Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 10051999 - SD2 TO. BOARD OF �r�� ISO $ SD Coht_ € OW Supervisor Donna Gerber �` ,� Costa 6- Cou- October 5, 1999 rly t#UMCT- Report and Recommendations from the San Ramon Malley,Advisory Committee on Youth Safety and Development oftelptc stZC UIST(i)ON ASCOMMENDAnOW(S)&t1►&t�c00OU AND JLifT FICA ION CONSIDER accepting the report from the San Ramon Valley Advisory Committee on Youth Safety and Development. Last fall, as a result of local and national events which heightened community concern ' about the safety and overall positive development of young people, Supervisor Gerber worked with representatives from the Town of Danville, the City of San Ramon, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, and Del Valle Council of PTA's to fbrrn a task force which would look at issues of youth safety and development, The committee was presented with a series of charges which included: identify immediate actions to improve safety and enhance programs and services for youth it the San Ramon Valley; develop a long-range action plan to maximize community support for the positive development and well-being of youth.; inventory programs and./or resources currently available, seek broad involvement of different sectors of the community, including young people and clearly define outcomes so progress toward goals could be assessed. Thirty-five local community leaders, police officials, educators, counselors, religious leaders,parents and students engaged in this process which tools over six months. The committee met with students, parents, teachers, service providers and other community members throughout the spring of 1999. Based on months of data collection, research, and com-munity input, the COMnittee adopted and prioritized 35 short-term and 4 long-term recommendations to enhance the quality of life for young people in the San Ramon Valley. OMMMIJECONATMOOMINT, —Via „ t tr t t Tt a t Toa R2C0#AMtm0ATjO%Ole SSD COMI#rMt APftCW t9T"Wn AMOW OF D ON Qcctober 54. 1993 The Board tock the Following action: BEARD, CONSIDERED and ACCEPTED the above report. W*Tt CW SUPZ Rt T �IFY THAT TMIS 4 AMM dAB�t �tSi n AND Rtt�1 T'd1XIM M ATTt$Tt0 PMJL"TCMELOR,CLXRK Of THE 80A"OF SUPERVISORS AND COLWY AWINISTRATOA MM2 (10M) NY .DEPS 7� Y s> �{� i r', }�f�� r�l/ ,�✓r rt r/.Grl,�{{r!r,:: g�: IN rfcr.:c:Y �+W��"��'� �J COMMITTEE MEMBERS Newell Arraerich Mayor, Town of Danville Werner Auste! Senior Citizens Representative Cathy Bowra SRVUSD Showno Bevers New Bridge Foundation Greg Bonn San Ramon Valley Sports Alliance Kathy Chiverton Supervisor Donnas Gerber's Office Sarah Christensen Student Vic Conti Danville area Chamber of Commerce e Minnie Correia CASA `troy Craig Danville Police Department Robert Donovan SRVUSD Dan Douglas Sora Ramon Police Department Carroll Dressier Eementary School PTA Pat Faster AAUW Representative Marianne Cogen SRVUSD Board of Education Dave Hudson Council member City of.Sora Ramon Anna l-umayden St. lsdoore's Faith Formation Rick jor es Sheriffs Department-Alamo Station Terry Koehne SRVUSD Robert Long Parks Commission, City of San Ramon Carol Liberty Son Ramon Valley Rotary Diana L-Repac Discovery Counseling Center Thom Martin San Ramon Valley YMCA Karen McNamara City of Son Ramon Shown O'Donnell Student Sally Panetta Substance Abuse Advisory Board Teresa Pierce Middle School PTA Linda Robinson High School PTA Kaldni Schreiner DARE Officer icer Saga Ramon Patty Simons SRVUSD Substance Abuse Education Don Simons SRVUSD Social Worker 'Marcia Somers Town of Danville Cindy Wheeler President, Del Valle Council of PTA 'AGE I of 24 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Sponsoring Agencies Town of Danville City of San Ramon Office of County Supervisor Donna Gerber Sari Ramon 'galley Unified School District Del Valle Council of PTAs Steering Committee Members Newell Arnerich Kathy Chiverton Minnie Correia Dan Douglas Diana Li-Repac Cindy Wheeler Final Report Newell Arnerich Kathy Chiverton Minnie Correia Terry Koehne Facilitator Arlene Willits Committee Coordinator Colleen feller PAGE 2 of 24 LE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary Introduction History & process of Committee Charge to to Committee Research Findings of Initial Subcommittees Date Collection Parent input Youth Input Resource Inventory TeacherslStalService Providers Input Key Issue Findings of Subcommittees Yout lAdult Relationship Issues Youth Empowerment & Involvement Issues Services Issues SchoolslTrain nglPrograms Issues Parent Education & Support Issues Committee Recommendations endations Immediate Actions Long—term Actions Oversight Committee Conclusions Appendix Programs & Resources INTRODUCTION PAGE 3 of 24 Through the spring and early summer of 1999, the San Ramon Valley Advisory Committee on Youth Safety and Development has met with many students, parents, teachers, service providers and other community members to discuss the issue of youth safety and development. luring this process, a vision of a community that is nurturing to its children has emerged. In that ideal community, children will be valued for who they are and provided with support as they grow to be responsible and productive citizens. Diversity will be embraced; youth issues will be addressed in a caring and comprehensive way; and community adults will play significant and positive rules in the lutes of children. The Advisory Committee suggests that with the proper support and commitment the San Ramon Valley will be that ideal community. HISTORY E THE SAN RAMON VALLEY ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON YOUTH SAFETY & DEVELOPMENT