HIGHLIGHTS OF MINUTES
March 6, 2009
Wintergreen Resort & Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Case Problems
1)Michelle Buehl; forwarded a case question to the Board regarding the investigative procedure for possible violation of a court order involving a juvenile restricted from having contact with other juveniles due to a prior sex offense. Board members agreed it would be appropriate to contact the child’s parent to gather information of the possible violation. Confidentiality concerns were raised regarding contacting the other juveniles. Motivation of the reporter was also considered an issue for the investigation process.
2) Judges are using the practice of ordering a capias with the specific instructions for the juvenile to be brought in front of their court only for a TPC hearing. The problem arises when the judges are not available to handle the case. Board members agreed all statutory requirements for timelines regarding TPC hearings must be upheld regardless of the judge’s specific order.
3) Situation with a runaway juvenile from the State of Florida. Question is regarding how the juvenile gets returned to a different state as a runaway and the use of Interstate Compact. All Board members agreed Interstate Compact should take the lead in these situations and help arrange for return of the juveniles. Counties should support and assist the return process with Interstate Compact.
4) Situation with a 14 year old boy, who is currently in treatment foster care and may not necessarily need to be there. However, the juvenile is making the situation unmanageable for return to the parental home due to conflicts he intentionally creates with his parents. Looking for suggestions on expediting the return home of the juvenile. Board members agreed the case may not be resolved until the juvenile is willing to work with the social worker and any therapist involved with the family.
Handouts were provided for the following: updated list of the Sex Offender Registration Ordinances, proposed changes to the Governor’s budget regarding daily institution rates and possible cuts to Youth Aids funding, and updates on requirements of the Adam Walsh Act. Contact Michelle for copies if interested.
A short discussion was held regarding possible alternatives to juvenile correctional placements counties are considering due to the high cost of placements and quality of services.
A memo regarding the on-line intake worker training is expected to be issued during May 2009.
Update on the Adam Walsh Act and requirements for foster parents.
Update on the Fostering Connections Act, a memo is in the process of being released but is still in draft form.
Update on the electronic Child Welfare Manual, currently in draft form, the goal is to put all CPS standards, memos, and policies in an electronic form for easier access and reference.
Update on caseworker contact policy for children in out-of-home care for children placed with non-custodial parent(s). Questions were raised about the requirement for permanency planning for these children. Consensus was that parents must pursue changing placement in their Family Court order to end reunification efforts.
Update regarding the possible changes to the foster care licensing process, the Department is currently looking at a “level of care” system that would eliminate the current system. Kinship care and group home staff would be included in the new system. Concern was raised about Kinship families not being able to meet stricter requirements for placement. Julie reports this proposal is tied into the current state budget and could go into effect if the budget is passed in current form.
Handouts provided regarding children being placed in Secure Detention for status offenses.
Discussion regarding the disproportionate number of minority children being placed in Secure Detention and Corrections. OJA is examining issues of poverty, truancy, law enforcement, etc. Lance will be providing additional trainings at regional meetings if requested.
Municipal Truancy Courts, OJA is interested in all municipal courts addressing truancy and what sanctions they are imposing. A flow chart detailing how children are being placed in Secure Detention was provided along with a handout with alternatives to Secure Detention for truants and the Municipal Court process.
Lance reports grants are becoming more available for truancy abatement programs. Contact him for possible funding or ideas.
Conference Committee
Committee is in the process of finalizing plans for conference presenters, hospitality room, etc.
Committee had discussion about eliminating the conference give away and decided to bring to full board for further discussion and vote.
Motion to discontinue the give-away A short discussion followed, and a vote was taken. The vote was split 8-8. Motion to table this topic until the next meeting, at which time more Board members will be present for a follow-up vote. Motion carried.
Conference Site Committee
No report, site for the following year’s conference has already been established.
Newsletter Committee
Next edition of Prima Facie will be released in the next couple of weeks. The deadline for articles in the following issue is May 1, 2009
Legislative Committee
Former Board member, Dave Sarow, was in attendance. Dave reports there is member of the State Legislature from his area willing to re-introduce the Threat to Harm Social Worker Bill. The Committee recommends continuing efforts to support the bill at a public hearings, etc. All board members were in agreement.
Recognition Committee
Committee reports one nominee to date. If anyone has knowledge of counties that would like to nominate someone please provide information at the regional meetings, e-mail, etc.
Training Committee
Committee is continuing work on the transition to on-line intake worker training.
By-Laws Committee
Committee reviewed definition of associate membership as it relates to persons who would like to remain members of the association after they have retired from the profession. The By-Laws Committee recommended the current wording is adequate and no changes are necessary. A short discussion followed with concerns still being raised. Motion to send the topic back to the By-Laws Committee for further review, seconded, Motion carried.
WCHSA
Next meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2009. Will be reviewing the current budget and response they will provide to the State.
WJDA
Conference will be held for WJDA in Green Bay, December 2009.
DOJC TAC Committee
Next meeting is scheduled for April 3, 2009.