Attendees:
In-Person: Candy Garland, Jeff Drew, Jeanna Sherrill, Dr. Karen Worley, Dorinda Edmisten, Sherry Williamson, Stasia McDonald, Zach Barnes
Virtual: Laura Abbott, Andrew Baker, Judge Robin Green, Courtney Leach, Mandy Wertenberger, Kelli Dixon, Dr. Sufna John, Melanie Mata, Dr. Karen Farst
Welcome provided by Dorinda Edmisten, Executive Chair
Dorinda welcomed everyone and had them introduce themselves. Jeanna Sherrill is our newest member and represents the Attorney General’s office. This was also the last meeting for Melanie Mata as her appointed term is up.
Approval of Minutes of January 2024 meeting: No corrections or additions necessary. Motion made. Motion seconded by Dr. Sufna John. Motion passed.
Committee Updates:
Child Welfare Committee update: Sherry Williamson provide the update. Mentioned last committee meeting in which project-focused work groups were discussed. The first work group will focus on updating the mandated reporter online training. This online training is through CAIT and is available to anyone. Thousands are using it each year. The work group will also look at what information/knowledge mandated reporters need to make reporting easier. Information will be sought from the hotline and the CACs. Sherry will send out an email to set up the work group. Dr. Farst had some input on problems with alleged sexual abuse issues reported to the hotline.
Sexual Assault Prevention Committee update: Sam Siegel provided the update. He gave a brief overview of the Hospital Protocol Conference being held August 7-9 at Hendrix College. Flyer for registration will be sent out to the Commissioners. Free for anyone to attend. A resource list for the Commission website is in progress. Sam thanked Melanie Mata for her service as Chair of the committee.
New Business:
- Laura Robertson announced the 11 awardees of the Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention grant and provided a brief summary of the projects. The list will also be emailed to Commissioners.
- The 4 new recipients of the Rape Prevention Education grants were also announced with a brief overview of their projects.
- The Regional Mini-Conferences for Victim Service Providers were mentioned and Commissioners were encouraged to spread the word in their areas. The flyers for each conference will be emailed.
Other Business: The suggestion was made that a press release be done in regard to the Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention grant recipients.
Next meeting will be hybrid and held on October 23, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
Meeting was adjourned.