HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 1431City of Palo Alto (ID # 1431)
Policy and Services Committee Staff Report
Report Type:Meeting Date: 3/8/2011
March 08, 2011 Page 1 of 8
(ID # 1431)
Title: Project Safety Net Update
Subject: Discussion on the Project Safety Net Community Task Force and
recommendation to request that Council appoint a Council liaison to the Palo
Alto Youth Council
From:City Manager
Lead Department: Community Services
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Policy and Services Committee discussed the Project Safety Net (PSN) Report and
Community Task Force efforts at their September 14 and October 12, 2010 meetings.
Staff recommended that the Policy and Services Committee focus on those areas of the
PSN Report that are specific to the City and that have potential City policy implications.
Below were the areas of focus discussed:
1.Ongoing staff support for PSN (PSN Report –Priority Next Steps, pg 46)
2.Approval of a City suicide prevention policy (PSN Report -Appendix F, pg 62)
3.Adoption of the “41 Developmental Assets” framework (PSN Report –Strategy P-
3, pg 23-24)
4.Commitment to youth outreach and elevating the youth voice (PSN Report --
Strategy P-1, pg 18)
5.Commitment to the reduction of lethal means to self harm (PSN Report –
Strategy P-4, pg 24-25)
Three policy recommendations emerged from the Policy and Services Committee
deliberations; they are listed below:
·Approval of a City of Palo Alto suicide prevention policy
·Resolution supporting the Santa Clara County (SCC) Suicide Prevention Strategic
Plan
·Resolution adopting the 41 Developmental Assets framework for youth and teen
well-being
The above recommendations from the Policy and Services Committee were transmitted
March 08, 2011 Page 2 of 8
(ID # 1431)
to Council on December 13, 2011, and were unanimously adopted (Attachment A).
The purpose of this staff report is to provide the Policy and Services Committee with an
update on the PSN Community Task Force and to discuss the three remaining topics:
a) Ongoing staff support for PSN;
b) Commitment to youth outreach and elevating the youth voice; and
c) Commitment to the reduction of lethal means to self harm.
The only specific recommendation staff makes at this time is for City Council to appoint
a Council liaison to the Palo Alto Youth Council in order to further the objectives of Topic
2: elevating the youth voice.
RECOMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council appoint a Council liaison to the Palo Alto Youth
Council.
BACKGROUND
In response to the five teen suicides the Palo Alto community experienced between May
2009 and January 2010, the City of Palo Alto and Palo Alto Unified School District
(PAUSD) along with many community partners have taken an active and progressive role
in developing short and long-term plans in support of suicide prevention and the social
and emotional health of youth and teens in Palo Alto. The PSN Report can be accessed
online at the newly created Project Safety Net Website: www.PSNPaloAlto.org.
The PSN Community Task Force effort is closely aligned with the 2010/2011 Council
priority of “community collaboration for youth well-being.” City staff continues to play
an important coordinating role in bringing the community together to both plan and
take action in support of youth well-being. The PSN Report describes the process that
the Palo Alto community used to investigate, intervene and strive to prevent further
teen suicides. The PSN Report delineates specific resiliency and mental health
promotion strategies that have taken place, along with recommendations for future
action.
It is the collective recommendation of the PSN Community Task Force that the
recommendations in the PSN Report be used as a foundation for a sustainable
community task force for youth and teen well-being; and that policy makers,
administrators and the broader community use the PSN Report as a supportive
document to help inform community decision making in the interest of youth and teen
well-being.
March 08, 2011 Page 3 of 8
(ID # 1431)
At the July 19, 2010 City Council meeting, staff recommended that Council refer the PSN
Report to the Policy and Services Committee for further review and recommendations.
It was further recommended that staff return to Council with specific policy
recommendations from the Policy and Services Committee that support teen suicide
prevention and strategies for the social and emotional health of youth and teens in Palo
Alto. The City Council unanimously approved the staff recommendation to refer the
Project Safety Net Report to the Policy and Services Committee.
As mentioned in the Executive Summary, the Policy and Services Committee discussed
the PSN Report at their September 14 and October 12, 2010 meetings and made the
following recommendations to Council which were unanimously approved on December
13, 2010 (CMR:456:10):
·Approval of a City of Palo Alto suicide prevention policy
·Resolution supporting the Santa Clara County (SCC) Suicide Prevention Strategic
Plan
·Resolution adopting the 41 Developmental Assets framework for youth and teen
well-being
The PSN Community Task Force continues to meet monthly and is actively implementing
the PSN strategies.
DISCUSSION
At the September 14 and October 12, 2010 Policy and Services Committee meetings five
topics related to the PSN Report that have potential policy implications for the City of
Palo Alto were identified. Subsequently, at the request of the Policy and Services
Committee, the City Council adopted a suicide prevention policy and the 41
Developmental Assets as a framework for promoting youth well-being in our
community. These important decisions represent a significant step in supporting the
PSN Community Task Force. The three remaining topics discussed at the September 13
and October 12, 2010 Policy and Services Committee meetings are:
a) Ongoing staff support for PSN;
b) Commitment to youth outreach and elevating the youth voice; and
c) Commitment to the reduction of lethal means to self harm.
Staff would like to discuss the current status of these items and also allow for discussion
on other matters related to the Project Safety Net Community Task Force.
Ongoing staff support for PSN
March 08, 2011 Page 4 of 8
(ID # 1431)
The City’s role in PSN is twofold; 1) we are the primary coordinator of the PSN
Community Task Force with PAUSD; and 2) we deliver specific programs and services
that support and foster youth well-being. For the purpose of this report we will focus on
the City’s role as coordinator of the PSN Community Task Force.
The coordinating role of the PSN Community Task Force is an important and challenging
issue. Under the auspice of the City of Palo Alto we are uniquely positioned to
effectively bring people together to collectively develop and implement plans to foster
youth well-being. A central goal the City has assumed is to create the space and
atmosphere that harnesses the tremendous community talent, expertise and goodwill
that surround youth and teens in our community. Developing new and strengthening
existing relationships between organizations, groups and committees that are working
on fostering youth well-being has been a principal objective for the City and PAUSD.
