HomeMy WebLinkAboutFamily Services Advisory Committee - Minutes - 6/19/2012
BAYFIELD COUNTY FAMILY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Courthouse Conference Room A
Tuesday, June 19th, 2012 at 4:30 pm
Committee Members Present: Lona Schmidt, Mary Skerik, John Blahnik, and Susan Davis
Staff Present: Anita Haukaas, Angela Hernandez and Nina Bucher
Call to order: Lona called the meeting to order at 4:34pm.
Adoption of 3/20/12 minutes: John made a motion to adopt the minutes, Susan seconded, and the
motion passed.
Autism & Mental Health Programs presentation: Bayfield County’s Mental Health Coordinator,
Angela Hernandez explained that Autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger's syndrome, Pervasive
developmental disorder, Autism, and childhood disintegrative disorders are sensory disorders. The
individual perceives the world differently due to their illness. The symptoms vary in type and intensity
but may include such things as: the perception of screaming when others are talking; an inability to
maintain eye contact; soiling; developmental delays; and other sensory variations from the “standard”.
Angela stated that there has been an increase in the number of people diagnosed with spectrum
disorders and early detection is best for the individual. Many children are cared for at home when they
are young and their parents do not benefit from special training. Without proper training, youth can
become more aggressive as they age. A child’s hormones can cause sensory overload as they become
prepubescent and pubescent, increasing their behaviors and making them difficult to care for at home.
Angela reported that she believes this is a reason for the increase in the current number of teenage out
of home placements in Bayfield County. Research has shown that appropriate diagnosis, ideally when a
child is less than five years old, with subsequent family training can reduce the child’s aggression when
they reach their teens. As a result, we are focusing some efforts on outreach to promote the
community awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders and their related symptoms. The goal is to identify
children earlier and refer young children and their families as soon as possible. Sandy Raspotnik
provides outreach in the school districts. When Angela receives referrals, she arranges assessments to
elicit a diagnosis, then develops a plan include the family, schools, Autism specialists, Autism Society,
and therapists to address the child’s needs.
Red Cliff Indian Child Welfare (ICW) update: Although Lorna Gamble, the current Red Cliff ICW
Director, was not at the meeting, she provided an update to Anita. This summer, RCICW is conducting
a series of family activities including assembling traditional regalia and healthy cooking workshops.
Lorna reported an increase in the number of kinship cases. There are now ten children living with
relatives. There are four foster homes and one child placed in foster care.
Out of Home Placement update: Anita reported that there are currently seven kinship cases and
that there is a waiting list for non-court ordered kinship cases. Since the last meeting, one youth who
was placed in an assessment program escaped with another youth while working on a community
BAYFIELD COUNTY
Department of Human Services
117 East Fifth Street
P.O. Box 100
Washburn, Wisconsin 54891-0100
(715) 373-6144 Voice/TDD
(715) 373-6130 Fax
baycodhs@bayfieldcounty.org
/www.bayfieldcounty.org
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service project; one 16 year old youth was placed at Lincoln Hills, the state run youth detention center;
and one youth was waived into adult court.
Youth Offender Grant Program update: Anita reported that the grant ends on 9/30/12 and she
expects the funding to be exhausted prior to that date.
Juvenile Justice Referrals: There has been less of an increase in referrals since the last FSAC
meeting. Referrals in 2012 have been made for disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property,
burglary/theft, and battery/attempted battery.
Child Services & Child Protective Services update: Anita distributed a chart indicating the number
of service reports and Child Protective Services reports received from 2009 to May 2012 and their
screening decisions. She noted that if a child abuse referral meets the statutory definition, it must be
screened in.
Mental Health & AODA: A report illustrating the number and type of emergency detentions (EDs)
from 2009 to May 2012 was distributed. The total number of EDs has risen annually. Anita reported
that some of these cases involved youth with autism, some involved adults who were then protectively
placed, and one individual is now placed at the Mendota State Mental Health Institute.
Katie Beckett Program: Dennis Liphart provided a presentation on the Katie Beckett Program to
Family Services workers on June 18, 2012. The program allows families who have disabled children to
have access to publically funded health insurance for the disabled child.
2013 Public Budget Input: BCDHS has requested public input for the development of the 2013
budget. A public hearing will be included on the agenda for the BCDHS Board meeting on June 28,
2012 at 4 p.m. in the County Board Room.
Autism Meeting: Anita is in the process of organizing a meeting with Laura Comer. Laura is the
Autism expert who works at CESA #12.
Annual FS Meeting: The annual Family Services meeting is scheduled for August 22, 2012. FSAC
members are encouraged to attend. Invitations have been sent to local law enforcement, schools, and
tribal workers. Tyler Wickman will provide information on client’s rights as they relate to IEPs (Individual
Education Plans).
Transition Committee: Anita explained that the Transition Committee is developing a personnel
policy for County employees that will be implemented at the end of the union contract on 12/31/2012.
Changes to the structure of on call pay for Family Service workers is being considered.
Future Meeting: Quarterly meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 4:30pm. Future
dates are September 18th and December 18th 2012.
Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made by Lona, seconded by John. Lona adjourned the
meeting at 5:50 pm.
Minutes submitted by,
Nina Bucher, Clerk III