Coalition Mission
To maximize the capacity, effectiveness and cultural uniqueness of the child, youth and family services system through collective efforts.

Purpose Directs traffic within the Coalition, determining where issues should go for research, discussion and recommendations, by providing combined input from the perspectives of Coalition Council and Tables.

Functions

• Supports the work of the Coalition in alignment with the Strategic Plan
• Provides executive leadership through co-chairs of Tables and Council, and guidance for the work of the Coalition Council and Tables
• Ensures appropriate communication and referral to the Coalition Council and its community stakeholders
• Ensures on-going leadership of Tables by making recommendation for Table co-chairs to Council annually
• May undertake decisions on behalf of Council when designated by Council to do so (for example, over the summer break)

Members
The Secretariat is made up of the Coalition Chair, Vice Chair and Past Chair as well as the Co-Chairs of the Infrastructure and Planning Tables. Consultant staff supports the work of the Secretariat.

Conduct of Meetings
The agenda of the Secretariat is set by the Co-Chairs of the Coalition with input from Secretariat members. A quorum of the Secretariat (50% of members) should be present to conduct business. Decisions will be made, whenever possible, through consensus. When consensus is not possible, the chair will call for a vote which needs 2/3 of those present to pass.

Meeting Frequency
Meets 8-10 times per year and as needed.

Communication
Minutes are distributed to the membership of the Secretariat and posted on the Coalition website for access by stakeholders.

Review
These Terms of Reference will be reviewed every two years.