There are 28 organizations and represented groups that make up the PSN Community
Task Force and more than 60 individual members. Below is a list of the organizations
and represented groups that make up the PSN Community Task Force:
PSN Member Organizations & Representative Groups:
Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
CalTrain Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Center for Sustainable Change Palo Alto University
Chamber of Commerce Parent Representatives
Children’s Health Council Parks and Recreation Commission
City Community Services Dept. PAUSD
City Manager's Office Peninsula Interfaith Action
City Police Dept. Project Cornerstone
Community Center for Health and
Wellness PTA Council
Health Care Alliance for Adolescent
Depression (HEARD)Santa Clara County Health Dept.
Human Relations Commission Suicide Prevention Advocates
Kara -Grief Support & Education YMCA
Leaders of the Faith Community Youth and Teen Leadership Groups
Local Psychologists Youth Community Services (YCS)
The coordinating role the City plays is a significant commitment and has added some
additional strain on City staff who are adjusting to fewer staff and resources, particularly
in the Community Services Department. The PSN Community Task Force is an unfunded
alliance of committed organizations and individuals focused on youth and teen well-
March 08, 2011 Page 5 of 8
(ID # 1431)
being. In spite of the limited resources the PSN effort has gained tremendous
momentum and has captured the hearts and minds of many in our community as an
important and worthy endeavor that should be continued.
In an effort to move the PSN Community Task Force to a more sustainable model, a
Memorandum of Understanding was developed between PSN members and the PSN
Community Task Force with the generous pro bono support of the Covington & Burling
law firm (Attachment B).This MOU commits the partner organizations and individuals to
specific actions through the end of June 2011. The intent was to create a temporary
binding agreement to allow for more time and consideration on a permanent structure
and governance.
The quality and efficacy of the PSN efforts has received local and national attention,
sparking interest from foundations to consider supporting the effort. A small fundraising
sub-committee has been formed and is actively pursuing private funds to support the
work. To date the majority of fundraising has focused on Track Watch, although the Palo
Alto Recreation Foundation has donated $5,000 for general support of PSN.
City staff are committed to coordinating the PSN Community Task Force with PAUSD
through the end of the 2010-2011 school year and possibly beyond if that remains in the
best interest of the community. However, additional resources will be needed or
reallocated if the City is to continue to play a central coordinating role. City staff with
the PSN Community Task Force members will be exploring options for a sustainable
model through fundraising and strategic planning to ensure the PSN strategies
expressed in the PSN Report continue to be implemented.
Commitment to youth outreach and elevating the youth voice:
The City of Palo Alto is very committed to youth well-being as evidenced by the broad
and diverse programs and services provided by the City for youth and teens. Continuing
to encourage and elevate the youth voice in community decision-making is very
important. A commitment to continue an annual study session with the Palo Alto Youth
Council and City Council, and active participation of elected officials in an annual Youth
Forum is strongly recommended.
A specific action the Policy and Services Committee may want to recommend to Council
is to assign a Council member to be a Youth Council liaison; something the Parks and
Recreation and Human Relations Commissions have recently done. A Council member
liaison to the Palo Alto Youth Council would be meaningful as it allows for new
connections and the opportunity to build authentic relationships between the City
Council and the Youth Council beyond the annual Youth Forum. A Council member
March 08, 2011 Page 6 of 8
(ID # 1431)
visiting the Youth Council meetings, perhaps once a month, would allow for a group of
teens to provide input on issues, and create an additional opportunity for genuine
dialogue between a caring adult leader and teens. Moreover, the Council liaison can
share with the Youth Council major issues the City Council is facing and invite teens to
participate in decision making. Further, the Youth Council can assign specific Youth
Council members to attend Council meeting based on their availability and topics of
interest.
The Community Services staff will continue to look for new and creative ways to get
adults and teens together to build positive relationships, problem-solve and further
build a supportive community for youth and teens. We remain committed to making
positive connections with the youth and teen community through existing City programs
and services.
Commitment to the reduction of lethal means to self harm:
A tremendous amount of empirical evidence exists to support strategies to reduce lethal
means to self-harm when attempting to stem suicide contagion; a phenomenon defined
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as exposure to suicide or
suicidal behavior of one or more persons influence others to commit or attempt suicide.
Due to the high level of impulsivity involved with suicide and the lack of impulse control
inherent to the teenage years, lethal means reduction to self-harm is critical and a
paramount strategy for PSN. Studies have shown that 70% of those aged 13 to 34 who
attempt suicide set the interval between deciding to kill themselves and acting on their
decision at less than an hour.
Beginning in November 2009, the City of Palo Alto Police Department retained a private
security firm to be on-site seven days a week for the hours the CalTrain passenger line
operated. The original objective was to continue this prevention effort through the end
of the 2009-10 school year. This effort has now been extended to the end of the 2010-
11 school year at the request of the PSN Community Task Force. Moreover, the Police
Department continues to provide increased patrols along the rail line in Palo Alto.
The City has and continues to accept donations to offset the cost for the contracted
security effort. To date, the community has contributed over $75,000 and fully funded
the cost of having the security personnel present from November 2009 through June
2010.
Prior to the Police Department utilizing a security firm, a dedicated group of volunteers
in support of this strategy began to maintain a presence at key crossings along the train
tracks. This effort has come to be known as TrackWatch and continues today to
supplement the work of private security guards.
March 08, 2011 Page 7 of 8
(ID # 1431)
The City has supported the TrackWatch volunteers through providing, 1) training on
procedures and safety (in cooperation with Caltrain and the San Mateo County Sheriff
Transit Bureau); 2) equipment such as reflective safety vests; 3) increased wattage of
pre-existing street lighting in the area and installing new light fixtures to further
illuminate the area during the evening; and 4) clearing 100 ft of vegetation in either
direction of the East Meadow crossing on the east side of Alma Street. This significantly
increased visibility at the crossing. In addition, CalTrain cleared and removed significant
amounts of vegetation within the rail line right of way. This established a clear line of
sight north and south of the crossing within the right of way. 5) CalTrain, in conjunction
with the City, performed a thorough safety inspection of the fencing along the right of
way surrounding the East Meadow train crossing. As a result significant fencing
improvements were made to restrict access. 6) Caltrain also improved the safety and
suicide prevention signage at the East Meadow crossing among other crossings.
