STAFF: Dolores Heredia, Sally Schecter.

The meeting commenced at 11:45 AM. Leg. Noto opened the meeting and noted that the Task Force is following up on their report "No More Secrets" which addresses how the County handles child sex abuse cases. The invited guest was the Hon. Judge Cooney. Leg. Noto explained that in the last several meetings the Task Force met with providers of services for the alleged perpetrators, the County Attorney’s Office, The Coordinator, Robin Brown and the D.A.’s Office. The purpose of today’s meeting is to inquire into Judge Cooney’s concerns.

The topics discussed where the Family Courts ability to monitor post decision counseling. Judge Cooney noted that she would like to commence a special section for abuse and neglect. Next the topic of supervised visits was discussed and the problems behind enforcing proper supervision. Next, the tracking system was discussed and Judge Cooney suggested speaking with Cheryl Dicker of the Permanent Commission on Children who is familiar with good tracking system. Finally, the topic of Law Guardian and the law guardian training was discussed in detail. Judge Cooney stated that she would like to write up a set of protocols for the law guardians to follow. She noted that although this might seem somewhat basic it was needed to ensure that the law guardians were properly following through with their cases.

The Committee concluded that tracking and coordination are still not happening. The Task Force on Families agreed to hold a Roundtable discussion on June 15, 1999. Next the minutes of May 4, and May 10 were reviewed, Mrs. Paulin moved to approve, seconded by Leg. Noto. Mrs. Paulin moved to adjourn, seconded by Leg. Noto. The meeting ended at 12:40 PM.