August 1, 2008
Capitol Building, Madison WI
Jonelle Brom, DCF, presented an updated version of the new policy requiring caseworkers to have contacts with children in out-of-home care. Jonelle provided all handouts from the presentation being offered to counties. Any questions can be forwarded to Jonelle at her e-mail address: jonelle.brom@wisconsin.gov Jonelle’s phone number is (608) 264-6933.
Case Problems
1)Looking for restitution policies from other counties; they are in the process of developing a policy. Suggestions included contacting the Wisconsin Association of Restitution Programs (WARP).
Looking for feedback from counties using the Emergency Change of Placement procedure in the statutes. Most counties are not using this option, but board members agree it is legal. The consensus is that having a hearing is usually the best practice.
is looking for information on disposition options for a juvenile charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Board members report this issue has been reviewed in the past and the only disposition is forfeiture.
Looking for information on how other counties recruit and retain foster parents. Suggestions included financial bonuses for foster parents and providing better support services to foster parents.
Three Board members have reported they will be leaving the Board at the end of the current term.
The web-based intake worker training is progressing as scheduled. The first part should be done by November 2008. The long-term goal is to have the full program ready to go by September of 2009.
DOC Administrative Memos are available on the DOC website
Conference Committee
Planning for upcoming conference at the Sheraton Hotel in Madison is going very well.
Conference Site Committee
Site for 2009 has been chosen. It will be the Glacier Canyon Lodge located in Wisconsin Dells and will be held during the last week of September 2009.
Newsletter Committee
The latest edition of Prima Facie was distributed. The next edition will come out after Conference. Deadline for articles will be about one month after Conference.
Curriculum Committee
Michelle Buehl, DOC, has reviewed all of the pool questions for the intake worker-training test.
Mission Statement Committee
Updated versions for the Statement of Philosophy and Purpose and Goals were approved.
Nomination Committee
There will be four openings for the upcoming Board 2008-09. Kay reports so far there has been one nominee from Pierce County.
Membership Committe
Currently 225 members, with 14 counties not being represented at the current time.
Training Committe
Work on the web-based training continues to progress.
Trainings for the upcoming year have been set with dates and locations.
Recognition Committee
There are two nominees for the recognition award. The committee is using an evaluation process to choose a winner for the award.
An appreciation/information letter will be sent to all nominees who do not receive the award.