Knowing when the strategy of paid security guards should end is a very difficult question
to answer. There is no way of predicting that June 30, 2011 is the right time, although
we do believe that indefinite paid security is not feasible. June 30, 2011 is the end of the
school year and is approximately 2 years from when the tragic suicide cluster began.
Extending paid security for another 12 months would cost approximately $75,000, and
would therefore be an additional priority for the Police Department among many other
priorities. Staff does not have a specific recommendation at this time but we are
interested in discussing the options with the Policy and Services Committee in order to
reach a decision.
RESOURCE IMPACT
The resource impact is primarily staff time. The current level of involvement the City
plays coordinating the PSN Community Task Force is approximately 1 FTE, spread among
several staff taking on a variety of roles. This level of resource commitment is not
sustainable without newly allocated resources. Budget reductions within Community
Services and existing responsibilities and expectations do not allow the Department to
absorb this considerable responsibility over the long-term without additional resources
or the reallocation of existing resources.
Recognizing the City has limited resources, funds to support the PSN Community Task
Force should be sought through private donations, grant applications and other sources
of outside funding. Additional funding will also be sought through a partnership with the
Palo Alto Unified School District and other agencies with expertise in this area.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
March 08, 2011 Page 8 of 8
(ID # 1431)
·The recommendation responds to the City Council 2010 priority of “Community
Collaboration for Youth Well-being.”
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Attachments:
·Attachment A - CMR:456:10 -Recommendation to Approve the City of Palo Alto Suicide
Prevention Policy and Adopt 41 Developmental Assets (PDF)
·Attachment B -Project Safety Net MOU (DOC)
Prepared By:Robert De Geus, Manager
Department Head:Greg Betts, Director, Community Services
City Manager Approval: James Keene, City Manager
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ATTACHMENT A
TO: HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY SERVICES
DATE: DECEMBER 13, 2010 CMR: 456:10
REPORT TYPE: CONSENT ITEM
SUBJECT: Policy and Services Committee Recommendation to Approve the Clty
of Palo Alto Suicide Prevention Policy; Adoption of Two Resolutions:
(1) Supporting the Santa Clara County Suicide Prevention Plan; and
(2) Approving the.41 Developmental Assets Framework for Youth and
Teen WelI-B,eing
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Project Safety Net (PSN) community task force began to take shape during the
summer 0[2009 in response to the tragic teen suicides our community experienced. The
task force is broadly represented by parents, medical professionals, youth-serving non-
profits, City Commission representatives, Palo Alto Youth Council and many others. The
mission of the PSN community task force is to develop and implement an effective,
comprehensive, community-based mental health plan for overall youth well-being in Palo
Alto. The plan, as described in the PSN report (CMR.:312: 10)
(www.CityofPaloAlto.orgIPSNreport), includes education, prevention and intervention
strategies that together provid~ a safety net for youth and teens in Palo Alto, and defines
our community's teen suicide prevention efforts .
. The purpose of this staff report is to' follow up on .the referral of the PSN report by
Council on July 19,2010 to the Policy and Services Committee. The Council directed the
Policy and Services COqlmittee to consider specific policy recommendations in the PSN
report that pertain to the City in support of teen suicide prevention and strategies for the
social and emotional health of youth and teens in Palo Alto. .
Three policy recommendations emerged from the Policy and Services Cominittee's
deliberations; they are listed below: .
1. Resolution supporting the Santa Clara County (SCC) Suicide Prevention Strategic
Plan (Attachment A)
CMR:456:10 Page 1 of7
2. Approval of a City of Palo Alto suicide prevention policy (Exhibit A)
3. Resolution adopting the 41 Developmental Assets framework for youth and teen
well-being (Attachment B)
RECOMENDATION
The Policy and Services Committee recommends that Council approve the following:
1. Resolution supporting the Santa Clara County (SCC) Suicide Prevention Strategic
Plan (Attachment A)
2. City of Palo Alto suicide prevention policy (Exhibit A)
3. Resolution adopting the 41 Developmental Assets framework for youth and teen
well-being (Attachment B)
BACKGROUND
In response to the five teen suicides the Palo Alto community experienced between May
2009 and January 2010, the City of Palo Alto and Palo Alto Unified School District
(PAUSD) along with many community partners have taken an active and progressive role
in developing short-and long-term plans in support of suicide prevention and the social
and emotional health of youth and teens in Palo Alto.
The PSN community task force effort is closely aligned with the 2010 Council priority of
"community collaboration for youth well-being". City staff has played an important
coordinating role in bringing the community together to both plan and take action in
support of youth well-being. The PSN report describes the process that the Palo Alto
community used to investigate, intervene. and strive to prevent further teen suicides. The
report delineates specific resiliency and mental health promotion strategies that have
. taken place, along with recommendations for future action.
It is the collective recommendation of the PSN community task force that the
recommendations in the PSN report be used as a foundation for a sustainable community
task force for youth and teen well-being; and that policy makers, administrators and the
broader community use the PSN report as a supportive document to help inform
community decision making in the interest of youth and teen well-being.
On July 19, 2010, staff made a presentation to the Council on Project Safety Net and
asked that the PSN report be referred to the Policy and Services Committee for further
review and recommendations. The Council directed staff to return to CoUncil with .
specific policy recommendations from the Committee that support teen suicide
prevention and strategies for the social and emotional health of youth and teens in Palo
Alto.
DISCUSSION
The Policy and ·Services Committee discussed the Project Safety Net report and
community task force efforts at the September 14 and October 12,2010 meetings. At the
CMR:456:10 Page 2 of7
September 14,2010 Policy and Services Committee meeting, staff recommended that the
Committee focus on those areas of the PSN report that are specific to the City and that
have potential City policy implications. Below are the focus areas discussed that have
City policy implications:
1. Ongoing staff support for PSN Community Task Force.
2. Approval ofa City of Palo Alto suicide prevention policy.
3. Adoption of the 41 Developmental Assets framework.
4. Commitment to youth outreach and elevating the youth voice.
5. Commitment to the reduction of lethal means to self harm.
At the Policy and Services Committee's direction, staff brings items 2 and 3 (above) to
Council for action. Discussion of potential policy recommendations for items 1, 4 and 5
continue, but specific action is not recommended at this time.
