STAFF: Dolores Heredia, Sally Schecter

The meeting commenced at 12:15 PM. Leg. Noto began by explaining the role of the Task Force and clarified that it is a specialized Task Force on Families which over the years has issued reports on topics related to women and children at risk. Leg. Noto stated that some of the recommendations made by the Task Force in past have been implemented and others have not. Some of these recommendations relate to Family Court and Leg. Noto asked the guests to read the Task Force brochures, which they received today, and return at a later date to give an explanation as to the status of implementing any of the suggested changes.

Next Leg. Noto asked Mr. Barnett to discussed his domestic violence project. Mr. Barnett noted that in 1997 the Westchester County Department of Probation applied for a grant and the Probation Against Violence program was commenced. Probationers in Criminal and Family Court on Domestic Violence matters when sentenced to probation are placed into this particular unit due to the fact that Probation Officers in this unit are specialized and highly trained. In the Family Court realm, prior to this unit being set up, the Department of Probation would file a violation against the Probationer for not reporting to probation or violating the stay-away provision of the order of protection. Procedurally, a petition was filed, the preliminary hearing was attended and then the Probationer would request the Family Court bureau and the Department of Law to provide an attorney. The Department of Probation and Department of Law realized that there was a gap in the legal representation since

having an attorney from the beginning of the proceedings would be more effective. The Department of Law, under the prior administration, requested from the State of New York a grant to pay for two positions under the "Stop Violence Against Women Program" which is partially funded by U.S. Department of Justice. Thus, funding was provided for the two attorneys. Mrs. Paulin asked exactly who do they represent, and Mr. Barret noted that they represent the Department of Probation. Mr. Barret explained, however, that although the attorney-client relationship is with the Department of Probation, their concerns are also with the victim. Mr. Barret explained that their biggest goal is to make a person comply with their probation without having the victim testify. In other words, "they" appear as the villain and not the victims who might be afraid or intimidated. He also explained that their biggest duty is to show that a person violated their "stay-away" provision and therefor they set up contempt proceedings and during this process the victim is not involved rather it is once again the "government" who is the villain.

Mr. Barnett stated that in his own opinion the program is very effective. Leg. Noto inquired into the 1998 statistics as to how many petitions were filed and how many people were incarcerated. Last year 15 people were incarcerated. Leg. Noto also inquired whether this program has reduced the rate of recidivism. Mr. Barnett could not accurately reply because he did not have the statistics with him. Leg. Bronz and Leg. Noto thanked the guests and asked them to read the Task Force reports to determine whether their office can implement some of the recommendations of the reports. Mrs. Paulin noted that some of the reports are old and this should be taken into consideration when they read them.

Next the Task Force discussed the minutes of January 14, 1999. Mrs. Paulin moved to approve, seconded Leg. Noto. All in favor [3-0].

The Committee agreed that its next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 9 at 12:15 PM. Leg. Bronz moved to adjourn, seconded by Leg. Noto . All in favor [3-0]. The meeting ended at 12: 55 PM.