Prompted by concerns from community groups and citizens regarding incidents of youth violence locally and nationally, local governments ,joined efforts to create a committee that would review issues, resources, and needs of youth in the San Ramon Valley and make recommendations that would best enhance the safety of our youth and our community. The sponsoring organizations of this endeavor include: "Town of Danville, City of San. Ramon, County Supervisor Donna Gerber, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, and the; "' hat a Del Valle Council of PTAs. The sponsors hired �° doubt� Arlene Willits, a professional facilitator, to guide 'Small groom O the process through the first phase of its work. t. O "Ao committed Representatives from numerous groups and cithens can change the organizations were asked to serve on the committee world indeed, its the only for a term of 6 to 12 months. thing tha.0 ever Margaret,Mead. 190.497,8111 CHARGE TO COMMITTEE I o Identify immediate actions that can be taken to improve safety and to enhance programs and services for youth in the San Ramon Valley, 2. .Develop a long-range action plan: to maximize community support for the PAGE 4 of 24 positive development and well-being of youth; 3. Inventory programs and/or resources currently available within the San Ramon Valley to enable more effective coordination and utilization of these resources, 4. Seely broad involvement of different sectors of the community, including young people, in both planning and carrying out recommendations; S= As much as possible, clearly define outcomes so progress toward goals can be assessed. Develop a means to communicate action plans, goals and progress to the community, such as the use of a "youth report card." At the initial meeting of the Committee on February 4, 1999, ideal end results were discussed, a steering committee was appointed, and subcommittees were established. Steering Cottee-Volunteers for the Steering Committee were: Kathy Chiverton, County Supervisor Donna Gerber's office Minnie Correia, CASA(Community Against Substance Abuse) Newell Arnerlch,Mayor, 'Tern of Danville Diana Li- epac,every Counseling Center Cindy' feeler, lel Valle Council of PTAs Officer Dan Douglas, City of San tenon Community&Youth Resources It was agreed that before the problem(s) can be defined, the Advisory Committee needs to review existing data and identify current assets/resources, perceived needs and gaps. The following subcommittees were formed to compile necessary information.. INITIAL SUBCOMMITTEES DATA. ANALYSIS - gather information from the limited reports and surveys to provide a view of our community's demographics, youth characteristics, crime incidents and other existing information on youth. YOUTH AUT - gather information from youth by meeting with diverse groups; determine general needs; collect suggestions. PAGE 5 of 24 TEACHERS/STAFF/SERVICE PROVIDERS INP T - gather information from service providers and educators to determine current needs and gaps. PARENT INPUT" - gather infbrmation from parents to determine the needs pertaining to youth. RESOURCE INVENTORY - identify current resources available to youth and adults. Subcommittees collected data, gathered information, conducted surveys, met with members of the community and reported to the Committee on April 15, 1999 (sae reports). These reports allowed the Advisory Committee to identify priority issues, establish and/or refine goals and form new subcommittees. KEY ISSUE SUBCOMMITTEES EES .GOALS: YOUTHIADULT RELAT IONS IPS: Explore ways to develop healthy youth/adult relationships by (l) promoting community awareness and involvement; (2) expanding mentoring programs; (3) improving police/youth relationships. YOUTH EMPOWERMENT & INVOLVEMENT: Develop a comprehensive approach to empowering young people by: (l) researching, supporting and connecting youth opportunities and programs already in place, i2 providing opportunities for youth whose needs are not being met; (3) equipping young people to reach out and empower each other. SERVICES: (l) Develop a coordinated and comprehensive system of services; (2) ensure services are integrated and accessible to the entire community; (3) evaluate and address the adequacy of services. SCHOOLS/TRAINING/PROGRAM: (1) Establish a systems in schools .-I2 to assess student needs; 2) integrate a proactive process to promote positive youth development in schools. PARENT EDUCATION AND SUPPORT: l) promote community awareness regarding youth issues; (2) develop and implement comprehensive, consistent procedures to address prevention and identification of at risk behaviors; 3) develop family support services to address issues facing youth. PAGE 6 of 24 In identifying priority issues, it was determined that substance use was an underlying concern of almost every issue category and, rather than establish a separate subcommittee on drugs, alcohol and tobacco issues, it was decided that those issues be addressed by every subcommittee. Subcommittees were asked to .make recommendations for both long term and short teen actions. These recommendations were presented and regrouped, and a revised list of recommendations was presented at the July 12th meeting. An oversight committee has been established to assure that the work of this Valley Advisory Committee on Youth continues and that the goals and recommendations are carried outa Dan McHale of Involving Youth presented information on Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets. Whose in attendance agreed the "assets" appear to be the backbone for developing healthy, productive adults, The Committee's