1. . Ongoing staff support for PSN:
The City's role in PSN has been one of coordinator, finding the right people and experts,
bringing them together to collectively develop and implement a comprehensive
community-based mental health plan for overall youth and teen well-being in Palo Alto.
Staff has attempted to create the space and atmosphere that effectively harnesses the
tremendous community talent, expertise and goodwill that surround youth and teens in
our community. The coordinating role the City plays is a significant commitment and has
added additional strain on staff, who are still adjusting to 2011 budget cuts and staff
reductions, particularly in the Community Services Department. The challenge of'
addressing the issue of insufficient resources for the task force is still an open question.
The PSN community task force remains an unfunded alliance of committed organizations
. and individuals focused on youth and teen well-being. An encouraging development is
the quality and efficacy of the PSN efforts has received local and national attention,
sparking interest from several foundations to consider supporting the effort. Although
staff does not have a recommendation for ongoing staff support for PSN at this time, we .
are committed to continue coordinating the PSN community task force through the end of
the 2010-2011 school year in its current configuration. Over the 2011 winter/spring
season the PSN committee will explore options for a sustainable model to ensure the PSN
strategies expressed in the PSN report continue to be implemented.
2. Approval ofa City of Palo Alto suicide prevention policy:
A fundamental strategy for PSN is to have City and PAUSD adopt a policy that speaks
specifically to suicide prevention (Exhibit A). In order to create a united and concerted
effort to reduce suicides, a community effort must involve community leaders and
decision makers. If it is clear from the top of an organization that suicide prevention is a
priority, then all levels of an organization will appreciate and understand that suicide
prevention is valued and necessary. Consequently, an important strategy is for elected
officials to adopt policies that commit to suicide prevention and mental health support for
CMR:456:10 Page 3 of7
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all community members. One of the most noted and successful suicide prevention plans
is the U.S. Air Force Suicide Prevention Program. One reason attributed for its success is
leadership involvement from the top of the organization.
The. City suicide prevention policy recommendation is aligned with the Santa Clara
County (SCC) Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan (Executive Summary SCC Suicide
Prevention Plan -Attachment D) that was adopted by the'SCC Board of Supervisors on
August 24, 2010. The City's Policy is incorporated in the Resolution as an exhibit Staff
. further recommends that Council adopt a resolution (Attachment A) supporting the SCC
Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan whiCh SCC hopes all cities in the County will adopt
and implement. Implementation of the City suicide prevention policy will be a
collaborative effort, drawing on the expertise and resources of the many supporting
part~ers on PSN community task force.
3 .. Adopt the 41 Developmental Assets framework:
Resiliency is a key component to keeping youth safe and healthy. Project Safety Net and
PAUSD in conjunction with Project Cornerstone, a local non-profit helping communities
build "asset-rich" environments, have adopted the Search Institute's 41 Developmental
Assets framework for building resiliency and other positive character traits amongst
youth and teens. Staff recommends the City of Palo Alto join with PAUSDin adopting
the 41 Developmental Assets (Attachment C).
,
Developmental Assets provide a framework of 41 building blocks that enhance the health
and well-being of youth and teens. They are the experiences and opportunities that all
young people need to grow into healthy, responsible adults. A list of 41 Developmental
Assets can be referenced in Attachment C. The Asset model is a highly regarded
approach to mobilize communities with a common vision and language for what youth
and teens need to thrive.
Through years of research in youth development, these assets have been identified by the
Search Institute, an independent research and educational organization based in
Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their research has shown that when these assets are present,
they help prevent negative behaviors, risk-taking, and help increase positive, thriving
behaviors. Assets are cumulative: the more youth have, the better it will be. As the
number of assets increases, so does a child's well-being. As a framework for healthy
growth and well-being, assets give communities a set of benchmarks to measure the
positive development of their youth and teens -regardless of community size, geographic
region, gender, family economics, race or ethnicity. The Search Institute found that the
number of assets a young person possesses affects how they respond to and maneuver
through difficult life experiences. The fewer assets a youth has, the more likely they are
to partiCipate in negative behavior to cope with difficult times. Young people who have
CMR:456:10 . Page 4 of7
31-40 assets are more likely to bounce back from difficult situations and bounce back
more quickly.
PAUSD conducted a comprehensive Developmental Asset survey in fall 2010. The
results of this survey will be available in early spring 2011. The survey results will be
instrumental in shaping PAUSD and our community-wide plans and actions to support
youth and teens in the future. .
4. Commitment to youth outreach and elevating the youth voice:
The City Council and staff are very committed to youth well-being as evidenced by the
broad and diverse programs and services provided by the City for youth and teens. As the
Policy and Services Committee discussed this item, it was agreed that encouraging and
elevating the youth voice in community decision-making was very important. A
commitment to continue an annual study session with the Palo Alto Youth Council and
City Council, and active participation of elected officials in an annual youth forum was
strongly supported.
Moreover, consideration of assigning a Council member to be a Youth Council liaison,
something the Parks and Recreation and Human Relations Commissions have recently
done, was another idea discussed. The Community Services Department staff will
continue to look for new and creative ways to get adults and teens together to build
positive relationships, problem-solve and further build a supportive community for youth
and tee!1s. Although no specific policy recommendation is being made on this item at this
time, staff and the Policy and Services COl.1lmittee remain committed to making positive
connections with the youth and teen community through existing City programs and
services,
5. Commitment to the reduction of lethal means to self harm:
A tremendous amount of empirical evidence exists to support strategies to reduce lethal
means to self-harm when attempting to stem suicide contagion; a phenomenon defined by
the Centers for Diseas·e Control and Prevention (CDC) as exposure to suicide or suicidal
behavior of one or more persons influence others to commit or attempt suicide. Due to
the high level of impulsivity involved with suicide and the lack of impulse control
inherent to the teenage years, lethal means restriction to self-harm is critical and a
paramount strategy for PSN. Studies have shown that 70% of those aged 13 to 34 who
attempt suicide set the interval between deciding to kill themselves and acting at less than
an hour.
