§ 3026 - Partnerships for children, families and individuals - Vermont Statutes

§ 3026. Partnerships for children, families and individuals

(a) The secretary of human services, the commissioner of education, and the president of the University of Vermont shall establish a research partnership to study and make recommendations for improving the effectiveness of state and local health, human services, and education programs. Critical program outcomes relating to the well-being of Vermonters that should be addressed by the research partnership may include, without limitation, the following:

(1) Children, families and individuals are engaged in and contribute to their community's decisions and activities.

(2) Pregnant woman and children thrive.

(3) Children are ready for school.

(4) Children succeed in school.

(5) Children live in stable, supported families.

(6) Youth choose healthy behaviors.

(7) Youth successfully transition to adulthood.

(8) Elders and people with disabilities live with dignity and independence in settings they prefer.

(9) Families and individuals live in safe and supportive communities.

(10) Adults lead healthy and productive lives.

(b) The secretary of human services and the commissioner of education shall collaborate with regional partnerships for children, families and individuals in each of the geographical regions of the state. Regional partnerships consist of citizens, consumers of health, human services and education programs, family members, governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations providing health, education and human services, economic development representatives and business leaders, and any other individuals and groups who can contribute to the activities of the regional partnership. Regional partnerships shall develop and implement local strategies for improving the social well-being of Vermonters, and shall advise the agency of human services and the department of education concerning effective implementation of state and local health, human services, and education programs.

(c) The secretary of human services and the commissioner of education shall collaborate with the state team for children, families and individuals, consisting of representatives of the agencies and departments of state government which serve children, families and individuals, state coordinators of interagency teams, directors of private sector service and advocacy organizations, institutions of higher education, coordinators for the regional partnerships, and any other individual or group who can contribute to the activities of the state team. The state team shall support the activities of the regional partnerships, and participate in the development and implementation of state policies and programs designed to improve the well-being of Vermonters.

(d) Annually, on or before February 15, the secretary of human services, the commissioner of education, and the president of the University of Vermont shall report to the general assembly and the governor, concerning:

(1) the activities of the state, regional and research partnerships for children, families and individuals established under this section;

(2) the well-being of Vermonters;

(3) the results of any outcome research completed in the preceding calendar year; and

(4) any other findings or recommendations relating to improving the effectiveness of state and local health, human services, and education programs. (Added 2001, No. 63, § 97; amended 2001, No. 142 (Adj. Sess.), § 119.)