reports, handouts and information are made a part of this report by reference and attachment. RESEARCH & FINDINGS OF INITIAL, SUBCOMMITTEES The promotion of youth safety and development by the whole community was the basic charge to the Committee. Following the initial meeting of the committee, a decision was nae to take a broad look at the community and its current resources. As with many issues, perceptions and Bots are not "And we don It want to be always commonly shared. The Committee felt it one of those committees important to bring all its members to the sane tai Mee& tendwrites level of understanding. re port that, t ut in. t The initial fire subcommittees began their data rrt t tt r collection with community research, area surveys, interviews and open discussions with111 W o both. youth and adults. Interviews and � � � discussions with teachers, staff and existing service provi models and programs was documented for fat-are solutions by the Committee. DATA COLLECTION SUBCOMMITTEE The Data Collection Subcorn ittee provided a look into our community through demographics, youth characteristics, crape incidents and review of existing survey information on youth. The demographic make up of our community shows a population in approximately three equal parts: Town of Danville, City of San Ramon and unincorporated areas of the county (Alamo, Diablo, Blackhawk & Danville) totaling 108,000 people in the San Ramon`Malley. The age breakdown is: i 7% under 5 years old ® 20%9 5-17 years 8%, 18-24 years 52%, 25-54 years ® 12%, 55®74 years Family makeup shows approx mately 82% with both parents living at home, 9% with a single parent and the remaining with blended families. There are approximately 20,250 students in SRVUSD or approximately 18% of the total population in the San Damon Valley. Statistics on youth characteristics provided another view of our community. The Tri-Valley Community Fund Report of March 1998 found Haat youth, between the ages of 12 and 189 volunteering their time without pay is 72%. SRVUSD dropout rate of 1.2% is less than. Contra Costa County's 2,2% and the State's 3.9%, but higher than Pleasanton's .9% for the 1995-96 academic year. The perception of youth and parents, as nested on theTri-Valley Community Fwd Report, found some interesting differences. For example, a teem center was very high on parents' lists of dream programs, while lower on youths'. Similarly, counseling and talk groups were very low on parents' dream- list of programs, while significantly higher on youths' list. PAGE 8 of 24 Sports programs were rated nearly 50% favorable by youths while only 20% of the parents listed it as a needed program. expansion. Data were collected on youth related cane. As reported in the State of California. Safe Schools Assessment Report in February 1999, SR.VUSD reported 125 incidents for the 20,250 student population, lower than the previous year of 170 incidents. Of those, 86 were for drug/alcohol/battery. The Danville and San Ramon Police Departments and County Sheriff's Department reported that 430 arrests and diversions were made in 1998, 13.8% increase over 1997. Of those arrested in 1995, approximately 82% were male and 18% female, and 97% were 14 years and older. Surveys on youth were difficult to a find and when found were not always specific or applicable to San Ramon Valley youth.. A limited S VUSD survey in 1993 found hath x fi alcohol and drug use by 11th graders to be about 15% locally as compared to 17% nationally, but drug use was 20% locally as compared to 12®/m nationally. However, the Acalanes Drug/Alcohol Coalition, a community similar to the San Ramon Valley, found that over 75% of high school students use alcohol. The 1993 surrey showed 14% of SRVUSD students have driven after drinking at least two alcoholic beverages. However, SRVUSD's Search Institute Survey of 1993 showed 20% of 11th grade students have used drugs 6- times in the last 12 months compared to 12% nationally. In conclusion, the Data Collection Subcommittee recognized that stakeholders re ts, youth, providers, police, educators) have different definitions and kP perceptions ®f the degree of problems and issues. As detailed later in this report, the subcommittee found a strung need to develop specific student/parent surveys focusing on issues of cause and effect as described by the Search Institutes' 44 Developmental Asset model. PARENT INSUBCOMMITTEE � � r The initial Parent Input Subcommittee wanted to obtain t ip feedback from parents on safety issues, awareness of programs and services available to address those issues, �A- Michael and types of information parents need to deal with those :YMpORUnhismay that issues, p .ts in ust -with .. The subcommittee developed a written questionnaire with three basic questions addressing parental opinions of critical issues facing San Ramon Valley youth, what programs parents are aware of and what parents need to t help deal with youth issues. The questionnaires were distributed to parents at various school and community meetings. Some parents were interviewed by the committee. Based on the limited number of questionnaires returned, parents saw the following as the most critical issues facing teens today: substance abuse including alcohol and drugs. * peer pressure and the need to "fit in." lack of discipline/respect/anger management skills. need for a safe place for students to congregate. Noun iCj, ecusa ad The parents were most aware of existing programs a and services, such as, DARE, CASA, Discovery Counseling Center, and Parent Education Programs, and expressed the need for more information, education and support. Parents