Beginning in November 2009, the City of Palo Alto Police Department retained a private
security firm to be on-site 7 days a week for the hours the Caltrain passenger line
operated. The original objective was to continue this prevention effort through the end of
the 2009-10 school year. This· effort has now been extended to the end of the 2010-11
CMR:456:10 . Page 5 of7
school year at the request of the PSN Community Task Forpe. Moreover, the Police
Department continues to provide increased patrols along the rail line.
The City has and continues to accept donations to offset the cost for the contracted
security effort. To date, the community has contributed over $75,000 and fully funded the
cost of having the security personnel present from November 2009 through June 2010.
In addition, prior to the Police Department utilizing a security firm, a dedicated group of
volunteers in support of this strategy began to maintain a presence at key crossings along
the train tracks. This effort has come to be known as TrackWatch and continues today to
supplement the work of private security guards.
The City has supported the TrackWatch volunteers through providing, as follows: (1)
training on procedures and safety (in cooperation with Caltrain and the San Mateo
County Sheriff Transit Bureau); (2) equipment such as reflective safety vests; (3)
increasing wattage of pre-existing street lighting in the area and installed new light
fixtures to further illuminate the area during the evening; (4) services to clear 100 ft., of
vegetation in either direction of the crossing on the east side of Alma Street, which
significantly increased visibility at the· crossing and, as well, Caltrain cleared and
removed significant amounts of vegetation within the rail line right of way, which
established a clear line of sight north and south of the crossing within the right of way;
(5) Caltrain, in conjunction with the City, performed a thorough safety inspection of the
fencing along the right of way surrounding the East Meadow train crossing and, as a
result, significant fencing improvements were' made to restrict access; and (6) Cal train
also improved the safety and suicide prevention signage at the East Meadow crossing
among other crossings.
RESOURCE IMPACT
The'resource impacts are essentially staff time. Specifically, staff will incorporate the
approval of a City suicide prevention policy (Exhibit A) in the resolution supporting the
Santa Clara County (SCC) Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan (Attachment A) arid the
resolution adopting the 41 Developmental Assets framework for youth andteen well-
being (Attachment C) into existing job descriptions and work plans. Staff will evaluate
resource impacts annually to ensure we are being effective while not compromising other·
City priorities as limited staff resources are allocated. If budget adjustinents or additional
resources are needed to further support the suicide prevention policy or resolutions staff
will bring such recommendations to Council as part ofthe annual budget process.
Recognizing the City has limited resources, funds to iniplement this policy shall be
provided as available, and shall be sought through private donations, grant applications
and other sources of outside funding. Additional funding will also be sought through
partnership with the Palo Alto Unified School District and other agencies with expertise
in this area.
CMR:456:10 Page 6 of7
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
AMONG
PROJECT SAFETY NET CONTRIBUTORS
This MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (this “MOU”) is entered into by and among
each of the corporations, partnerships, trusts, limited liability companies or other such entities or
organizations who execute this MOU, or on whose behalf this MOU is executed, as evidenced by the
signature page(s) affixed hereto from time to time (hereinafter referred to collectively as the
“Contributors”and individually as a “Contributor”), in each case as of the date set forth beside each of
the respective signature.
WHEREAS, Contributors have been participating in Project Safety Net, a community-based task
force (“PSN”)dedicated to developing and implementing an effective, comprehensive, community-based
mental health plan for overall youth well-being, with an emphasis on Palo Alto, California, including
education, prevention and intervention strategies for addressing teen suicide;
WHEREAS, PSN, with assistance and support from Contributors and various other entities,
organizations and individuals, has adopted a report outlining an initial plan for addressing key issues and
initiatives in the Palo Alto community (the “2010 Report”);
WHEREAS, Contributors share certain mutual interests in, and wish to advance,PSN’s goals,
including as outlined in the 2010 Report;
WHEREAS, in order to advance those goals and interests, each Contributor is willing to dedicate
particular resources and make specified commitments and/or contributions to or for the benefit of PSN;
WHEREAS, Contributors desire to develop and implement, or facilitate the development and
implementation of, a sustainable, long-term organizational or other structure through which PSN can
maximize and coordinate resources in the Palo Alto community directed to youth well-being;
WHEREAS, Contributors are entering into this MOU to confirm the resources to be dedicated
and the commitments and/or contributions to be made by each Contributor during an initial commitment
period through June 30, 2011 (the “Initial Contribution Period”), during which period efforts will be
directed to the development and implementation of such structure for PSN; and
WHEREAS, Contributors also wish to acknowledge the valuable contributions that have been
made and that will continue to be made to PSN by various individual members of the community,
including those individuals that have signed Appendix B to pledge their continued support of PSN;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants, conditions
and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto, intending to be bound, agree as follows:
1.Contributions. Each Contributor shall (a) fulfill any and all commitments, (b) perform
any and all undertakings, and (c) provide any and all contributions (including, without limitation,
monetary contributions), as applicable, to or for the benefit of PSN (collectively, “Contributions”), in
each case ((a), (b) and (c)) as described in the applicable Contributor Commitment attached to Appendix
A. In the case of any such Contribution that is transferred directly to PSN, PSN shall have the right to use
such Contribution as PSN determines, except to the extent that such Contribution was made subject to
express written conditions on its use, in which event such Contribution shall be used by PSN consistent
with those conditions unless otherwise agreed in writing by the applicable Contributor.
2
2.Participation. Each Contributor shall designate an employee, agent or representative
(each a “Contributor Representative”) to participate in PSN on behalf of such Contributor. Each
Contributor shall cause its Contributor Representative to make reasonable efforts to attend, directly or
through an appropriate designee, scheduled meetings of PSN and other community events sponsored by
PSN. The Contributor Representative for each Contributor shall be identified in the Contributor
Commitment attached to Appendix A.
3.Effective Date; Period of Performance. This MOU shall become effective as to each
Contributor as of the date this MOU is executed by or on behalf of such Contributor. Each Contributor
shall fulfill its Contributor Commitments during the Initial Commitment Period, provided that in the case
of any Contribution for which a contribution or performance date has been specified in the applicable
Contributor Commitment, such Contribution shall be fulfilled by such date.
