Attendees: Dorinda Edmisten, Dr. Karen Worley, Gracie Gonner, Melanie Mata, Candy Garland, Sherry Williamson, Sara Rudolph-Pollard, Sam Siegel, Stasia McDonald, Laura Robertson, Toss Worthington, Suzanne Lumpkin, Judge Blake Batson, Tess Fletcher, Dr. Sufna John, Jimmy Turnbow, Heather McKim, Elizabeth Pulley, Major Jeff Drew, Dr. Karen Farst, Cristy Sellers, Laura Abbott.

Opening Remarks: Dorinda Edmisten welcomed everyone. Announced a new list of Commissioners had arrived the day before to the Commission and a new list would be provided as soon as the Commission could confirm all appointees with the new administration. New appointees and reappointments were done on December 31, 2022 by Governor Hutchinson.

Committee Updates:

              Child Welfare Committee: Update given by Sherry Williamson. CAN RFP process underway. Was released October 2022 with a December 2022 deadline. All applications had been reviewed and passed onto the Review Committee for awarding of grants. 14 applications were received last year with 9 awards, and this year 23 applications were received with 21 meeting all necessary requirements. Funding will depend on the scoring by the Review Committee and there are two grant options. Dorinda asked about Sherry’s training that was provided for the RFP application process. One large training was done by Zoom and examples were provided to attendees of existing prevention programs in other states. Sherry also provided some separate individual trainings upon request. Committee meeting for January 11^th was cancelled and will be rescheduled.

              Sexual Assault Prevention Committee: Update given by Sam Siegel. CVRB update…Laura Robertson had a productive meeting with Dr. Jan Church, the Chair of the Board. The review process is backlogged and more staff has been added to help the process move more quickly. Everyone on same page now in regard to what and how reimbursements can be made. ACASA will set a meeting with the CRVB Board to makes sure no miscommunications going forward. Subcommittee is working on educational materials and website that can provide updated information especially to more rural clinics and hospitals. Planning for the Hospital Protocol Conference is underway. First meeting for that planning committee was held the week of January 23^rd. Working with UAMS and TeleSANE nurse program to get better data from hospitals. Want to fill sexual assault data gaps. RPE update…focus shift to community level intervention. RPE grant money was reduced and cuts had to be made. One program in the eastern part of the state could not be sustained or fully funded due to the cuts. Funds were returned by ACASA who was overseeing the program and those funds were distributed to the four remaining RPE programs. This is the last year of the 5-year funding cycle. Also looking into a training for SAFE BARS for Arkansas.

Dr. Farst had some comments in regard to the CVRB issues. There are things that were not being reimbursed by the CVRB Board. If there was a delay in reporting by a minor that might affect reimbursement, though by law it should not. There is no time line for reporting by a minor. Pregnancy and STD tests were not considered sexual assault exams for reimbursement purposes. If rape exam was not done, nothing could be reimbursed. Some research may be needed on the federal law requirements. Training is definitely needed for the CVRB staff and Board. They have been problems with them running out of money for reimbursements annually. A separate work group would be beneficial to address the ongoing issues with CVRB.

Next committee meeting is set for February 15^th at 1:30pm via Zoom.  

Domestic Violence Prevention Committee: Update was provided by Gracie Gonner. DV Committee met on January 13^th. More members had joined the Committee and attended the meeting. Dr. Neil Websdale was helping Sara Rudolph-Pollard and the Coalition work on forming a DV Fatality Review Board. Shelters were participating in the Committee meeting. A couple of incidents of shelters having to call the child abuse hotline were discussed. The DV Committee and the Coalition are working together on mandated reporter training for shelters and how best to make a hotline report, especially when confidentiality is a big issue. Next Committee meeting is set for April 14^th at 10:00am.

CAN RPD programs will be updated at the June meeting. This meeting was being held right before final review of the applications. All nine of the previous grantees had reapplied this year.

Dr. Farst asked if anyone had any updates on the new structure of DCFS. Mischa Martin was not present for the meeting so there were no updates.

