CIS countywide resource directory seeks information
A family resource directory is planned by Communities In Schools of Marion County for publication this spring, CIS board members announced Jan. 16.
Deadline for submission is Feb. 28.
The directory will include information on services that provide assistance and support for infants, children, parents, and other family members.
It will include a speaker's bureau resource list of agencies that can provide training or programs to community groups and others.
The directory will include name of agency, address, phone number, and e-mail, contact person's name, title of program, what is provided and for what ages, any cost, and other information.
Forms are available from Linda Ogden, CIS director, CIS board members, or local school offices. Information should be sent to Ogden at 812 East A, Hillsboro KS 67063.
Funding issues
Funds are still needed to keep Communities In Schools functioning properly. A large grant was not renewed. Contributions have come from most cities and school districts, as well as some members of the public, but CIS still is about $10,000 short of funds.
To make up the loss, Ogden is now paid only for part-time work and CIS funding in some programs has been reduced or eliminated. Most after-school programs, for example, are now coordinated strictly by individual schools rather than through CIS.
Additional fundraisers are being discussed and grant applications will be re-filed. Suggestions and additional contributions are welcome.
Fears are that if funding isn't available, the organization will not be able to fund the director's position. With no one to oversee and coordinate the program, the benefits of CIS, such as training programs and consistent offerings, will be lost.
Youth court
A training session was held Jan. 15 for students interested in Marion County Youth Court.
About 60 attended from throughout the county. Some are top students academically and behaviorally while others have had real-life involvement with district court and the juvenile justice system.
In the Eighth Judicial District, youth courts serve a sentencing function only, not deciding guilt or innocence. Youth offenders must plead guilty or no contest before they participate in the program.
Appropriate cases are first offenses for misdemeanors, underage alcohol or tobacco violations, curfew violations, or shoplifting.
An experienced adult will serve as judge of youth court. Ogden said Keith Collett, a Marion attorney and former county attorney, has agreed to serve as judge. Marion Police Department will provide a bailiff.
The jury and "attorneys" are youth volunteers from county middle and high schools. Youth court will be held monthly but volunteers will be expected to serve no more than once every three months. Those who have community service hours to contribute may participate.
There will be six to eight jurors hearing two cases each, and four to eight youth prosecutors and defenders.
First cases may be heard as soon as February, Ogden said.
In other business:
Pam Lamborn was elected president of the group for 2002. Gordon Mohn is vice president. Laura Williams is secretary.
Ogden has been invited to make a presentation on establishing CIS to officials in Cowley County. "Our name keeps being mentioned as the model to follow," she said.
