County Boards Seek Candidates

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 07, 2009

County Boards Seek Candidates

Groups to study issues and make recommendations The following boards are currently seeking applications for new members:

Behavioral Health Council (BHC)

Description: The Behavioral Health Council identifies community needs, recommends funding priorities, and helps select and evaluate service providers. The County's emphasis on contracting with community agencies for social services makes the work of this volunteer advisory council critical.

Members: Nineteen members including recipients of service, advocates, professionals in the field, key referral sources, provider representatives, and lay citizens. Members are residents of the county or have work interests in the county. Time Commitment: Fourth Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. Length of

Term: 3 years

Commission on Children and Families (CCF)

Description: The Commission's charge is to help every child reach their full potential and to support families and the community in achieving that goal. Working with many partners, the Commission looks at conditions in the community that affect children and families and recommends planned strategies and funding to improve those conditions.

Members: Fifteen members who represent the geographic and cultural diversity of the county, and bring expertise and knowledge about the developmental stages of childhood and adolescence, and issues facing children and families. At least eight of the members must be lay citizens who do not derive income from children & family services.

Time Commitment: Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. Length of Term: 4 years

Developmental Disabilities Council

Description: The Council functions in an advisory capacity to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Board of Commissioners on program development, planning, monitoring and funding issues.

Members: Comprised of fifteen members including recipients of service, advocates, and professionals in the field, key referral sources, provider representatives, and lay citizens. Members are residents of the county or have work interests in the county.

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per month Length of Term: 3 years

The application deadline is February 17, 2009 or when all vacancies are filled. Applications may be obtained by visiting the website or by calling (503) 846-8685. Descriptions of all the boards can also be found on the website: http://www.co.washington.or.us/CAO/BoardsCommissions/index.cfm

Boards, committees, and commissions advise the Board of Commissioners on matters of interest to people who live and work in Washington County. Committees themselves do not pass ordinances or establish policy; their purpose is to study issues and make recommendations.

Commission members are volunteers appointed by the County Board of Commissioners. Members must be residents of Washington County.

Serving on an appointed board or commission is a great way for Washington County residents to participate in decisions that affect them and to learn more about how local government works.

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