LEGISLATOR: Richard Wishnie

STAFF: Dolores Heredia, Sally Schecter, Barbara Dodds

The meeting commenced at 12:10 PM. Leg. Noto opened the meeting and explained that the Task Force had a visit from a gentlemen that complained about CPS, and the Task Force wants to know whether the "findings" policy has changed and what are the remedies available. In addition, Leg. Noto inquired about the Coordinator on sex abuse. Nancy Travers and Donald Weede from Child Protective Services discussed the investigation process. Mr. Weedy first noted that in addition to the investigation they develop a rehabilitation plan. Mr. Weedy explained the breakdown of the cases and noted that 30% of them are "indicated" (i.e. there is some evidence of abuse and neglect) and 50% of those cases are kept open to provide services. Mrs. Paulin inquired what is the outcome if a call comes in for abuse however neglect is found. Mr. Weede noted it would be the same action whether it was abuse or neglect. They would determine the validity of the allegation and what is the continuing level of risk. Mrs. Paulin noted a concern by WJCS which is that they feel that many times a family whose case is "indicated" does not follow through with the rehabilitation services. Mrs. Paulin noted that the Task Force intends to invite WJCS to further discuss this matter.

Next Mrs. Paulin inquired into the Child Advocacy Centers. Mr. Weede noted that St. Josephs has been in operation for several months. Mr. Weede did note that there is one concern and that is due to a court case that prevents them from doing forensic examinations without the parents consent or court order. He claimed that they have difficulties obtaining parental consent. In addition, the coordination with the police has not been as successful as they wished. Next Mrs. Paulin inquired into the Audits and discussed a comparable Boston program where the State DSS unit has a domestic violence unit that is specialized to work with DSS. Mrs. Paulin suggested this might be a worthwhile program for them to research. Mr. Weede noted that they are looking into the audits and they are still working on it. Next the Task Force discussed the Child Abuse Commission and inquired whether they would have their support if the Task Force asked for it to be reinstated – Mrs. Travers noted that she would support it.

Next Marian La Franco, Director of the Office of Child Support & Enforcement, and Dennis Packard were invited to the table to speak. Leg. Bronz inquired into the status of Child Support. Mr. Packard noted that this agency was somewhat "disconnected" from other agencies; therefore, he included this agency in the monthly Public Assistance Policy forum discussions. He noted that this will orient other agencies as to what the Child Support Office is about and what critical roles other offices play in connection with Child Support. Next he discussed some problems with the physical structure of the office and computer problems (he noted they have the slowest processing time to perform a transaction than any other agency in the State). He explained that it takes minutes for their staff to do what other staff members in other agencies take seconds to accomplish. This problem is still being addressed. Next he discussed participation in different activities and training programs. He noted that they will send members to regional informational meetings, and they are designing an in-house training program which includes a rotational process. He believes this rotational process will provide enrichment and more job satisfaction for the workers. Also they recertified a line in Child Support and created a position to work on projects and address topics such as personal service. A monthly newsletter has also been

instituted which is very informative. Next Mrs. Paulin inquired into the paternity establishment (which became an administrative process last year), the case review process and the improper distribution of cases. Mrs. La Franco noted that the case distribution has been corrected by adding examiners to the enforcement unit and redistributing the caseload. With regards to case review, they have reviewed their files and were able to purge approximately 1,000 cases from the system. With regards to paternity establishment, Mr. Packard noted that in 1997 they were at 52% percent and in 1998 in 62% percent. With regards to support establishment he noted that in 1997 they were at 57% percent and in 1998 at 68% percent. Finally, he noted that they have one of the highest rates of petitions being established in the State. Mrs. Paulin asked Mr. Packard for a copy of his notes with the above referenced numbers.

Next the Task Force discussed the minutes of February 9, 1999. Leg. Noto moved to approve, seconded by Leg. Bronz. All in favor [3-0]. Leg. Bronz moved to adjourn, seconded by Leg. Noto . All in favor [3-0]. The meeting ended at 12:55 PM.