cited the need for support of other parents, counselors, police,,, recreation staff City and Town leaders. Preliminary conclusions of the initial Parent Input Subcommittee include the following needs: ® a coordinated e{fort to broaden awareness of the issues facing youth.. ® a coordinated system of services for youth, their families, and providers (schools, law enforcement, community services). comprehensive, consistent procedures to address prevention, identify "at risk" youth and families and provide support. appropriate data collection to assess progress of actions. YOUTH INPUT SUBCOMMITTEE "I he initial Youth In-out Subcommittee had some unique opportunities to greet with youth throughout the Valley in many different forums and locations. They heard youth express the need for E respect, participation, empowerment, f healthy relationships and most importantly. communication. Youth want to be respected for who they are and what they stand for and f don't want to be stereotyped in a b negative way. They want to be a part of the community and have meaningful participation as contributing members of the community. They felt disenfranchised and powerless to create change. Youth told us they are searching for consistent, positive, adult role models and want adults to be appropriately involved in their lives. Communication with adults and other role models was high on their list of needs. They want open venues to be able to talk with adults d school personnel, community leaders, parents and others. At the same time, there is a need for more communication with youth on the availability of services and programs. The preliminary conclusions of the Youth Input Subcommittee were that youth need: greater accessibility to affordable counseling ® an opportunity to establish and operate a place(s) to socialize adult-youth mentoring opportunities PAGE i 1 of 24 ......... ...._..... _. . . ...... .... ........ ....... ....... ........ ........._...._... ._. ... . .. .... .......... ..._ . ......... open and regular forums/dialogue with police to discuss issues and concerns development of a valley-wide youth commission TEACHERS/STAFF & SERVICE PROVIDERS SUBCOM I EE The initial Subcommittee on Teachers/Staff and Service Providers presented another perspective of the ftsolying community's view of major issues, trends, and themes 1gon ick ° regarding youth safety and assets of contemporary youth. Teachers, school staff and service providers were interviewed by the subcommittee. The problems that they chire�t � see with Valley youth include: a lack of parental ` ' I responsibility and efficacy, families with poor familialt " connections, and an increase in antisocial behaviors. ';n:er `l' Core groups of students with negative behaviors can rej MO � impact the culture of a school and its community. A lack of tolerance for diversity is on the rise, as well as a lack. An *program from the of respect for authority. Substance use and abuse is S00% 1998. Ssot increasing on school campuses. Students using and abusing controlled substances affect the school, social and community climate and can lead to violent behaviors. The middle to high school transition shows at-risk behaviors tend to escalate with and correspond to a decrease in parental involvement. Some students f d it difficult to adapt to high school life. There has been an increase in the number of students diagnosed with learning or behavioral problems. On a positive note, there are more programs and services in place than ever before. There are stronger consequences for discipline problems. For example, a zero tolerance policy is enforced for weapons and drugs on school campuses. There has been a modest increase in both guidance and personal counseling. Parent education. opportunities have increased. The preliminary conclusions of the subcommittee find a need for: increased parent involvement at the secondary level. ® unproved collaboration between schools, parents, police agencies and service providers. PAGE 12 of 24 ® increased counseling support at all grade levels. RESOURCE INVENTORY SUBCOMMITTEE The initial resource Inventory SuoCo€nmi ittee compiled data on exist-Ing community programs available in the San i 4 Bannon Malley. The kinds of resources available include local counseling centers (nonprofit and private), c®m m. unity programs/services (Town of Danville, '� k City of San Bannon, YMCA, church groups) and school district programs. ::.> The Book produced annually by Community Against Substance Abuse (CASA) has been given to all parents of middle and high school students and is available through police departments, school district and Discovery Counseling Center. KINDS OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE: Local counseling (nonprofit and private) programs offered through all counseling offices change frequently and are dictated by the current needs of the public they serve. Nonprofit counseling centers are listed in The Book. Community Programs/Services: Programs are offered through the Town of Danville and City of San Ramon Recreation Departments, the YMCA, church groups and religious organizations, and health care providers. School District Programs: Listings for middle and high schools is listed in the Initial Subcommittee's report. PRIMARY RESOURCES: CASA's The Book --- provides innformation and a current listing of available local resources and 24-hour hotlines in the areas which significantly affect our youth: Healthy Parenting (Communicating With Your Teen, Deer pressure, Influence of the Media), Teen Anger, Depression, Suicide, Grief & boss, Handling Stress, Eating PAGE i 3 of 24 Disorders, Teen Sexuality (including Clay, Lesbian, Bisexual), STIs (Sexually Transmitted I fectibns), FRWAIDS, Substance Use: Gateway Des, Alcohol, Tobacco, Other Drugs; Addiction/Alcoholism, Violence in Cour Communities, Abuse, Teen Dating Violence, Parties, Proms and Police Policy, The Law andYour Teenager, Gang Awareness, Getting Involved In Your Community, Mentoring There are many other programs in our community. Those selected have been proven successful. These programs are considered to be exemplary and should be adapted, expanded or explored throughout the community. KEY ISSUE ES of SUBCOMMITTEES Following the five initial subcommittee reports, an satire meeting was dedicated to asking committee members to dist their perception of issues affecting valley youth Marshafi Ramey COPY NEWS SEME �fS&C atStYb M189ii4!