Middlesex Children's Services Network

Joe Winser
Director of Human Services 
519-434-7321 ext. 2260
@email 

and 

Nadine Devin
Early Years Project Manager 
519-245-8237 ext. 4023
@email 

Middlesex Children's Services Network
TERMS of REFERENCE

Mission:
Strategic Planning, Networking, Collaboration, and Knowledge Mobilization within an Inter-professional Community of Practice.

Vision:
Middlesex County; where children and families reach their full potential within their own unique, rural community.

Objectives: 

• Strategically review, update and implement the current service system plan
• Networking to understand local services, programs and supports that are available
• Collaboration of local organizations within Middlesex County and region
• Develop and or support professional learning opportunities
• Identify and support addressing any emerging issues within Middlesex County

Membership:
The Network will consist of any organization, agency or individual with a mandate and/or interest in the provision of service and/or the well-being of children and their families residing in Middlesex County.

Definitions of Memberships:
A participating membership in the Middlesex Children’s Services Network could include participation in meetings and Working Groups, and/or receiving the minutes.

Executive Committee:
The Executive Committee will consist of members of the network to represent their sector as well as the Network as a Whole. They will meet regularly or at the discretion of the Committee.
The purpose of the Executive Committee is to manage the activities of the MCSN through:

• Overseeing the development and implementation of strategies
• Operational plans, policies and procedures
• Driving and monitoring strategic plans
• Assessing and controlling risk
• Prioritizing and allocating resources
• Setting agenda topics for MCSN meetings

Chair/Co-Chairs of the Network:
The Chair and Co-Chair of the Network will be a representative from Middlesex County’s Human Services and Middlesex County Early Years Program.

Network Recorder:
The Network Recorder will be selected by the Network for a one year term, in June of each year and will be reviewed each subsequent year. If the selected Network Recorder is unavailable The Network will ask for a volunteer or select a recorder, as needed. A set minute template will be provided.

Agendas and Minutes:
Network members may refer items to the Agenda by contacting the Chair or a member of the Executive Committee, in advance of the preparation and distribution of the Agenda for the upcoming meeting. The agenda and background material will be sent out to the membership, one week in advance of the upcoming meeting.

Network members will advise the Chair or a member of the Executive Committee if they are unable to attend the upcoming meeting. Any Network member (or invited guest) making a report to the Network will provide the Recorder with an electronic copy of their report for inclusion in the Minutes.

The Network Recorder will distribute the Minutes to the membership no later than three weeks after the meeting has occurred.

Time, Place and Frequency of Meetings:
MCSN meetings will be held a minimum of four times a year, alternating with the Executive Committee, Bi-monthly meetings. In the event that any additional meeting is necessary it will be called by the Network Chair, in conjunction with the Executive Committee; and all members will receive notice. The Network chair/co-chair will establish the location, dates and times of meetings in June of each year. Working Groups and/or Task Forces will meet as often as is necessary to accomplish their work plans.

Issue Resolution:
The Network will use open dialogue to avert any issues that may arise. Should an issue arise, the
Network will identify and analyze the issue, focus on common grounds and goals, and build agreement on appropriate actions to be taken to resolve the issue.

Conflict of Interest:
All members of the Network will be encouraged to participate fully in the business of the Network. A conflict of interest may occur when a member of the Network, their immediate family (spouse, partner, parent, child), or their organization or agency could benefit from a decision that is made.

The onus of responsibility rests with each individual member as to whether or not they are in a conflict of interest. In such instances, the member will clarify their concerns with the Chair who will determine if the conflict of interest warrants precluding the member’s further participation in that portion of the meeting.

Working Groups:
The Network will establish Working Groups as deemed necessary. Such groups will consist of organizations, agencies or individuals as is relevant to the task. Each Working Group will be accountable to the Network through their work plans.

Remuneration:
Members of the Network will serve without personal remuneration.

Linkages:
The Network will maintain linkages with other relevant planning, advisory and/or information sharing
Committees, Working Groups and/or Affiliated Groups. These linkages may be based on information sharing, dual committee attendance and/or standing agenda items.

Accountability:
The Network is accountable to the residents of Middlesex County. On an individual basis, each member will be accountable to their respective organization or agency.

These Terms of Reference will be reviewed, and amended as necessary, in the spring of every second year.

Updated March 2026