4.Disclosure of Affiliation/Contribution. In the event that any Contributor publicly
discloses its participation in or affiliation with PSN, or any Contribution made by such Contributor to
PSN, including in connection with any application for funding or other fund raising activities, such
Contributor shall ensure that the description of its participation, affiliation or Contribution is accurate in
all respects and fairly describes such participation, affiliation or Contribution.
5.Contributions Not Limited. Although this MOU is intended to confirm the Contributions
to be made by each Contributor to or for the benefit of PSN during the Initial Contribution Period,
nothing contained in this MOU is intended or shall be construed as a limitation on the commitments or
contributions that each Contributor may make to or for the benefit of PSN, whether during such period or
thereafter.
6.Miscellaneous.
(a)Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as creating a partnership,
joint venture or agency relationship among the parties or, except as otherwise expressly provided in this
MOU, as granting any party the authority to bind or contract any obligation in the name of or on the
account of any other party or to make any statements, representations, warranties or commitments on
behalf of any other party.
(b)This MOU constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to
the subject matter of this MOU. This MOU supersedes all prior agreements, whether written or oral, with
respect to the subject matter of the Agreement. All Appendices to this MOU Agreement are intended to
be and are hereby specifically incorporated into and made a part of this MOU. In the event of any
inconsistency between any such Appendix and this MOU, the terms of this MOU shall govern.
(c)This MOU may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed an original and all of which taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same
instrument. An executed signature page of this Agreement delivered by facsimile transmission or “pdf”
shall be as effective as an original executed signature page.
(d)This MOU shall be governed by the laws of the State of California as applied
to agreements entered into and to be performed entirely within the State of California.
[Signatures page(s) to follow]
[Signature Page to MOU]
THIS MOU IS EXECUTED by the authorized representatives of each Contributor, in each case
as of the date set forth below with respect to such party.
Signed for and on behalf of:
CITY OF PALO ALTO
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
PALO ALTO FAMILY YMCA
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
KARA GRIEF COUNSELING
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
PROJECT CORNER STONE
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
PALO ALTO MEDICAL FOUNDATION
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
PALO ALTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
LUCILE PACKARD CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
HEALTH CARE ALLIANCE FOR
ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION (HEARD)
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
[Signature Page to MOU]
CITY OF PALO ALTO -PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
CITY OF PALO ALTO -HUMAN
RELATIONS COMMISSION
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
CAL TRAIN
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
YOUTH COMMUNITY SERVICES
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
PALO ALTO YOUTH COUNCIL
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
SAN MATEO COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
ADOLESCENT COUNSELING SERVICES
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
PENINSULA INTERFAITH ACTION
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
PTA COUNCIL
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
ST THOMAS AQUINAS PARISH
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
PALO ALTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
CHILDRENS HELATH COUNCIL
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
[Signature Page to MOU]
OTHER TBD
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
OTHER TBD
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
A1
Appendix A --Contributor Commitments
This Appendix to the MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (this “MOU”) by and among
Contributors (as defined in the preamble to this MOU) sets forth the Contributions that such Contributor
agrees to make in support of PSN (each such Contributor statement, a “Contributor Commitment”).
The contents of this Appendix A (and each attachment hereto) are hereby incorporated into the
MOU and are governed by the terms and conditions of the Agreement. Each Contributor Commitment
shall become effective and so incorporated when such Contributor Commitment has been signed on
behalf of the applicable Contributor. This Appendix A may be supplemented to include additional
Contributor Commitments from time to time, with each such Contributor Commitment becoming
effective and incorporated when such Contributor Commitment has been signed on behalf of the
applicable Contributor.
Each Contributor Commitment shall be appended to this Appendix A, provided that the failure to
so append any Contributor Commitment shall not affect the effectiveness thereof.
Attachment to Appendix A --Contributor Commitment --City of Palo Alto
CITY OF PALO ALTO
a.Adopt a City Suicide Prevention Policy.
b.Pass a City Resolution adopting the Developmental Assets in the organization and
community.
c.Provide funding to continue paid security guards through December 31, 2010.
Support volunteer-only staffing after January 1, 2010 through training and
consultation by Police Department.
d.Provide staff support in the form of Rob De Geus as co-Chair of PSN and Greg
Hermann as coordinator of the Developmental Assets Initiative, at the level at which
they are currently engaged, through June 30, 2011.
e.As a part of the budgeting process, consider options and determine long term staff
support for PSN by City by June 30, 2011.
f.Appoint a Council Member as Youth Liaison to attend Youth Council meeting and
regularly visit the teen center.
g.Make the Youth Forum an annual City-sponsored event.
h.Hold an additional joint session per year between the City Council and Youth Council
to raise the voice of youth in the community.
Signed for and on behalf of:
CITY OF PALO ALTO
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
[Signature Page to MOU]
Attachment to Appendix A --Contributor Commitment –
YMCA/Project Cornerstone
Project Cornerstone will assume responsibility for the following activities:
1.In Fall 2010, provide surveys to 4,000+ Palo Alto youth to measure developmental asset
levels.
2.Provide community forums and trainings to help educate the community about
developmental assets and the youth survey.
3.Coordinate survey reports with Search Institute.
4.Support Palo Alto Unified with interpretation of survey reports and action plans for next
steps.
5.Provide training and coaching to school site staff on developmental assets such as a caring
school climate, positive adult role models, and high expectations, and their link to greater
academic achievement.
6.Provide training on developmental assets to school parent volunteers in English and
Spanish, and work with school leaders to increase parent engagement in the school
community including classroom-based activities.
7.Provide half-day student workshops (Expect Respect) and ongoing technical assistance to
develop leadership skills, educate students about ways to reduce bullying, and promote
healthy behaviors on campus. Students will develop action plans to promote safe, caring
school climates, which will be implemented during the school year.
8.Support the Palo Alto Developmental Assets Initiative with coaching and training on
creating a community that values youth.
9.Provide scholarships for Palo Alto youth to attend the 2010 bigTent Youth Development
Conference in Houston, TX.