$ -S MID "fw N&I VRIb AND 45 m and our community. This process led to hundreds of issues that were grouped into five emerging themes: PAGE 14 of 24 Youth/Adult Relationship Issues Youth Empowerment & Involvement Issues Services Issues - - Schools/'Training/Programs Issues Parent Education & Support Issuesva-H, them,' Each committee took a categorized list of issues for their group to establish goals, objectives and I Studwt. SkVUD strategies. ? Del ` fth sA1 Youth/Adult Relationship Issues Goals • Identify existing mentoring,programs. • Implement police mentoring programs and open dialogue. • Communication skills workshop for coaches. • Integrate family education as well as student consequences in the school diversion program. • Identify teen think tank ideas abet how to serve the community for the common good. Youth rnMwerment & Involvement Issues Subcommittee Goals Research, support and connect youth opportunities and programs already in place; Provide meaningful opportunities for youth who would like to be involved in their community; ® develop a San Ramon Valley Youth Board. Equip young people to reach out and empower each other; sponsor teen think tanks that provide an ongoing vehicle for youth to give feedback on programs and policies. Services Issues Subcommittee Goals Recommend specific areas for expansion of services; • increase availability ofcounseling'services ® emphasize preventive awareness/education opportunities; + strengthen identification and referral of youth to appropriate services; + support youth activities ® Valley Wide Youth Council, evaluate breadth of recreation services offered in the San Ramon Valley, identify and develop pre-employment and volunteer opportunities; PAGE I5 of 24 • Ensure services are comprehensive, integrated and accessible to the entire community; ® develop coordinated delivery of services • Evaluate and address the adequacy of services on an ongoing basis; + collect data that identifies perceived needs, extent needs are being met and emerging needs/trends * establish objectives and criteria for evaluating adequacy of service delivery monitor efforts resulting from Advisory Committee recornendations/actions Schools/'prainin ?rogams Issues Subcommittee Coals • Assess and address student needs K-12g * research existing and neve methods for identifying and assessing student needs ® develop a standardized approach to train staff to identify and assess student needs • Integrate a proactive process to promote positive youth development in schools; • implement programs and practices that promote resiliency in our youth + implement staff development and training programs which enhance staff efficacy in promoting resiliency in youth • expand student empowerment programs to all schools • the SRVUSD will partner with community organizations and the I'A'A to expand parent education programs • increase counseling and nursing services. Parent Education & SLipport Issues Subcommittee Goals Promote awareness within the community of the issues facing youth, • create an annual parent conference • conduct Healthy Kids Survey to establish a baseline of information to be used to evaluate efforts communicate issues to parents and community Develop and implement comprehensive, consistent procedures to assist families to find necessary resources; • distribute CASA Resource Handbook • use SRVUSD web site to link to other resources • coordinate reference point through telephone hot livres • establish permanent oversight committee Develop a method to coordinate parent education programs; PAGE 16 of 24 • create a galley wide consistency of information • create ongoing parental education column in school and community newspapers ® develop parent resource library at each school and public library branch ® establish a community resource program in each of the three high schools that is also active at the feeder middle schools The subcommittee presented their final goals, recommendations and priorities to the Advisory Committee at the June 24, 1999 meeting. The outcome of these presentations led to the final meeting on July 12, 1993 with an agenda to prioritize a final list of recommendations from the Advisory Committee. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS The San Ramon Valley Committee on Youth Safety and Development,, after considerable research and community input, is convinced that the health and safety of the youth in the San RamonValley directly impacts the social and economic health of this community and is the responsibility of parents, school personnel, government officials, service providers, community members and youth themselves. It is with that conviction that the Committee makes its recommendations and asks specific groups to take responsibility to implement the following actions. It should be noted that, although each of these recommendations is made as a distinct suggestion, these are comprehensive suggestions and meed to be implemented as such. The most important issue from the Committee is to involve youth in any process. The following list of recommendations is listed in order of priority as established by the Committee: jIRE iMME� I N KEY PLAYERS s t. Estabhs and provide feral resources f©r a V ey-s de youth council, which will develop and operate youth y , anc , rgrams ,. 