(a) There is established for the northeastern region a pilot program to address the human services needs of such region. The pilot program shall allow local governments in partnership with public and private providers of human services and human service users, educators, business and other appropriate individuals or groups to establish a program to address the human services needs of the northeastern region. The goals of the pilot program shall be to (1) implement a regional partnership strategy that allows the northeastern region to coordinate programs and carry out the complex, sensitive and lengthy process of community-based planning based on a unified vision that results in strengthening the community; (2) nurture human development; (3) achieve opportunities for all persons in the community; and (4) incorporate the principles of caring, prevention and healing.

(b) Decisions in the development and implementation of the five-year strategic plan developed under section 17a-753 shall be made through a negotiated investment strategy as provided in section 17a-752.

(c) The pilot program shall include the establishment of a regional human services negotiating council made up of five sectors: (1) Local, state and federal elected officials servicing the northeastern region; (2) public and private human service providers from the northeastern region; (3) users of human services; (4) persons who shall include, but not be limited to, educators and representatives of labor and of business; and (5) state and federal agencies involved in human services. The negotiating council shall prepare the plan required under section 17a-753.

(d) Each sector identified in subsection (c) of this section shall designate five persons to serve as the negotiating team for such sector. The process for selecting the team shall be determined by each sector. Sectors and teams shall establish a schedule and procedures. Each team shall have one vote in the decisions of the negotiating council. The five-year strategic plan developed under section 17a-753 shall not be effective unless unanimously approved by the negotiating council.

(P.A. 97-249, S. 2, 6.)

History: P.A. 97-249 effective June 27, 1997.