In-person meeting was discussed for June meeting. Was determined that it would be held in-person in Little Rock but with a virtual option for those that cannot attend. Meeting will be held June 21^st. May have informal lunch and orientation before the meeting. Elizabeth Pulley said they would be happy to host the lunch if needed.

Meeting adjourned.

Dorinda Edmisten opened the meeting.

There were no proxies needed for this meeting.

Attendees: Dorinda Edmisten, Dr. Karen Worley, Sam Siegel, Candy Garland, Sara Rudolph-Pollard, Sherry Williamson, Laura Robertson, Stasia McDonald, Laura Abbott, Jeff Drew, Elizabeth Pulley, Dr. Rachel Clingenpeel, Dr. Sufna John, Melanie Mata, and Courtney Leach.

Committee Updates:

              Child Welfare: update provided by Sherry Williamson. CW Committee was held in September. At the meeting we welcomed Stasia McDonald as the new Child Welfare Ombudsman and discussed the CANS RFP training and release. Major Drew provided a brief update to the Committee on the new child abuse hotline online reporting option. Committee will have Disability Rights of Arkansas provide an update on issues in Arkansas with behavioral health facilities and children. Next meeting will be January 25, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.

              Dorinda Edmisten asked questions in regard to mandated reporter training: How many people have been trained this year? There have been 10,000 mandated reporters that have received training on the ar.mandatedreporter.org. website during the first quarter of SFY2023.  We have not received the quarterly training numbers from PBS. Online training will be updated with information about the new online reporting option. Do schools have to sign in when doing the online training and can those who attend be identified? On the PBS provided training the teacher will sign in with teacher license # and DOE would have records of those who have taken the training. Is there notification of schools or teachers that do not take the training? Teachers have to provide proof of mandated reporter training to be licensed and to renew their license. ACT 1236 requires teachers to be trained within 12 months of receiving their license. School districts offer the training every 4^th year. 25,000 people did the online ar.mandatedreporter.org training last year in Arkansas and an additional 25,000 completed the PBS online training last state fiscal year.

              Sexual Assault Prevention: update provided by Melanie Mata, the new chair of the committee.  Things are moving well on the Committee. The protocol flow chart and related training are being reviewed. Addressing how to meet deficit of knowledge brought on by the ever-changing practitioners. Crime Victim’s Reparations Board update was given. There is not enough funding, though Elizabeth Pulley said the Board has received funding from federal funds and the Governor’s office. Sexual Assault Crisis Centers are not being reimbursed for rape exams. Three of the centers are waiting on hundreds of thousands of dollars in back payments. Payments are 12-15 months behind. There are staffing issues with the Board which is adding to the delay. Melanie asked how we could get legislators involved in getting this issue resolved and how could Commissioners help in bringing attention to the matter.

              There are confidentiality concerns with the Board and the fact that they have no training on HIPPA laws and laws pertaining to sexual assault victims. It was suggested that UAMS could provide training on HIPPA rules. There was discussion on who from the CRVB Board could come to Commission or Sexual Assault Prevention Committee meeting to answer some questions. Discussion about the difference between the CVRB and the Sexual Assault Reparations Program and how they needed to be handled differently during the review process.

              Elizabeth Pulley provided some information on the CRVB Board and that their statutory duties are very broad. The meetings are public. Laura Abbott stated that victims’ rights to privacy do exist in state law. There was discussion about having the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety come to a meeting, but he is brand new and may not have enough working knowledge to be helpful. Suggested that a Board member be invited to a meeting. Dr. Worley said she could talk to Dr. Jan Church who is the Chair of the CVRB. Elizabeth Pulley shared Amanda Yarbrough’s name as an ASP attorney who understands the CVRB and has been very helpful. Sam Siegel also provided some updates. The subcommittee is working on updating educational materials for providers. Next meeting of the Sexual Assault Prevention Committee will be November 16, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.

