Wisconsin Juvenile Court Intake Association Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS OF MINUTES
April 7, 2006
Wintergreen Resort and Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells, WI

President’s Report

Previously, the issue was raised whether or not WJCIA would continue to provide basic intake worker training. At the most recent Department of Juvenile Corrections Technical Advisory Committee meeting WJCIA indicated it would definitely like to continue providing this training. Some of the members at the TAC meeting were concerned that the training is too focused on Juvenile Justice issues and not enough attention is given to abuse and neglect issues. Sylvia Jackson from the Department of Juvenile Corrections was present on the committee and strongly supports that WJCIA continue with the intake worker training.

At the most recent WCHSA meeting county administrators raised concerns that the current 5-day training is too long and would like to consider the possibility of putting the training on-line if at all possible. The concern raised by the WJCIA Board regarding this issue is the possibility of intake workers not being adequately trained and the possible resulting liability issues.

Case Problems
1. Looking for information on a Supreme Court ruling regarding a case from about 5-7 years ago where a superintendent from a school district released the name of a teacher who reported an abuse situation. Belief that only social workers are bound by State Statute not to release names of reporters and that others are allowed to release names if they choose to do so. Looking for information on this court ruling.
2. Issue regarding allowing a parent to speak at a permanency plan review. Looking for citations to support allowing the mother to speak at the permanency plan review. State Statute 48.38(5)(c) was cited as allowing parents to speak at permanency plan reviews.
3. Several Board members were looking for information on releasing information to District Attorney and Corporation Counsel for CHIPS cases involving AODA, mental health, and medical records. The concern is violation of HIPPA versus the need for child safety. Board members are looking for clarification on which takes precedent over the other. Board members agreed there is not a clear definition regarding these types of cases.

DHFS Report – Cathy Connolly

1. Cathy reports they will be coming out with new information for the Interstate Compact changes for CHIPS cases and Juvenile Justice. Changes have been signed by the Governor. Currently 29 states have approved the Interstate Compact. 35 states would be needed for Interstate Compact to become Federal Law. Likely that additional states will sign the Interstate Compact in the near future, allowing it to become Federal Law.
2. HFS-44 is currently on the State bulletin board. Need for county workers to provide feedback regarding any needed changes to the proposed legislation.
3. SB-232 was passed, allowing non-caregiver abuse reports to be investigated at the discretion of the agency. The bill allows CPS the right to defer to law enforcement. There is still a need to inform mandated reporters of outcome. If the case is accepted for full investigation, all CPS standards must be followed. Memos will be sent to counties with updates in the future. The bill will become effective October 1, 2006. Until this date, all investigations will remain the same.

Committee Reports

Conference Site Committee
Conference planning is going well. The committee is still looking for suggested ideas for the Frank Crasafi presentation, indicating that it will be changed from a question and answer to more of a Legislative update session.
Conference Site Committee
Manitowoc would be very interested in having the associations present at their facility in 2007. Also, the possibility of returning to Stevens Point was mentioned. Newsletter Committee
Information for upcoming conference will be in the next issue
Curriculum Committee
Committee reviewed the sample test questions. Training Committee
Overall, reports were very positive. from March training The next training is scheduled for May 2006. So far, 42 have signed up. Trying to attract new trainers, as the current trainers may not be available due to retirement or other obligations.
Legislative Committee
SB-24, the bill to protect social workers, was held up at Committee due to the broad definition of family members and school employees who are included. Consider making a recommendation to remove family and school personnel in order to get the bill passed and then work on getting the broader definition included in the bill at a later date.
Forms Committee
A request from Waukesha County to include physical description of juveniles on law enforcement referral form.

Regional Meetings

Region 1
No report
Region 2
No report
Region 3
meeting on April 21, 2006.
Region 4
Could be meeting in the future.
Region 5
No report
Region 6
Meeting on May 11, 2006.
Region 7
No report