2. Provide training programs in Vie£ rranage errt, conflict resolution, and diversity for educators, rfessionals,>athletic coaches,parents,,and students 3. Support and promote youth-run programs already in t€ place Stun A , ' ,; PAGE 17 of 24 4. Hold community fore, to address youth issues, CASA p -AAL-W 6.W.?Wice, Depaftmenis includih viole€ce, diversity, and substance abuse f 5. provide a Community Youth&Resource Program at `Danvffle, Saxe Ramon,. Contrahedst County,t middle school and high school levels which will include a ' I artrn , SRV SD&sere specially trained police officer working with a counselor to providers assist students, parents and school personnel in addressing issues of violence, substance abuse, and diversi J 6. Increase the availability of profession therapeutic, and SRVUSD.,I s v ry erp New Bridge, and ersonal counseling services at each school other r v s 7. Schedule monthly meetings of all service providers to SRVUS13'a d service pfdVide share information and identify and address issues of local concern. 8. Implement and/or expand peer support or peer S SI d-service.:pr vi er education programs, such as, the Youth Educator s Program and the Tobacco peer Education Program„ in all schools 9. Implement the middle school violence prevention .W D, RV ducat n.F,66iidation and project, "You Never Win With Violence" (sponsored by s Battered Womeds Alternatives d this 4-hour interactive classroom presentation teaches students about physical, verbal, sexual, and financial abuse and how to deal with each) 10. Educate school staff, police, recreation staff', coaches, Contra.Costa ,°Town ofDanville, i bf and parents on youth behaviors that place children at risk Say ten,SRV SD,s rvlce providers . and how to retake referrals to a ru riate agencies 11. Research existing (e.g., Healthy Fids Survey, SR VUSI ,police, cods tin P service student-involved conferences, and student study teams) providers, ; and new (e.g., the Search Institute model) methods of identifying and assessing student needs and develop a standardized, coordinated approach to meeting student needs 12. Create an annual parent conference Oversight Committee,,PTA,CASA a service providers , 1 . Coordinate with community-based counseling and 55 ice pro1ind medical organizations to provide increased counseling and nursing services its schools . 14. Sponsor a series of interactive `Peen Think Tanks that ,y 6 ,�` �l an , will provide an ongoing vehicle for a diverse cross section of youth to provide feedback on youth-related issues, ro rams and licies 77 15. Improve polis /youth relationships by conducting �� � ¢� oh ,` A pp en forutns between police and y2uth, 16. Develop and improve opportunities for building healthy youth/adult relationships by promoting existing mentopq&progams and establi neer otter h,y PAGE IS of 24 17. Identify and develop preemployment and volunteer servtce,group%,such sI R cries, merchant opportunities for valley youth grou Cambers of Commerce Danv le, San ie Develop sports league alliance involving all ,allsposorganizations, community sports that would develop a certification .:'SRVUSD,PTA,, A . . d service providers process for coaches that includes positive role modeling, mediation training, recognition of signs of substance abuse,and parent workshops 19. Collect data that identify the needs of youth,the extent SRVUSD and service providers those needs are being net, and the emerging meds and trends throe h the use of the Heal±X Kids serve 20. Partner with the Lions Club to expand to all schools in "Uons,Ckb4ind SRVUS 3> the district the Quest program which is a comprehensive program that covers mentoring, decision-making, acting responsibly, and conflict resolution while addressing issues of drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse and violence prevention 21, Increase availability of counseling services by Discovery enter,CASA,i. RVUSD,serer developing a web site and toll-free phone number for , groups,and comms volunteers information and referral 22. Establish Community in Business Mentoring program Chambers of Con roe, t groups,the in which businesses invite youth to spend a day, week, or R.ot� , osand ot > groups month:in a mini. a rentice ro ranr ! 23. Implement staff development and training program VUS ice prodders which promote resiliency in youth for all school staff, including athletic coaches 24. Develop a youth section in local newspapers with SAi.ijRarnon Valley Tinws,San Ramon Valley items of specific intertest to oath Herald,Diablo L&'a�,,'`I"he Sentinel;etc. 25, Distribute CASAs The Book (resource handbook) to CASA and PTA families through schools, physicians, hospitals, counseling offices, and once d artmtnts 26. Evaluate breadth of recreation services offered in the Town of Da€ivUe, pity of San ,anon,;R.