The Children's Needs Task Force (CNTF) believes that the future of our city depends on how we view our children. The community must provide an environment where children can grow up and become healthy mature adults who feel themselves to be a part of the community. Local leaders must work with schools, outside agencies, the police, and the young people of our community to effectively identify the needs of children, and to develop an approach with which to meet these needs. The Task Force is available to provide their recommendations to the City Council concerning appropriate methods to meet the needs of children in Huntington Beach.

The CNTF Meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 4:00pm in Room B-8.

A Declaration of Policy about Children and Young Adults

• The citizens of Huntington Beach recognize that our children are our future.
• In all deliberations citizens understand that each young person is unique and born into circumstances influenced by genetics, economic factors, social and cultural differences, family structure and dynamics.
• Strong families are the most effective means of rearing children who feel secure, loved and supported as they move through the challenges of early childhood, middle school and high school.
• Providing safe and secure neighborhoods, homes and schools in which youth and families can flourish is an important civic responsibility.
• Promoting strong academic programs within the City of Huntington Beach recognizes that quality schools benefit children and families, as well as the quality of life in the community.
• Facilitating positive alternative activities for children and young adults demonstrates that prevention is a priority in Huntington Beach.
• The citizens of Huntington Beach recognize the impact of positive role models that demonstrate good character, sportsmanship and citizenship.
• Demonstrating that children and youth are an important part of the community clearly establishes that they are valued.
• Together, the city of Huntington Beach and its citizens proclaim that the needs of children will be included as a priority in all planning and policy decisions that come before the City Council, Planning Commission, and city departments.

Focus Group I:
Identify and advise City officials regarding the needs of children as planning and policy decisions are made by City Government.

Focus Group II:
Support families by facilitating a coordinated system of resources to address physical, mental, social and financial challenges, while promoting independence and self-sufficiency. Facilitate access to physical and mental health care for children and families.

Focus Group III
Identify and select youth, grades K-12 who have demonstrated outstanding character during the past year so that their value to the community can be recognized through the Youth Character Awards Program.

Focus GroupIV
Promote safe schools, secure neighborhoods, and an interactive community climate through collaboration strategies. Foster positive community activities and positive role models for neighborhood youth.

Focus GroupV
Work with Student Representatives to address the student related issues they identify as needing attention.

Vacancies
In the event a member retires or is unable to complete his term, an appointment shall be made to fill the remainder of the unexpired term. The Children’s Needs Task Force is currently accepting applications to fill current vacancies. Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 13th and top applicants will be invited to an interview with City Council members on Tuesday, June 24th between 1 and 3 pm. To apply to become a member, please fill out the Boards & Commission Application.

Roster of members
Alison Baskin
Adam Buttons
Shirley Carey
Ian Collins
Susan Davidson
Robert Dettloff
Pat Guidotti
Robert Hart
Tanya Hoxsie
Carol Kanode
Phyllis Lembke
Diane Lenning
Cathy McGough
Stephanie Morley
Nicolette Schindlerl
City Council Liaison Cathy Green
City Council Liaison Gil Coerper

Staff Contact
Janeen Laudenback

Agendas
March 27, 2008
February 28, 2008
January 24, 2008
December 6, 2007
November 15, 2007
October 25, 2007
September 27, 2007
September 4, 2007
August 23, 2007
May 24, 2007
April 26, 2007
March 22, 2007
February 22
November 06
September 06
August 06
March 06
January 06

Minutes
February 28, 2008
January 24, 2008
November 5, 2007
October 25, 2007
September 27, 2007
September 4, 2007
August 23, 2007
May 24, 2007
January 25, 2007
October 26, 2006
August 24, 2006
May 25, 2006