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TASK FORCE ON FAMILIES MINUTES, April 19, 1999 DRAFT
MEMBERS: Paul J. Noto (Co-Chair), Amy Paulin (Member), Lois Bronz GUEST(S): Lisa Linski STAFF: Dolores Heredia
The meeting commenced at 12:15 PM. Leg. Noto opened the floor for discussion and stated that the Task Force was revisiting the issue of child sexual abuse. The invited guest was Kenneth J. Lau, CSW Director of Training. Leg. Noto asked Mr. Lau for an update. Mr. Lau discussed the positive changes he has seen over the years. These are as follows: (1) Appointment of a Coordinator in the County; (2) the opening of the Advocacy Center; (3) the Department of Social Services decision to specialize in the investigation of sexual abuse and the plans to open a unit out of Yonkers (two weeks a unit out of White Plains opened); and (4) a treatment program that began several years ago for Juvenile Sex Offenders that has recently been refunded. Mr. Lau noted that there are areas that still need to be addressed such as: Coordination: Mr. Lau stated that coordination is looked at in three phases 1. the "investigation phase" (between law enforcement and medical services), 2. Coordination via the "legal phase" (family court, criminal court etc.); and 3. Coordination in the "supervision phase". He believes there are gaps in that the Coordinator has focused in on the investigation end of it, mainly on cases going through the D.A.’s office. He noted that there are a lot of other cases that don’t come under the D.A.’s office, and this is a gap since it does not cover all the
TASK FORCE ON FAMILIES MINUTES, April 13, 1999 Page 2 cases that need coordination. He noted that the cases that do fall through are serious cases. He noted that the new unit at CPS may affect this positively. Tracking: He stated that CPS noted that they would try to improve the tracking of the CPS cases. He explained tracking and noted that when a case is "indicated" they make sure that the victim and the family are hooked into treatment and they getting the services needed. However Mr. Lau questioned whether there are other services that the victim and the family might require, for example financial services. Also, and of major concern is that he is not getting any incest referral cases. He noted that other communities are reporting an increase therefore it is hard to believe that this problem does not exist. He explained that if there was a tracking system this could be looked into. The Task Force inquired who else should be called in to discuss this matter and Mr. Lau recommended Pat Lemp (949-7699) and Shirly Samuels, of the Psychiatric Institute. Mrs. Paulin noted that the Task Force should also invite Alan Scheinkman to give an update on the Family Court.
Next the Task Force discussed it upcoming schedule and cancelled the meeting for the 27th. The next scheduled meeting is May 4, 1999 at 12:00 Noon, at which time they will invite Shirly Samuels and Pat Lemp. The final item for discussion was the minutes of April 5, 1999. Mrs. Paulin moved to approve, seconded by Leg. Noto. All in favor [2-0]. Leg. Noto moved to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Paulin. All in favor [2-0]. The meeting ended at 1:30 PM.
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION PLEASE REFER TO TAPE ON FILE |