Centre

Advisory Councils Youth Advisory Councils and Terms of Reference

The Youth Advisory Council members are current or past clients of Grandview Children's Centre who are 13-29 years of age.

The Youth Advisory Council provides feedback, guidance and suggestions to the Executive Director, and (through the Executive Director) the Board of Trustees.

If you would like to join, please contact timothy.woo@grtc.ca

 

Terms of Reference

Roles and Functions

  • The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) provides a sounding board for staff, clients, board members, donors and parents in the planning, development and evaluation of programs and services at Grandview Children's Centre (GCC).
  • The YAC members act as advocates for the programs and services at GCC and in the community as appropriate.
  • The YAC advises the adolescent program regarding the development and implementation of certain social and recreational programs for youth and young adults with disabilities.
  • The YAC provides specific guidance and feedback for staff, volunteers and families to increase and utilize available resources.

Responsibility of Members

  • To be aware and informed of the services offered at GCC.
  • To be available to provide input into these services.
  • To take a pro-active approach to advocating while maintaining a positive regard for self and each other.
  • To interact with other youth and young adults at GCC.
  • To be available to the Centre and the community for consultations or feedback on issues facing youth and young adults with disabilities.

Membership

The YAC consists of the following members:

  • Chair elected by the group.
  • Vice-chair elected by the group.
  • Treasurer elected by the group.
  • Public Relations representative elected by the group.
  • Secretary elected by the group and supported by staff.
  • Youth ages 13 - 21 who have received service at GCC.
  • Staff to provide support and give direction as required. ( staff are non-voting members)

Tenure of Membership

GCC values the commitment of the youth who serve as part of the Youth Advisory Council. It is in this regard the Youth Advisory Council welcomes all youth who show commitment by participating on this council.

Tenure of Executive Committee Members

Members of the Executive Committee will commit to one year in the position they have been elected to. There is the option to run for the same position for three consecutive years

Procedures

Meetings:

  • Meetings are usually held monthly on the first Saturday of the month. Meeting times are from 12:00P.M. (Noon) - 2:00 P.M.

Attendance:

  • Members are expected to attend a minimum of 8 out of the last 12 (or 66%) meetings held. Members should call an Executive Committee member or the YAC extension to notify an absence.
  • Active members: those who attend 8 out of 12 meetings (or 66%) have voting rights during the elections.
  • Non-active members: those who attend less then 8 out of 12 meetings (or 66%) do NOT have voting rights during elections.

Minutes:

  • Minutes will be recorded, processed, and prepared for next meeting for all members and staff by the YAC secretary

Tasks

  • Advise in the planning and implementation of adolescent programs and development and implementation of special events throughout the year.
  • To problem-solve around issues facing youth and provide support to one another as required.
  • To provide a network of youth with individual experiences and expertise who can act as resources to GCC and each other.
  • To work with GCC in order to identify issues relating to programs and services offered that directly influence youth and young adults with disabilities.
  • To be involved in fundraising efforts. Money raised will be put into a YAC fund for members to determine the allocation of funds.
  • To promote the Youth Advisory Council in the community through various contacts. For example, Community Care Access Centres, Recreational Organizations. Discover Ability, Centre for Independent Living (CILT), Anne Johnson Health Station, The Easter Seals Society, March of Dimes, Variety Village, etc.
  • To act as advocates to the community to help change attitudes and to develop awareness of abilities of youth and young adults with disabilities.

Channels of Reporting

A copy of the minutes will be distributed to the following people at GCC:

  • Executive Director
  • Director of Clinical Services
  • Clinical Coordinator , Adolescent Program

* If appropriate, Y.A.C. members will meet with GCC board members and/or GCC staff to report on the progress of the YAC.

Evaluation

The Youth Advisory Council will be responsible to evaluate its own effectiveness once per year.

Criteria for evaluating success of the YAC includes:

  • Level of participation at meetings.
  • Regular YAC meetings and minutes that reflect the role of the YAC.
  • Review Tenure of Membership.
  • Final evaluation at the completion of each year.
  • Poll/survey of staff, clients, and families.