HomeMy WebLinkAboutFamily Services Advisory Committee - Minutes - 6/23/2015
BAYFIELD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
FAMILY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Courthouse Conference Room A
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015 at 4:30 pm
Committee Members Present: Anne Green, Bev Lindell, John Blahnik, Lona Schmidt, Nancy and
Dale Johnson.
Committee Member Excused: Jim Crandall.
Committee Member Absent: Susan Davis.
Others Present: Val Levno from New Horizons North. Anita Haukaas, Cheryl Hanson and Nina
Bucher from BCDHS.
Call to order and introductions: Lona called the meeting to order at 4:32 pm and all present
introduced themselves. Anita pointed out that members are asked to sign in and list their round trip
mileage at each meeting, and then she will sign and date the sheet to verify for payment.
Minute Approval: John made a motion to approve minutes from the 12/16/14 FSAC meeting as
written. Ann seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Public Comment Opportunity: No one offered public comments.
Wisconsin Statistics on Alcohol Presentation: Cheryl Hanson, the Mental Health Coordinator for
BCDHS handed out three sheets of information: Underage Drinking in WI; Adult Binge Drinking in WI,
and Operating While Intoxicated in WI. This information shows WI has above average national
statistics in all three of these areas. The sheets also show the personal and state costs associated with
alcohol abuse, along with some “fast facts” to highlight interesting information and summaries. Cheryl
explained that WI has a long history of drinking too much and that Bayfield County ranks near the top
in the State. She said that local/state government is working to decrease the amount residents are
drinking and promote sober events for all ages. Bayfield County has helped fund projects such as an
annual recovery celebration arranged by the local hospital, safe and sober graduations at area high
schools, the creation of alcohol educational kits available to borrow from libraries, and has participated
in the state prevention campaign’s such as “Parents who host lose the most”.
New FSAC Committee Member: Bev Lindell was welcomed and described herself as a nine year
Bayfield resident and licensed mental health professional with focus on family treatment who has
recently retired from Bay Area Mental Health.
Family Services Section staffing update: Anita informed the group that Cheryl Hanson moved
from AODA Coordinator to Mental Health Coordinator in April when Jessica Leinon-Novascone left. And
that Courtney Rauschenbach has been hired full time as of 6/1/15 when she received her Masters in
Social Work from UMD. Currently, the AODA Coordinator is the only vacancy in Family Services.
Red Cliff Indian Child Welfare update: Anita relayed that the 2015 161 Agreement (that outlines
procedures on how the County and Tribe work together in Family Services situations, share
information, and who is responsible for what) was successfully updated and signed. She also indicated
that the Red Cliff AODA contract is not negotiated since Mishomis House closed (an inpatient AODA
treatment facility) and staff turnover has occurred. This agency continues to make contact to move
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forward with a contract. The monthly Red Cliff/BCDHS staffing meetings on joint child protective
service cases are hoped to start up again in September.
Mental Health/AODA Services update: Val Levno from New Horizons North (an area Mental
Health/Disability service provider) was in attendance to describe the Comprehensive Community
Service (CCS) Program which began earlier in 2015. Val said that compared to their Community
Support Program that is aimed at individuals that may be institutionalized without their supports, CCS
is aimed at functionally impaired individuals to provide support through a self-appointed team to
empower the consumer to take control of their lives and live independently. CCS is 100% funded
through medical assistance and the State of Wisconsin is committed to this program long term.
Currently, 18 individuals are enrolled and many in the enrollment process. There is not a cap on the
number that may be on the program as long as they are eligible. Val shared many positive stories from
Bayfield County CCS consumers. As stated in the CCS brochure Val distributed, residents of Bayfield
County who are interested may call 715-682-7171 for more information or to apply.
Val also handed out a brochure for Calm Waters Wellness, a group that New Horizons North is involved
with that provides outpatient clinical services for families and children in the Bayfield County area.
Anita told the Committee that Terry Jackson has been hired part time as the Family Specialist for
Family Treatment Court. Terry has a Masters in Social Work and travels to participant’s homes to help
find solutions to problem issues the family is facing. Terry is willing to work more hours on different
programs targeting families.
Year to date there have been 37 emergency detentions.
Child Protective Services update: The annual Family Services meeting of law enforcement, court
personnel, human services and schools was held at the end of May. Anita reported that it was a very
successful meeting. The main thing schools are seeing is a higher truancy rate among younger
children. It is felt that this may be due to substance abuse within the family creating barriers for
younger children to get to school.
Juvenile Justice Update: The state funded COMPAS juvenile assessment tool will replace the three
year county contracted JAIS system November of 2015. Anita is currently working on the COMPAS
application. So far in 2015, Bayfield County has received 24 juvenile justice referrals.
Helplines: Anita handed out a flyer on Solstice Warmline, a new non-emergency phone support
service answered by people with personal experience regarding substance abuse and/or mental health
issues.
Anita also described the HOPELINE where people can text in a crisis situation. Updated information will
be sent out as the number has changed.
Future Meetings: Future 2015 FSAC meeting dates are 9/15/15, and 12/15/15.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by,
Nina Bucher
Nina Bucher