Domestic Violence Prevention: Sara Rudolph-Pollard provided the update. The DV committee meeting was held on October 17^th. Provided an update on the committee hosting Neil Webdale of the National Domestic Violence Fatality Review Initiative. Commission gathering information on starting a DV Fatality Review Team in Arkansas. Free training can be provided by NDVFRI. SSBG funding has come in and the new RFP will go out in January 2023. The grant is awarded two years at a time.

CANS RFP Update: Sherry Williamson provided an update on the Child Abuse and Neglect RFP release and training. RFP was released on October 14 and deadline is December 16. Commissioners can help by sharing the RFP with agencies and organizations in their communities that could benefit from the grants. Elizabeth Pulley requested that a year-end summary of the funded programs be provided to the Commission. Sherry is available for questions and training if needed. Dr. Sufna John asked if the next version of the RFP application could be shortened so as not to intimidate agencies who may be new at grant writing.

Nominations for Vice-Chair: No nominations were received by deadline set at June meeting. That deadline was August 31^st. New deadline will be set at ACCARDV Staff and Executive Committee meeting on October 26, 2022. Deadline and date for special election will be sent out to Commissioners after the meeting. Dorinda encouraged Commissioners to continue to be active on their committees.

Other Business: Dorinda provided a brief update on DFA issues with funding for those receiving VOCA, STOP, and FVPSA funds. There are complaints by grantees that the regulations are changed without warning or input. She will report back when she has more information on the situation and resolutions.

Next Commission meeting in January 18, 2023 at 1:00pm by Zoom. (Hoping that June meeting may be in person.)

Meeting was adjourned.

Meeting called to order –  1:40 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT – Dr. Karen Worley, Dorinda Edmisten, Lisa Channell, Mischa Martin, Carol Maxwell, Laura Abbott, Cristy Sellers, Judge Batson, Suzanne Ritter-Lumpkin, Judge Threet, William Jones, Sheriff Scott Sawyer, Gracie Giles-Gonner, Tess Fletcher, Jimmy Turnbow, Nathan Smith, Elizabeth Pulley, Courtney Leach, Dr. Sufna G. John, Major Jeffrey Drew, Melanie Mata

MEMBERS ABSENT –  Dr. Karen Farst 

OTHERS PRESENT – Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence staff: Michelle Cline, Candy Garland, Ashley Lichtle, Myca Grant-Hunthrop, Nancy Chambers, Sherry Williamson, Sara Rudolph-Pollard, Gwendolyn Johnson-Veasley

PROXIES – Toss Worthington representing Dr. Karen Farst

GUESTS in ATTENDANCE – Phyllis Bell

LOCATION – The meeting was held in the Freeway Medical Building @ 5800 West 10^th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, Room 909     

Review of Minutes from Last Meeting – motion to approve minutes; Carol Maxwell, Dorinda Edmisten seconded. Minutes are also available on the Commission’s website (www.accardv.uams.edu)

• Child Abuse Project Report – Presented by Sherry Williamson

Sherry provided a quarterly report for October 1^st – December 31^st, 2019. There were 57 participants present at in-person trainings. Online training participants is 637; with 20 individuals being trained with Arkansas Mandated Reporter Training and 617 licensed educators being trained with Arkansas IDEAS Educator Training, total trained 694. Provided brief overview of meetings and trainings attended. Sherry provided information about the SUIDI (Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Investigation) training for coroners in Arkansas; phenomenal experience. 

• Rape Project Report – Presented by Myca Grant-Hunthrop

Myca presented a brief summary of  meetings, trainings attended and the RPE (Rape Prevention Education) grant.  The review committee has met to review the applications from all current programs.  The recommendation for funding was submitted in Commissioner’s packets to review. The 2020 Hospital Sexual Assault Hospital Protocol Conference will be held May 11^th – May 13^th, Crowne Plaza, Little Rock, Arkanasas

• Domestic Violence Report – Presented by Sara Rudolph-Pollard 

Sara provided a brief overview of meetings/trainings conducted for reporting period of October 1^st, 2019 – December 31^st,2019. Meetings and projects that are ongoing are CARE (Central Arkansas Reentry Coalition), CSC (Community Safety Subcommitte) and 2020 CARE (Central Arkansas Reentry Coalition) Women’s Conference. Sara’s second-quarter SSBG (Social Service Block Grant) reports have been received and processed for payment. She also participated on the Ladies Lounge Radio Show, Diversity Open House and DHS (Department of Human Services) Contract Renewal Meeting. 

• MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) Project – Presented by Nancy Chambers

Nancy presented a brief summary of MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) coordinator updates, trainings, conference calls and webinars. Currently, there are 67 multi-disciplinary teams and 38 coordinators. Next coordinator training will be July 27^th –July 29^th, 2020 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Nancy continues to provides support and work with partner agencies to plan for the future growth of MDT’s (Multi-Disciplinary Team) and CAC’s (Child Advocacy Center) worldwide, as they continue to grow and develop. 

• CAC (Child Advocacy Centers) Project – Presented by Ashley Lichtle

Ashley’s provided a brief summary of CAC (Child Advocacy Centers) updates, including conferences, meetings, trainings and events attended. She attended 10 site visits; they were successful. Baxter County (Mountain Home, Arkansas) has a new satellite center. Attended Lunch & Learns; provided questionnaire to Commission members for suggestions. The AACF (Arkansas Advocate Children Families) Kids Count Coalition was successful; entertained questions.  

Financial Update – Candy Garland

Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence

Financial Update

2019 – 2020    DIVISION ON AGING GRANT                            STATE DHS

                        Since July 1, 2019, ACCARDV dispensed a total of $90,930.04 to 9 domestic

                        violence shelters for client services.  Effective July 1, 2019, we have a total of 9

                        shelters eligible for client services funding.  There was only one applicant from 

                        Region IV.  

2019 – 2020    DOMESTIC PEACE FUND                                   STATE APPROPRIATION

Since July 1, 2019, we have distributed a total of $366,957.50 to 30 domestic violence shelters across the state.  Each shelter received a total of $12,097.50 with the exception of Anna’s Place, in Forrest City, which closed on October 1, 2019.    Total estimated payout is $487,932.50 provided all shelters remain in compliance.  

2019 – 2020    CHILD SAFETY CENTER                                    STATE APPROPRIATION 

Since July 1, 2019, we have distributed a total of $1,255,000 to 17 active Children’s Advocacy Centers.  In addition, we have sent a total of $330,000 to eight Child Safety Satellite Centers across the state for a total payout of $1,585,000. 

• OTHER BUSINESS

Motion was approved for RPE (Rape Prevention Education) grants. 

Lisa Channell received a plaque for her years of committed service.

Next quarterly Commission meeting: Wednesday, April 15^th, 2020

Meeting Adjourned –  2:20 p.m.

October 16^th, 2019

Meeting called to order –  1:35 p.m.

INTRODUCTION – New Commission members and ACCARDV staff (Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence)

MEMBERS PRESENT – Dr. Karen Worley, Debbie Roark, Dorinda Edmisten, Dr. Karen Farst, Lisa Channell, Mischa Martin, Carol Maxwell, Laura Abbott, Cristy Sellers, Judge Batson, Suzanne Ritter-Lumpkin, Mischa Martin, Judge Threet, William Jones, Tess Fletcher, Jimmy Turnbow, Nathan Smith, Elizabeth Pulley, Courtney Leach, Dr. Sufna, Major Drew, Melanie Mata

MEMBERS ABSENT –  Sheriff Scott Sawyer, Gracie Giles-Gonner

OTHERS PRESENT – Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence staff: Michelle Cline, Candy Garland, Ashley Lichtle, Myca Grant-Hunthrop, Nancy Chambers, Sherry Williamson, Sara Rudolph-Pollard, Gwendolyn Johnson

PROXIES – Laura Abbott representing Gracie Giles-Gonner, Toss Worthington representing Dr. Karen Farst

