluating the coordinator.

Anyone interested in participating on the new board is asked to fill out a so-called Green Card which tells of your interests, specialties and availability to serve on a town board or committee.

Green cards are available at the Town House. For information, please see www.concordma.gov.