HomeMy WebLinkAboutFamily Services Advisory Committee - Minutes - 3/19/2013
BAYFIELD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
FAMILY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Courthouse Conference Room A
Tuesday, March 19th, 2013 at 4:30 pm
Committee Members Present: Ann Green, Dee Kittleson, Nancy and Dale Johnson.
Staff Present: Anita Haukaas, Becky Kruit, and Nina Bucher
Call to order: In Chairperson Lona Schmidt’s absence, Anita called the meeting to order at 4:30pm.
Introductions were made.
Adoption of 12/18/12 minutes: Due to the lack of a quorum, the minutes could not be adopted.
Public Comment Opportunity: No one was present for public comment.
Brief Intervention ToolS (BITS) Presentation: Family Services Social Worker Becky Kruit
explained that juvenile justice workers have been searching for better tools to assess juveniles. The
assessments assist staff to determine the appropriate treatment needed to decrease the juvenile’s
criminal behavior. In addition to the newly implemented Juvenile Assessment and Intervention System
(JAIS), social workers complete a BITS with the juvenile. The BITS is a short, one-page worksheet,
which include subject areas titled: Thinking Traps; Overcoming Thinking Traps; Problem Solving;
Decision Making; Who I Spend Time With; and Overcoming Automatic Responses. BITS are designed
to identify areas of service that may change the juvenile’s behavior. It also allows the worker to set
goals with the youth. The BITS was recommended to us from other counties. Their input was that
juveniles are more inclined to fill in truthful answers to questions using this tool. BITS may not be
appropriate in every situation. BITS can be repeated to monitor whether or not treatment is
successful. Bayfield County staff began using them a couple weeks ago. Staff are hopeful that this
tool will help them identify the true reason for the client’s behavior.
Red Cliff Indian Child Welfare (ICW) update: Anita reported that Family Services and ICW staff
continues to meet monthly concerning cases they have in common. She added that the two agencies
have been working well together. Bayfield County continues to receive regular referrals from Red Cliff.
The 161 Agreement for 2012 was sent to Red Cliff for signatures. Anita reported that she submitted an
application or $35,000 in tribal high cost funds for 2012 to help pay for out of home placements costs
for Red Cliff tribal youth.
Foster Care Provider Updates: Anita revoked one foster home license due to two chapter 56
violations.
JAIS Assessment Implementation: Approximately ten JAIS assessments have been completed
since implementation. The assessment results are helpful and include suggestions for corrective
action.
Mental Health (MH) & Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA): Anita reported that a total of 70
MH and AODA cases went to court in 2012; 54 adults and 16 juveniles were emergency detained. Of
those cases, 31 adults and 11 juveniles entered into three to six month settlement agreements; 14
adults and 1 juvenile were committed; and 9 adults and 4 juveniles cases were dismissed with no
settlement or commitment.
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Domestic Violence Grant Collaboration: Brenda Spurlock, Bayfield County Criminal Justice
Coordinator, and Family Services staff will collaborate to work with mid to high risk re-offenders who
participate in the Domestic Violence grant program. The program, funded by the grant, will provide
mental health service to individuals and families.
Juvenile Justice Update: There was a slight reduction in referrals in 2012. There were 113 juvenile
justice referrals in 2011; 101 in 2012. Anita reported that there is usually an increase in juvenile
justice referrals in May of each year. Currently, disorderly conduct is the most frequent reason for the
referral.
Child Protective Services (CPS): Family Services staff is reviewing new CPS standards for
confirming safe environments for children placed out of home. There is a more restrictive timeline for
physically visiting the placement home. Monthly face-to-face visits with significant family members of
the client are required. Anita reported that it may be difficult to meet these standards due to the short
timelines and because, at times, it is difficult hard to locate family members who are out of the area.
Staffing Update: Anita reported that Aging & Disabilities section employees are working with Family
Services staff on several cases we have in common. The collaboration is going well and clients are
being served.
Future Meetings: Future 2013 meetings: June 18, September 17, and December 17, 2013
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 5:30pm.
Minutes submitted by,
Nina Bucher
Nina Bucher