-7. San Ramon galley for youth and make recommendations YMCA,Involving ''outk and Youth clubs re ardi addressing identified y.aps 27. bobby the Mate legislature for additional funding for X SD,P7A 6fitra costa County, therapeutic or pSrsonal counsSji at school sites 28. Partner° with the local poke agencies other ,. li 'aIe ;and enterif€sr programs such as the Center for Human Development to bt continua the Drug Abuse Resistance program (BARE) and the Parent Educator Pro aT(PEP) 29. Provide a Business L�onlC irne Prevention Officer off , °s t fin erc . to educate businesses about youth and the ways they can lid he! each other within the comnunity 30. Develop an interagency case e€nent system for re se °� � IX individual outh clients 1 PAGE 19 of 24 t . Ingest in, promote and circulate''Family Prevention SRVUSD..and PTA video series to sli gents children ��� �bbocals 32. Coordinate, sponsor and promote parte educatiah Dsn�e, Rarnon, SRVUSD,CASA�nd classes throughout haat the San Ramon Yee PTA 33. Create ongoing prem education cohnnn in-school and i I �P r i xy nter. dCASA nirnu* mews ! s 34. Develop a strategy for school newsletter articles on SXSD, twoverrCenter and CAS A Parent education and include in school directories LjLertinent resource telephone numbers 35. Develop and publicize parent resource library at each PT Costa res school andpublic library branch s The Committee believes that rnost, if not all, of the above recommendations can be implemented in the 1999-2000 academic year. There are, however, other recommendations that the Committee feels are extremely important, but will take a longer time to implement. 'Those recommendations include: ,::LO,NG,,TERM".-IRECO:MMEN-DATIONS KEY PLAYERS A. Establish multiple teen centers in the San mon SRVUSD,tom df Danville,City of San Ramon, r Valley in new and existing gyms and caber facilities in Discovery CentoPTkCASA and other°serine local neighborhoods, providing counselors at each i provid . center and ade ate staff to ensure success B. Initiate an outreach program to involve elder youth § '� ,io n of anv*, cW!o Ramon, as coaches and mentors to . offer childrenand the rts; a C. Expand or implement in all schools conflict S VU . 3,Rotary.Clubs,wd Discov'ery er e resolution programs, including peer mediation, conflict resolution skill de�elc� ne t�d sclx�ol staff trainin D. Encourage and support development of additionalz Regional Medicd Center,New bridge, j treatment opporlunities and resources for emotionally add other service providers troubled youth, including respite care and residential treatment programs The Committee created a list of other recommendations and ideas not to be lost. This list is attached in the appendix. OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE The Oversight Committee will be charged with working with interested volunteers and lead agencies to implement and evaluate the recommendations of the advisory Committee. The Oversight Committee will also refine the long-term'action plans rete evaluation criteria and measurements of success. The Committee will provide PAGE'20 of 24 ......_ ............................................................................................................................................................ __. .. ..... ... .._. ._. . _... ........_. ........... ........ ........ ......_..... ........_. .......... ........... ........ .......... periodic reports to the community and the sponsoring agencies and the Committee may deme additional responsibilities as necessary. The Committee will be composed of a broad representation of community members; 18 members of the Advisory Committee have volunteered to serve on the Oversight Committee. Other members of the community, including additional students, will be invited to serve. The Committee (no more than 25 members) will establish ground rules about structure, appointments, logistical support and funding and members will serve terns of 1-2 years. The sponsoring agencies will each appoint a representative to the Oversight Committee, provide support assistance and guidance. CONCLUSIONS Violence among youth in our community is unwarranted and intolerable. Young people expect and deserve to live without fear in a community that is 'safe and nurturing. This action plan seeks to maximize the positive development and Drell-being of youth in the San Ramon Valley. The list of recommendations brought forth by the Advisory Committee is more than merely a collection of ides or lofty goals. It is a document based on considerable research and community input, and is the result of a thoughtful process that has engaged more than. 32 local community leaders, police officials, educators, counselors, religious leaders, parents and students for more than:six months. It should be noted that, although this document marks the completion of the Advisory Committee's work, it is not a report that will "gather dust."' 1t represents a dynamic process of community involvement that is ongoing and without limitations. The recommended Oversight Committee has been established to ensure that these recommendations and the work of the Committee do not become forgotten or stagnate. However, in order for these recommendations to be brought to life, a serious commitment is essential, Teachers, parents, students, polies makers, law enforcement, business managers, faith leaders, civic leaders, youth workers and community members must take an active role in implementing and communicating this plan of action. With the support and participation of one another we can live in a. community free of violence, and continue to involve and embrace our youth, not as the leaders of tomorrow, but as the young leaders of today. PAGE 21 of 24 .... ......... _..... _.. ......... ......._. ......