[Adopted 2-8-1978 as Ch. 24, Art. V, of the 1978 Code; amended 12-2-2002; 1-3-2005 by Ord. No. 01-05]
[Added 8-6-2007 by Ord. No. 16-07]
A. 
The Youth Participation in Government initiative relates to the key developmental need for youth to be valued and provided with meaningful roles in their community. Empowering youth in government reinforces this need and provides opportunities that will promote a life-long commitment to civic engagement.
B. 
The Mayor is authorized to appoint Middletown residents, ages 13 to 18, on boards, committees and commissions, for one-year terms, beginning on July 1 of each year, where appropriate, but not limited to:
(1) 
Board of Health.
(2) 
Cable Advisory Committee.
(3) 
Citizens Advisory Committee.
(4) 
Long Hill Estate Authority.
(5) 
Middletown Commission on the Arts.
(6) 
Middletown School Readiness Council.
(7) 
Parks and Recreation Commission.
(8) 
Youth Services Advisory Board.
(9) 
Task forces, as convened by the Mayor, where appropriate.
C. 
All youth members shall be able to participate in discussion of the issues but shall not be voting members nor attend executive sessions.
D. 
The list of boards, committees, and commissions having youth representatives may be reviewed biannually at the organizational meeting of the Common Council.
[Added 1-7-2008 by Ord. No. 02-08; amended 4-7-2008 by Ord. No. 07-08; 3-2-2020 by Ord. No. 02-20]
The Youth Services Advisory Board shall be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the Common Council for a term of three years, with the following phase-in: four shall serve a one-year term; three shall serve a two-year term; and the remainder, with the exception of the Common Council members, shall serve a three-year term. The Council members of the Board shall serve for the two-year duration of their Council terms. Commencing in September 2008, the four one-year terms shall become three-year terms, and commencing in September 2009, the three two-year terms shall become three-year terms.
[Added 1-7-2008 by Ord. No. 02-08; amended 4-7-2008 by Ord. No. 06-08; 3-2-2020 by Ord. No. 02-20]
A. 
The Youth Services Advisory Board shall be comprised of representatives from public agencies with statutory responsibility for youth and private sector organizations representing community social institutions. The Youth Services Advisory Board shall consist of not fewer than 11 nor more than 13 members, including the following representation:
(1) 
The Mayor;
(2) 
Two members of the Common Council, one from each political party to serve during their terms of office as Council members;
(3) 
The Superintendent of Schools;
(4) 
Not less than one member from the Middletown Police Department;
(5) 
Not less than one member who is under 26 years of age (must be at least 18 years old);
(6) 
Not less than one member who is a representative of the school system;
(7) 
Not less than one member who is a representative of a public or private youth serving agency;
(8) 
Not less than one member who is interested in youth services, but does not derive his/her income by delivering services to youth. Middletown residents must be given preference in the appointment of these members.
B. 
The remaining members shall reside or be employed within the City of Middletown.
[Added 1-7-2008 by Ord. No. 02-08]
The Youth Services Advisory Board (the Board) shall convene to assist City and youth-serving organizations in promoting and strengthening their capacity to serve Middletown's youth and families. The Board shall be active and central to the process of creating community conditions that promote the well-being of youth. The Board will encourage citizens, institutions, service organizations, and decisionmakers to plan programs and strategies that foster positive youth and family development. The Board shall make recommendations on policy, practices, and administration that promote the coordination of a comprehensive youth and family services system in the City of Middletown. The Board may initiate assessment of youth concerns and issues, and may provide recommendations for the coordination of available resources to meet youth needs. The Board will participate in the Youth in Government program (ref. § 14-14), and will support other opportunities that may arise to provide youth involvement in community policy decisions affecting their development.
[Amended 3-3-2008 by Ord. No. 03-08]
The Youth Services Bureau (the “Bureau”) shall plan, implement, and manage youth initiatives on behalf of the City. The Bureau will provide assessment of youth and family concerns and coordinate with the community to maximize the use of its resources to meet youth needs. The Bureau shall be the coordinating unit of community-based services to provide comprehensive delivery of prevention, intervention, treatment and follow-up services. The Bureau shall engage in, but not be limited to, the following service areas: positive youth development, juvenile justice, parent and community education, advocacy, resource development, research and assessment, and community outreach on matters affecting youth and their families.