Sec. 2-347. - Department established.

The department of youth and families is hereby established.

(Ord. No. 98-130(sub 1), § 1, 2-8-99)

Sec. 2-348. - Policy and objectives.

(a)

Policy. The department of youth and families shall provide leadership and coordination in promoting, but not limited to:

(1)

The provision of direct services;

(2)

Policy and program development;

(3)

Planning, monitoring and evaluation; and

(4)

Research and resource development.

The department will rely upon a network of neighborhood based resources that are grounded in the community to meet the developmental needs of all youth and families.

(b)

Objectives. The key objectives for the department shall be the following:

(1)

Establish city-wide community goals for youth development;

(2)

Design and support a neighborhood based system of service delivery that includes a combination of natural helpers including, but not limited to parents, churches and neighbors and formal service providers that will promote youth and family development;

(3)

Work with all state and local public and private resources to assure that the delivery system is adequately funded;

(4)

Engage the broader community students, parents, the business sector, the media and others in promoting positive youth developmental initiatives.

(Ord. No. 98-130(sub 1), § 1, 2-8-99)

Sec. 2-349. - Functions; generally.

The department of youth and families shall have the power, and its duties shall be to perform the following functions:

(1)

Direct Provisions of Services. To provide services and special programs that provide service, support, and opportunity for youth to grow and develop.

(2)

Joint service operations with government, business or non-profit organizations. To assist in delivering direct services through grant provisions, and staff time for service planning, coordination and support.

(3)

Policy and program development. To focus on transactions between individuals and institutions, whenever laws and policies are enacted, personnel are appointed, budgets are planned and enacted, and programs are developed.

(4)

Advocacy, information and referral. To increase public awareness and education to individuals or neighborhood groups on specific issues, projects, research and policies.

(5)

Program planning, monitoring and evaluation. To ensure that programs undertaken by the department and city generally are mission driven, outcome focused, effective and efficient.

(Ord. No. 98-130(sub 1), § 1, 2-8-99)

Sec. 2-350. - Director; appointment

The chief administrative official of the department of youth and families shall be known as the director of youth and families who shall be appointed by the mayor and serve at the pleasure of the mayor.

(Ord. No. 98-130(sub 1), § 1, 2-8-99)