_.. I--..... ..... . . Ar 1. Data Collected from the Initial Services Subcommittee PROGRAMS: BWA(Battered Women'sAlternatives) - offers interactive classroom presentations. Of particular interest is"You Never Win With Violence." QUEST - A comprehensive program sponsored by the kions Clubs for 12 students. Offers three programs- Skills for Growing (Grades K-5), Skills for Adolescents (Grades 6-8), and Skills for Action(Grades 9-12). These programs cover drug, alcohol, tobaccos use prevention, violence prevention, conflict mediation, mentoring, service learning, decision maiking, getting along and acting responsibly. Quest is a program which weaves information into existing curriculum, and therefore tales minimal additional academic time. Several district teachers have,been trained and are using it. Joseph l° atteucci Foundation - Peer mediation trig; trains youth in conflict resolution and mediation. D - Drug Abuse Resistance Education - Police Department program teaches dam, alcohol, tobacco and violence resistance;already in ph-we throughout the district. (5th&middle schools) Youth Educator Program - Trains high school leaders with skills to dialog with younger youth on drug and alcohol prevention issues. (high school leaders working with middle school youth) PEP - Parent Educator Program _ Dreg and violence prevention program taught by comprehensively trained parents. 'beaches resiliency shills and positive self-talk. 8 sessions. This program is available at Rancho Romero and Stone Valley Schools. DAPP - Drug abuse Prevention Program - Discovery Center Health Educator conducts classes on drugs and alcohol issues to four out of the five idle schools. The three-class series is taught to 8th graders through their science class. SUPPORT: SLIP - School Counseling & Intervention Program - SCIP (Discovery & SR SD). SLIP provides a Discovery'Center Master's level counseling intern to each of the District's schools one day per geek for prevention and early interventions services, The counselors offer individual and small group counseling to student 12). PAGE 22 of 24 Community & `youth Resource Programa m City of San Ramon - A very successful model of a Vacaville Program for youth to get back on track. A police officer works with students at California High School, Iron Horse and Pine Malley Schools and coordinates counseling, support groups, education, recreation, community service opportunities, and parenting classes to designated students (5..12). This prom is coordinated through the San morn Police Department and the City of Say Ramon- Drug/Alcohol annon.Drug/ cohol Treatment Groups for Teens e Two of Discovery's licensed clinical staff provide drug and alcohol treatment groups once a week at each district high school. Juvenile Diversion Programs - Danville & San tenon Police Departments: programs devised to keep youth offenders out of the ,judicial system by placing them in programs that provide education and community service. Progress are intended to be a one-shot opportunity for youth. PARENT EDUCATION: `Parents for Prevention" - Piloted in grades 4 and 5 at one distract elementary school last year and currently in place in four more schools; available for K-8 grades; Students take home a video tape to be viewed by parents. Videos offer excellent parenting and con n u nication tools. Parent Education Lecture Series R Sax workshops or lectures offered to all parents on varying topics. Funded by PTAs and CASA, and part of the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities program Parent lap e A very effective program: currently offered at San Ramon and Monte Vista High Schools and at some middle schools. Offers monthly discussions and presentations on varying topics of interest to parents of teens, CAS!s Lunch Time Parent Ed Series T Piloted at Chevron, these workshops bring parent education to the workplace and can be adapted to the meds of the public/company. Counselors from throughout the area give their time to discuss parenting issues from 'childhood through young adult. AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS: Involving Youth 4 youth led organization where youth meet regularly to plan events and discuss issues. After School Recreation Programs (Danville and San Ramon) - offers after school program at middle schools and many other uses and workshops for youth. YMCA-after school programs at Stone Valley School. PAGE 23 of 24 Youth to Youth - C SA's youth led organization that holds an annual conference for middle or high school students to support safe and drug free choices. This group is continuing to meet on an ongoing basis to discuss youth issues and to plan youth events based on safe and drug free choices. 2. Other Recommendations/Ideas Not to be Lost * collaborate to seely implementation funding, including grants. The SR SD has a grant writer who may be able to assist * include private Schools in comity and youth programs * evaluate public transportation reeds of youth-refer to Youth Council * School District and 'lav enforcement should provide consistent enforcement of policies, consider diversion and treatment option in dealing with problem behavior * integrate fly education as consequence of school diversion program * ecce/provide mer school enrichment options as part of youth programs related to younger students * implement a juvenile Justice Collaborative Committee * devise additional methods to decrease parent denial of youth issues * consider using"Think Tom"model or other survey approaches with parents * investigate possible use of"negative permission system" to allow referral of'students to counseling resources * letter to parents re: Advisory Committee * resistant frtrnilies Attachments by reference. SWV Youth Advisory Committee on Youth Safety & Development Volume I & H supporting documents,reps,research sours:;references. PAGE 24 of 24