Welcome provided by Dorinda Edmisten
Approval of June Minutes: Motion made by Jimmy Turnbow and seconded by Will Jones.
Attendees (*in person): Dorinda Edmisten*, Stasia McDonald*, Zach Barnes*, Will Jones*, Sherry Williamson*, Sam Siegel*, Candy Garland*, Ryan Cooper*, Laura Robertson*, Courtney Leach, Zach Morrison, Dr. Karen Worley, Jimmy Turnbow, Dr. Karen Farst, Cristy Sellers, Elizabeth Pulley, Laura Abbott, Judge John Threet, Jennifer Beatty-West, Melanie Mata, Tess Fletcher. Guests: Milo Maumgaard, Caroline Sykes, Zina Frazier, and Julie Brown.
Child Welfare Update: Dr. Karen Worley gave the update. Dr. Worley spoke about the Child Welfare Ombudsman report that was discussed at the last committee meeting and the good discussion that resulted. Sherry Williamson added that the committee discussed pulling data from specific resources to make recommendations for changes within the child welfare system. Questions were requested from the committee.
Sexual Assault Prevention Committee: Melanie Mata provided the update. The annual hospital protocol conference is in the early planning stages. Attempting to better plan date and schedule to accommodate work schedules of nurses and hospital personnel that attend. Evaluations from conference looked good. Looking at strategic goals for the committee. Sam Siegel spoke about SANE program and funding challenges. There was no update on possible funding from the Governor’s office. Update on protocol manual is that it is almost done. Final review was in October and waiting on final legal review from UAMS. Stasia McDonald asked where the manual is distributed: all hospital Eds. Digital version is available to medical personnel and will be on commission website.
Sherry Williamson introduced on special guest speakers from Central Arkansas Legal Services. They provided general information on their offices: 50 employees, 7 physical offices, cover 44 counties, and provide free legal services for those that qualify. They provide referrals to resources or forms, legal advice, limited scope services, and full legal representation. They have an online application and a call helpline. Provided some statistics: Arkansas has fewest attorneys per capita in country, 1 attorney for every 406 Arkansans. 1 out of 4 Arkansans qualify for civil legal aid. There is 1 legal service attorney for every approximately 14,000 people. 75% of households in South experience 1 civil legal problem per year. 18% of population in South are 125% below federal poverty line. CALS is a justice organization, not a service organization. They receive $50,000 from the CAN RFP through ACCARDV. They have closed 246 cases under this grant. 193 have been advice only cases. 27 Extended services cases. 26 were closed cases with full legal representation. 8 cases were identified to have 4 or more ACES. Most cases involved minor guardianships. They provided specific examples of 3 cases involving grandparent guardianships. 54 open cases are funded under this grant.
Stasia McDonald and Laura Robertson provided a brief overview of the Child Welfare Ombudsman Annual Report for 2021-2022. Stasia will send out new brochure to Commissioners.
January meeting will be by Zoom only. January 17, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
Meeting was adjourned.