Human Services Commission unanimously approves child-protection policy for volunteers and elected officials

The Human Services Commission on Aug. 4 voted unanimously to approve a child-protection policy that applies to town volunteers and elected officials who will work with minor participants in the Voices of Youth civic engagement program.

The chair moved "to accept the child protection policy as it applies to town volunteers," and a commissioner seconded the motion. After questions about scope and implementation, the chair called a roll-call vote; all present answered yes and the chair declared the motion approved.

Commissioners discussed the policy’s origins and scope. One commissioner said the document was adapted from a 2015 employee policy and shortened for volunteers, and that Jeanette did much of the drafting. The policy includes a mandated-reporting page and lists town administrative officer Scott Roberts as a primary contact, with Judy, the town social worker, named as backup.

On operational matters, commissioners clarified who will run required background checks and how the program will be rolled out. A commissioner said the documents will be dated with the commission’s approval, a letter from administration will accompany the materials, and town clerks are prepared to send the notifications by the end of the week.

The chair closed the item after the vote and moved to adjourn. The commission set its next meeting for Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. at the community center.