CPC Mental Health and Safety Committee Report

December 9, 2010

Chairperson:  Liz Stewart, Gateway, Inc. 205-510-2780

The Mental Health and Safety Committee met on December 3, 2010, at Gateway-Shelby County.  The Committee reviewed the needs that were identified from the previous meeting:

  1.  Timely psychological reports that reflect the basic needs outlined in the request by the service provider/court; possible rotation of psychologists who would offer services at a reduced cost or donate service; what must be in a psychological for residential admissions; etc.
  2. Expand Afterschool Program;
  3.  Increased In-home Services;
  4. Supervised Visitation Program

Zina Cartwell from Chilton-Shelby Mental Health Prevention Programs provided an update regarding the success of the Afterschool Program which has been implemented at Montevallo Middle School.  Ms. Cartwell stated that there are 40 participants enrolled at present and this includes the basketball team.  The Committee discussed the need/desire to expand the Afterschool Program to others area schools and the barrier of monies available.
The Committee discussed the nation-wide effort to reduce childhood obesity and the current availability of monies for program development.  Barbara Williams agreed to consult with Dr. Gaye Vance about her new program combining physical fitness and mental health services.

*A new area that the Committee decided to review services was in regards to the increase in bullying among school-age youth.  It was noted that more information would be obtained by the Chairperson regarding the services currently being provided through SafeHouse and determine what additional services/assistance the Committee members could provide.   

Next meeting was scheduled for January 14th , 2011, at 1:30 pm at Gateway-Shelby in Pelham.