DIVISION 6. - YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES COUNCIL
Part of the Code of Ordinances of Central Falls, RI.
The text
Sec. 2-305. - Youth opportunities council.#
(a)
Establishment. There is hereby created the Central Falls Youth Opportunities Council ("council") and the city council finds that it is in the best interest of the health, safety, and well-being of the city to ensure that youth and families have access to coordinated, equitable, and impactful opportunities beyond the school day.
(b)
Membership. The membership of the council shall consist of not less than seven nor more than 11 members composed of youth, youth advocates and/or representatives of organizations serving youth and education. Members shall be appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council. Youth members must reside in Central Falls and notwithstanding any other ordinance to the contrary, all other members must either reside in Central Falls or serve youth in Central Falls; the membership shall reflect the diversity of Central Falls and shall include (1) at least two youth members ages 14 to 18; (2) representatives from local out-of-school time programs and youth-serving nonprofits; (3) representatives from the school district, the department of parks and recreation, and/or the library; (4) parent and community advocates; and (5) a city council representative (ex officio, nonvoting).
(c)
Term. The term of appointment for members of the council shall be for three years. Initial appointments shall be staggered to ensure continuity. Appointed members of the council shall be eligible for reappointment, and upon expiration of their term shall continue to serve until replaced or otherwise reappointed. In the event of a vacancy on the board, interim appointments of appointed members may be made by the mayor and confirmed by the council to complete the unexpired term of the vacant position.
(c)
Purpose. The purpose of the council shall be to survey and map the opportunities that exist for youth in the city, provide an annual youth opportunities guide: a centralized clearinghouse of information for children and families, identify gaps in access, equity, quality of services, and needed opportunities and advocate for new opportunities, elevate youth voice and participation in civic and community matters, and promote opportunities for funding, training, data-collection, impact tracking, and resource-sharing among youth-serving entities.
(d)
Staffing and support. The city may designate a staff liaison or seek external partnerships (e.g., with El Centro or local nonprofits) to support the administration and facilitation of the council's work.
(Ord. of 6-9-2025(2), § 1)