Signed for and on behalf of:
YMCA/Project Cornerstone
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
[Signature Page to MOU]
Attachment to Appendix A --Contributor Commitment --
Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD)
PAUSD
a)Align PAUSD focus goals to PSN to include “improving student connectedness and
strengthen support systems for student social, emotional, physical health.”
b)Provide a senior level position in PAUSD to support the implementation of PSN
strategies.
c)Allocate funds up to $5000 of funds from SERV grant for the construction of a website to
house all PSN Community Task Force information and resources.
d)Implement the 41 Developmental Assets and philosophy in the District. Integrate Project
Cornerstone initiatives by facilitating meetings between PC and the various SSC council
using the school services list as a starting point for conversation and integration.
Communicate back to the greater community on this effort.
e)Plan, coordinate, and communicate the administration of Project Cornerstone student
survey.
f)Communicate PAUSD and county results to the greater community.
g)Begin training all Secondary School District staff to be Gatekeepers using Question,
Persuade, and Refer (QPR).
h)Maintain and communicate the comprehensive crisis protocol to limit the negative effects
of a crisis and increase the chance of positive outcomes for those involved.
i)Continue to fund up to $10,000 and enhance counseling opportunities through existing 3-
6 Session Providers and extend utilization of low-cost or volunteer mental health
professionals services in the community.
Signed for and on behalf of:
PAUSD
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
[Signature Page to MOU]
Attachment to Appendix A --Contributor Commitment --Kara Grief Counseling
Kara Grief Counseling
1)Provide onsite support to any organization, school or corporation that has experienced a
death to help people cope with the impact.
2)Provide training for school district personnel and school staff on how to support grieving
students.
3)Offer individual and group support to teens who are dealing with end-of-life and grief.
4)Work with the school district to develop and deliver a component of the Living Skills
class that helps students understand the grieving process and learn how to help
themselves and others.
5)Offer community education programs to help everyone in the community understand the
grieving process and how to help themselves and others.
Signed for and on behalf of:
KARA GRIEF COUNSELING
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
[Signature Page to MOU]
Attachment to Appendix A --Contributor Commitment –
City of Palo Alto Human Relations Commission
The HRC has adopted as one of its 2010-11 priorities to support Youth Well-Being in Palo Alto.
By that commitment, we mean to encourage, promote, and collaborate with others in building
community understanding and taking actions toward an environment in which youth thrive.
Among the several actions Commission intends to take are these:
a.Become well informed about the content and potential of the Project Cornerstone
41 Developmental Assets to support the work of PSN. To do this, we will:
1)Get information and training from Project Cornerstone on the origins and
content of the Assets, the research about their influence on youth
behavior, and the practices of other communities in using them to
increase youth well-being;
2)Follow the progress of the Policy and Services Committee’s
recommendations on suicide prevention and the 41 DAs through the City
Council and be prepared to support Council action on them.
b.Collaborate with Project Safety Net and others to promote community-wide
understanding and use of the 41 DAs. To do this we will:
1)Work with other PSN partners in sponsoring study sessions on the
implications for youth well-being of the Developmental Assets Survey
results (which are due out in the February/March, 2011 time frame);
2)Write OpEd pieces, place relevant material on our own HRC web page on
the City web site, and in other ways help publicize material in support of
PSN;
3)According to commissioners’ interests and availability, participate in
PSN’s speakers’ bureau.
c.Work with the Palo Alto Youth Council to facilitate their objectives and goals of
the Youth Forums of Spring 2010.
d.Promote intergenerational communication and relationships, e.g., seniors
connecting with youth, in collaboration with Avenidas, Youth Community
Service, and others organizations with the potential for outreach to school-age
children and youth.
e.Work with the City Auditor to include questions about youth well being in the
survey that is part of the annual Service Efforts and Accomplishments (SEA)
Report.
f.Work with the Palo Alto Police Department to build the 41 Developmental Assets
into Department training, policies, and practices.
[Signature Page to MOU]
Signed for and on behalf of:
CITY OF PALO ALTO -HUMAN
RELATIONS COMMISSION
Signature: _Ray Bacchetti
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
[Signature Page to MOU]
Attachment to Appendix A --Contributor Commitment --Youth Community Services
YOUTH COMMUNITY SERVICE (YCS)
Because “service is the gateway asset,” YCS staff will engage students, parents, educators,
partners and community members in service learning events during the year. Some will be
school-based and some community-based. In collaboration with our partners, YCS will promote
opportunities for youth to develop leadership skills and to discover and voice their opinions
about ways our schools and community can become more caring, engaging and supportive.
a.Collaborate with YCS Fellows, Palo Alto Youth Council, YMCA and others to
engage and equip youth in a campaign with the business community to promote more
youth-friendly business experiences.
b.YCS intern will partner with ACS staff to engage youth to raise awareness among
their peers about mental health issues and resources, including depression, and to
decrease misunderstanding and stigmas.
c.Engage youth and partners to plan and publicize service days for youth and families,
including International Peace Day on September 21, Moonlight Run on September
24, Coastal Cleanup Day on September 25, Black & White Ball preparation on
October 1, Gunn Family Service Day on October 16, YCS Make a Difference Day on
October 23, Gunn Beautification Day, JLS Family Service Day on Nov. 11, Martin
Luther King Service Day in January, Cesar Chavez Service Day in March, Gunn
Service Day on March 3, YCS Family Service Day in April, May PIE Fair, and other
campaigns like Relay for Life and Giving Tree.
d.Collaborate with Not in our Schools partners to promote meaningful conversation and
activities in March around issues of social-emotional health like identify safety for all
students, families and staff, and ways to create bullying-free environments.
e.Promote and encourage participation by youth in leadership conferences and training
events sponsored by service clubs (e.g.Rotary/Interact and Kiwanis) and youth
organizations (e.g.Free the Children).
f.Participate in PTA-sponsored parent education programs to identify social-emotional
benefits of “service to others” and specifics opportunities for students and families.
g.Initiate a new YCS Middle School Fellows program modeled on the successful YCS
Fellows program for high school students. The monthly themes of the after school
middle school program will be based on the internal and external developmental
assets.
h.Work to initiate a Challenge Day for students, particularly freshmen in our high
schools, based on the successful model developed at Menlo-Atherton High School.
i.Be a bridge to related youth-well-being programs and projects in surrounding
communities, including East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Los Altos,
Stanford, Los Gatos, and Redwood City to promote the sharing of best practices and
encourage regional impact.
j.Continue to participate in planning activities with the Palo Alto Youth Collaborative,
Developmental Assets Task Force, annual Youth Forum events and PSN.
