CHARTER: Illinois Mental Health Opportunities for Youth Diversion Task Force

CHARTER: Illinois Mental Health Opportunities for Youth Diversion Task Force (pdf)

IMHOYD Task Force Pursuant to Public Act 99-0894
Purpose The purpose of the Task Force is to divert youth with mental health conditions from the criminal justice system by reviewing existing diversion models and putting forth recommendations to the General Assembly and Governor. This review of existing diversion models will include Illinois and other states, and consider funding, feasibility, and other barriers. The Task Force recommendations may include legislative and administrative proposals.
Roles and Responsibilities

The Task Force will:

  • Convene appointed and non-appointed members.
  • Develop a vision and measures of success for the Task Force and outcomes of the process.
  • Provide input on opportunities for diversion from the perspective of the member's respective organization or affiliation, yet maintain a statewide viewpoint.
  • Select recommended diversion models based on agreed upon criteria and priorities.
  • Participate in action teams reviewing potential diversion models as necessary and recommend additional participants outside of Task Force members for engagement in group work, as needed.
  • Participate in writing and developing an Action Plan that will include recommended models for diversion to be presented to the General Assembly and the Governor's Office.
  • Commit to attending meetings in-person and be available for at least 80% of meetings called.

Five Steering Committee Members, including the Co-Chairs as identified by Act, will:

  • Engage in agenda-setting for Task Force meetings.
  • Provide leadership during Task Force meetings.

Co-Chairs, as identified by Act, will:

  • Lead the Task Force through assigned activities and decision-making.
  • Design and facilitate Task Force activities based on the timeline set forth in the Public Act.
  • Communicate with Task Force members regularly and in a timely manner.
  • Provide minutes, agendas and meeting materials to Task Force members.
  • Secure outside experts and speakers as needed.
Open Meetings Act and Ethics Act The Task Force and all related activities will abide by the Open Meetings Act and Ethics Act, including participation in all necessary training and documentation by Task Force Members. All meetings will provide adequate notice, remain open to the public, and include a public comment period.
General Meeting Conduct

All business shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the intent of Robert's Rules of Order. A simple majority of members shall constitute a quorum. The Co-Chairs shall preside at all Council meetings and shall be

APPROVED 7/24/17

responsible for conducting the meeting in accordance with the Charter and agenda. The Co-Chairs may recognize non-member attendees who wish to comment during the meeting and the duration of public comments shall be at the Co-Chairs' discretion.
Decision-Making Decisions of the Task Force will be made in accordance with the following guidelines:
  • The Task Force intends to reach consensus on decisions related to the Task Force and final recommendations to the General Assembly and Governor. If a consensus cannot be reached, each appointed Task Force Member shall have one vote on a contested motion. A contested motion shall be passed by a majority vote of the members present. A member is present to conduct business if attending a meeting in person, or by audio or videoconference, if such audio or video conferencing is available.
  • In the absence of both Co-Chairs, the Task Force shall appoint a presiding officer for that meeting, by majority vote.
Actions Teams The Task Force will form action teams as needed. The Co-Chairs will be responsible for selecting the chairpersons of each action team. The action team chairperson shall coordinate scheduling of meetings and other team activities. Decision making will be conducted in accordance with the Task Force principles described in this Charter. Preparation and distribution of team minutes shall be the responsibility of the chair or designated secretary of the team. The minutes of each team meeting will be filed with the Co-chair of the Task Force and the team will report on their work to the entire Task Force.