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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-23-2017 Domestic Violence & Family Issues Minutes MEETING MINUTES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & FAMILY ISSUES SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE COMMUNITY JUSTICE COLLABORATING COUNCIL March 23, 2017 12:00 PM Room 1216 Government Center St. Croix County Goverment Center - Room 1216 - 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL Attendee Name Organization Title Status Arrived Joan Sprain St. Croix County Family Living Agent Present Pam Bellrichard St. Croix County Coordinator Present Edward Vlack St. Croix County Chair Present Scott Needham St. Croix County Judge Excused Kathleen Avoles St. Croix County Bar Association Representative Present Curt Thomassen St. Croix County Faith Based Representative Present Mark Richert St. Croix County Police Chief Representative Excused Tim Heckmann St. Croix County Court Commissioner Present Also present: Mark Lemke, Alena Taylor, Steve Kirt, Susan Capparelli, Selena Peterson, Erica Ellenwood, Michael Nieskes, Yvonne Larson, Mike O'Keefe, and The Honorable R. Michael Waterman. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Domestic Violence & Family Issues Subcommittee of the Community Justice Collaborating Council Regular Meeting February 10, 2017 2:00 PM Minutes were accepted as presented. RESULT: ACCEPTED PUBLIC COMMENT Selena Peterson, Victim Witness Legal Advocate, discussed an upcoming event to increase awareness about domestic violence issues. Judge Vlack discussed the domestic violence workshop that he attended. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Domestic Violence Needs Assessment Update Judge Vlack discussed the current status of the Domestic Violence Needs Assessment being conducted by the Center for Court Innovation (CCI) and WI Office of State Courts. He also brought up the need to acquire as much data as possible for this assessment. RESULT: DISCUSSED 2. Notice to Appear (NTA) 72 hour Review Judge Vlack brought up the issue of defendants being charged with a domestic abuse related crime and not appearing in court for a number of weeks. He would like to initiate a 72 hour Notice to Appear (NTA) for these people so the criminal justice system can more closely monitor bail/bond conditions with these types of cases. Judge Vlack indicated a need for our system to improve in this area and this would be the first step. District Attorney Michael Nieskes stated that he spoke to the jail to tell them to give the defendant a NTA appear within 72 hours if they post bail. He also said this is low hanging fruit and we should just do this as it won't affect caseloads dramatically. Kate Avoles asked if they would need a complaint/police report completed for this process. RESULT: DISCUSSED 3. Lethality Assessments - Law Enforcement Judge Vlack brought up the issue of Law Enforcement starting to use Lethality Assessments (LA) in the field. He feels this information would be helpful to the entire system. District Attorney Michael Nieskes said this issue should be referred back to Law Enforcement Officials. The next meeting (Police Chief's) is Thursday, April 20, 2017. Susan Capparelli commented on the use of the LA. Alena Taylor stated the next grant cycle for the Lethality Assessment Program is February, 2018. District Attorney Nieskes said that we should show LE the form so they have an idea of what types of information is required. RESULT: DISCUSSED 4. Onatario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment - ODARA Susan Capparelli, Executive Director for the St. Croix Valley Restorative Justice Programs Inc. (SCVRJP) discussed the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) which she is currently trained to administer to clients referred to her. District Attorney Michael Nieskes questioned the accuracy of the assessment tool and the connection to Victim Services. He also asked Ms. Capparelli how long the assessment process takes to complete. Judge Waterman asked Ms. Capparelli how many assessment referrals she could accommodate at any given time. Judge Vlack discussed the current process of referring defendants to Turningpoint as a condition of their case disposition. District Attorney Michael Nieskes discussed the cost of the DV Assessment ($50.00) and in some cases defendants might not have the funds available to pay for this. Would the court be willing to reduce the bond amount to address this issue? Curt Thomassen asked how many of these situations involved alcohol as a contributing factor and District Attorney Michael Nieske responded. Probation and Parole Supervisor, Mark Lemke, discussed the need for a certified Batterer's Treatment group in our area. He stated one will be starting in River Falls using the SCVRJP office space and will serve Pierce and St. Croix Counties. The name of the Treatment Provider is Bob Kelly and the P&P Office has been referring clients to him for quite some time. Having this type of DV treatment in our backyard and affordable is good news. Ms. Capparelli reported that Mr. Kelly is now licensed in WI. RESULT: DISCUSSED 5. Review Domestic Violence/Family Issues Subcommittee Membership Judge Vlack stated as the Chair of this Subcommittee he will be making some appointments to the group in the near futue. RESULT: DISCUSSED REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Prevention Strategies for the Community and Families - Turningpoint has a program that deals with children exposed to violence. Alena can bring in staff to discuss. Joan Sprain discussed a Parents Forever class that is based upon a MN curriculum. ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE Judge Waterman suggested that we follow with the Needs Assessment status, Lethality Assessment and Batterer's Treatment Group. Kate Avoles asked how people will be informed about the 72 hour NTA requirement. District Attorney Michael Nieskes discussed the possibility of getting the ODARA completed ahead of time. ADJOURN Judge Vlack adjourned the meeting at 1:00 p.m. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next Domestic Violence/Family Issues Subcommittee meeting is Tuesday, May 2, 2017, 12:00 p.m., Government Center - Room 1216.