12) What is the benefit of creating a joint plan (i.e., more than one municipal council and/or band council) versus one plan per municipality?

It may be of value to collaborate with other municipalities and/or First Nations communities to create the most effective CSWB plan that meets the needs of the area. For example, if many frontline service providers deliver services across neighbouring municipalities or if limited resources are available within a municipality to complete the planning process, then municipalities may want to consider partnering to create a joint plan that will address the unique needs of their area. Additionally, it may be beneficial for smaller municipalities to work together with other municipal councils to more effectively monitor, evaluate and report on the impact of the plan.

13) When creating a joint plan, do all municipalities involved need to formally adopt the plan (i.e., resolution by council)?

Yes, as prescribed in legislation, every municipal council shall prepare, and by resolution, adopt a CSWB plan. The same process must be followed for a joint CSWB plan (i.e., every municipality involved must pass a resolution to adopt the joint plan).

14) What are the responsibilities of an advisory committee?

The main role of the advisory committee is to bring various sectors’ perspectives together to provide strategic advice and direction to the municipality on the development and implementation of their CSWB plan.

Multi-sectoral collaboration is a key factor to successful CSWB planning, as it ensures an integrated approach to identifying and addressing local priorities. An ideal committee member should have enough knowledge about their respective sector to identify where potential gaps or duplication in services exist and where linkages could occur with other sectors. The committee member(s) should have knowledge and understanding of the other agencies and organizations within their sector and be able to leverage their expertise if required.

15) Who is required to participate on the advisory committee?

As prescribed in legislation, an advisory committee, at a minimum, must include the following members:

• A person who represents:

• A person who represents an entity that provides educational services;

• A person who represents an entity that provides community or social services in the municipality, if there is such an entity;

• A person who represents an entity that provides community or social services to children or youth in the municipality, if there is such an entity;

• A person who represents an entity that provides custodial services to children or youth in the municipality, if there is such an entity;

• An employee of the municipality or a member of municipal council;

• A representative of a police service board or, if there is no police service board, a detachment commander of the Ontario Provincial Police (or delegate);