MEMBERS: Paul J. Noto (Co-Chair), Lois Bronz and Amy Paulin

STAFF: Barbara Dodds, Robert Hoch and Lisa LeFever

GUEST(S): Dr. Carolyn Hedlund and Dr. Leonard Feinberg

The meeting commenced at 12:15 PM. A motion to accept the

June 15, 1998 minutes by Leg. Noto and seconded by Leg. Bronz.

Dr. Feinberg of Iona College made introductions to Carolyn Hedlund, MHA of Westchester. Dr. Feinberg was asked to speak about the effects of domestic violence on the development of children.

Dr. Hedlund was asked her thoughts as a mental health professional. She supports the theory that there is a connection between the impact of child abuse and later domestic violence. She stated that the literature is supportive of this fact and has reached popularity over the last five years according to the book, The Guilty by Reason of Sanity by Dr. Lewis. Research began to show and document the actual biological changes in children as result of both witnessing and being abused. She says looking at children who live in situations with domestic violence have a greater anxiety and an overlapping occurrence.

Ms. Hedlund stated that the proposal was to bring together a community response. She is not clear if looking for funds or sanctions can compare children’s networks that exist in Westchester or if they can solve the problematic cases that come before them. She is curious however, if Dr. Feinberg wants to do an educational approach in the schools.

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Dr. Feinberg answered her statements by expressing the need for training of teachers on how to deal with children in a traumatic experience. He explained that his interest in the project started in a study in California. The incidence of children being witnessed to violence is significantly greater. His interest began in a community-based project because of recognition. As a Professor at Iona College department of Pastoral Counseling, he reviewed every program with children witnessing trauma and none of them included using the clergy as a major resource.

The Committee observed that most of the existing programs dealt with mothers but nothing for the children. He found his project to be a very large involvement with training of police, schools, therapists and clergy on a traumatized population.

Leg. Bronz stated that the Council could discuss how they could enter into this project by building an effective network and enhancing something already being done.

Ms. Paulin felt the clergy issue could be explored and she would obtain some outreach materials to form a subcommittee with the council.

Dr. Hedlund voiced Westchester County adopt a No Tolerance for Violence message – begin communication to women and children. Also integrate a community response with the Department of Social Services.

Dr. Hedlund feels if a Zero Tolerance Campaign was developed and implemented it would facilitate communities coming together to implement models like the committee is discussing that would be supported, and bring visibility. This means of intervention would educate the women of how to locate them.

Leg. Bronz asked that the committee bring together a real standing dialogue to be effective.

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Dr. Feinberg felt the committee could adapt a mind set before getting into departments, curriculums and organizations to find out what the risk factors to families are.

Dr. Hedlund concluded that Westchester has a lot of programs and hinted that the committee meet with department heads to mobilize this project.

Ms. Paulin questioned the process of welfare sanctions and medicaid benefits and what interaction do the clients have with their caseworker. The committee has numerous questions pertaining to the Medicaid benefits and on Monday, July 20 at 11:30 a.m. Commissioner Mahon of Department of Social Services will be a guest at the committee meeting.

Lastly, the Domestic Violence issue will be addressed, some recommendations will be made and a report written for more involvement.

The next Task Force meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 1998, at 12:00 PM. The meeting ended at 1:20 PM.