[Signature Page to MOU]
Signed for and on behalf of:
YOUTH COMMUNITY SERVICES
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
[Signature Page to MOU]
Attachment to Appendix A --Contributor Commitment --Adolescent Counseling
Services
Adolescent Counseling Services
On Campus Counseling Program
1)Provide free counseling to individuals and their families at the secondary schools at
PAUSD. This includes a dedicated team of mental health professionals at each
school campus, including a licensed therapist (LMFT or LCSW) and trained,
supervised counseling interns.
2)Support services include one-on-one therapy with students, family and group
counseling, and immediate intervention during crisis situations that may arise on
campus. These services are provided during the school calendar year.
3)Works closely with guidance and administration departments on each campus to
provide consultation and collaboration on mental health issues and crisis
interventions.
4)Provide presentations and psycho-education to PTA and the larger community.
After School Counseling Program
1)Provide affordable evening counseling and psychotherapy to all teens and their
families in and around the Palo Alto community.
2)Support services include a dedicated team of mental health professionals, including
licensed therapists and trained, supervised clinical interns.
3)One-on-one therapy, group therapy and family therapy are provided in the late
afternoon and evening hours, Monday through Thursday, the full calendar year.
Signed for and on behalf of:
ADOLESCENT COUNSELING SERVICES
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
[Signature Page to MOU]
Attachment to Appendix A --Contributor Commitment --PTA Council
PTAC
a.Deliver 3 –5 parent education events in support of social/emotional learning.
b.Provide PTA communications channels (e.g. eNews, newsletters) to parents for PSN-
related topics (e.g. Track Watch, 41 Development Assets roll out, etc)
c.Develop a common focus on social/emotional issues across the 17 PTA units
including encouraging them to devote budget and volunteers (i.e. a PTA Board role).
d.Provide up to $1800 for student-initiated social/emotional learning activities.
e.Support the 41 Developmental Assets as outlined by:
1.Assigning a parent-volunteer at each school to distribute surveys to
classrooms and act as point person for the PTA,
2. Encouraging parents to provide positive consent for students to participate
in the survey,
3.Communicating survey results and next steps to parents,
4.Organizing the September 22nd kick off and panel discussion,
5.Publicizing trainings (e.g. Assets 101) through PTA communications
channels, and
6. Aligning existing and new PTA-sponsored social/emotional learning
programs with the 41 Developmental Assets framework and language.
Signed for and on behalf of:
PTA COUNCIL
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
[Signature Page to MOU]
Attachment to Appendix A --Contributor Commitment --St. Thomas Aquinas Parish
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish
a. E2 Provide communication channels (e.g. newsletters, bulletin, announcements) to parents
and parishioners for PSN-related topics (e.g. Track Watch, 41 Development Assets roll out, etc)
b. P3 Adopt the 41 Developmental asset model parish-wide and use asset language in weekly
lesson and youth group sessions.
c. I5 Train youth group leaders to be “gatekeepers” and recognize the signs of depression/call
for help.
Palo Alto Faith Community
a.Make sure all congregations have a copy of the 41 Developmental Assets
b.Encourage each congregation to adopt as many of these 41 assets that fit within their
worship and educational structure
c.Publicize the 41 Developmental Assets trainings by using Palo Alto On-line's Places
of Worship Directory and encourage participation by adults in youth leadership/role
model positions within the congregation
d.Plan a city-wide gathering of faith community leaders for the fall of 2011 to hear how
they have been incorporating the 41 Developmental assets and to record their
successes and failures
Signed for and on behalf of:
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS PARISH
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
[Signature Page to MOU]
Attachment to Appendix A --Contributor Commitment --City of Palo Alto -
Parks and Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission has adopted as one of its 2011 priorities to support Youth
Well-Being in Palo Alto.By that commitment, we mean to encourage, promote, and collaborate
with others in building community understanding and taking actions toward an environment in
which youth thrive.
Among the action the Parks and Recreation Commission will take are:
§Appoint a Commissioner to be the liaison to the Palo Alto Youth Council. The
Commissioner will attend at least one Youth Council meeting per month to listen and
learn about the issues facing youth and teens and to share and invite youth to be included
in Commission decision making.
§Formally recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding connections with, and
contribution to,teens in our community.
§With City staff evaluate the adequacy of resources, programs and services with the City
of Palo Alto for high-school students during non-school hours
§Actively participate in the 2011 Palo Alto Youth Forum
§All Commissioners to advocate for Gatekeeper training and commit to taking the training
in 2011
§Invite Palo Alto Youth Council to meet with Commission in 2011
§Appoint a Commissioner to be a liaisons or representative to other youth serving
organizations including City/School Liaison, Project Safety Net others TBD.
Signed for and on behalf of:
CITY OF PALO ALTO - PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
[Signature Page to MOU]
Attachment to Appendix A --Contributor Commitment --Peninsula Interfaith Action
Palo Alto Faith Community
e.Make sure all congregations have a copy of the 41 Developmental Assets
f.Encourage each congregation to adopt as many of these 41 assets that fit within their
worship and educational structure
g.Publicize the 41 Developmental Assets trainings by using Palo Alto On-line's Places of
Worship Directory and encourage participation by adults in youth leadership/role model
positions within the congregation
h.Plan a city-wide gathering of faith community leaders for the fall of 2011 to hear how they
have been incorporating the 41 Developmental assets and to record their successes and
failures
Signed for and on behalf of:
FAITH COMMUNITY
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Title: ________________________
Date: ________________________
[Signature Page to MOU]
Appendix B --Individual Participant Pledges
Each of the undersigned individuals pledges to participate in PSN and provide
ongoing support for PSN as it works to achieve its goals.
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Date: ________________________
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Date: ________________________
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Date: ________________________
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Date: ________________________
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Date: ________________________
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Date: ________________________
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Date: ________________________
Signature: ____________________
Name: _______________________
Date: ________________________