GUESTS in ATTENDANCE – Phyllis Bell, Stasia Burke-McDonald, Heather McKim

LOCATION – The meeting was held in the Freeway Medical Building @ 5800 West 10^th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, Room 906     

Review of Minutes from Last Meeting – motion to approve minutes; Mischa Martin, Dorinda Edmisten seconded. Minutes are also available on the Commission’s website (www.accardv.uams.edu)

• Child Abuse Project Report – Presented by Sherry Williamson

Sherry provided a quarterly report for April 1^st – September 30^th, 2019. There were 615 participants present at in-person trainings. Online trainings consisted of 15,976; with 13,936 individuals being trained with Arkansas Mandated Reporter Training and 2,040 licensed educators being trained with Arkansas IDEAS Educator Training, total trained 16,591. Provided brief overview of meetings attended; great participation! The Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence will conduct the next Child Abuse meeting on November 13^th, 2019 @ 9 a.m. The address is: 2102 Riverfront, Suite 102, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202. 

• Rape Project Report – Presented by Myca Grant-Hunthrop

Myca provided a brief overview of the RPE (Rape Prevention Education) grant. The RPE five-year cooperative agreement has completed the first year. The current grantees will reapply and be reviewed for performance, adherence to the program specifications, and the availability of funding.  The Rape Committee has maintained the sexual assault treatment flowchart for emergency departments. The 2020 Hospital Sexual Assault Hospital Protocol Conference will be held May 11^th – May 13^th, Crowne Plaza, Little Rock, Arkanasas

• Domestic Violence Report – Presented by Sara Rudolph-Pollard 

Sara presented a brief summary of meetings/trainings conducted and  victim’s rights vigil and recognition ceremony in the last quarter. On-going training for Sara is C.A.R.E. (Central Arkansas Reentry Coalition) and the CDC (Chancellor’s Diversity Committee) meetings. The SSBG (Social Service Block Grant) and awarded 9 shelters. The Domestic Peace Fund awarded funding of $16,130 to 31 shelters. The Arkansas Conference on Child Abuse & Neglect was held October 10^th, 2019 in Hot Springs, Arkansas; was very informative and productive. 

• MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) Project – Presented by Nancy Chambers

Nancy’s presentation included an MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) coordinator update of new coordinators and trainings. The new MDT contract year began July 1^st, 2019. Currently, there are 67 multi-disciplinary teams and 39 coordinators. There were 3 regional trainings conducted; April 23^rd, 27^th and 29^th. All coordinators participated and the primary focus was the new website/database system. July 2020 will be next coordinator training. All trainings attended were informative.

• CAC (Child Advocacy Centers) Project – Presented by Ashley Lichtle

Ashley’s provided a brief summary of CAC (Child Advocacy Centers) updates, including conferences, meetings and trainings attended. They were all successful.  The MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) statewide survey response has been great! She concluded by presenting a 2020 and 2021 summary projection chart of funds available and entertained questions. The dollar amounts listed were estimates and subject to change. 

Financial Update – Candy Garland

Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence

Financial Update

Funding listed below reflects financial activity since the April17, 2019 meeting:

STATE FUNDING UPDATE

Old Business

2018-2019       DIVISION ON AGING GRANT                                    STATE DHS

Since July 1, 2018, ACCARDV dispensed a total of $144,959 to 10 domestic violence shelters for client services. EffectiveJuly 1, 2019, we have a total of 9 shelters eligible for client services funding. There was only one applicant from Region IV. See attachment 1 for a current list of shelters and amounts.

                                   New Business

2019-2020       DOMESTIC PEACE FUND                                 STATE APPROPRIATION

Since July 1, we have distributed a total of $245,982.50 to 30 domestic violence shelters across the state. Each shelter received atotal of $8,065.00 with the exception of Anna’s Place, in Forrest City, which closed on October 1, 2019. Total estimated payout is$487,932.50 provided all shelters remain in compliance. See attachment 2 for a current list of shelters and amounts.

2019–2020       CHILD SAFETY CENTER                                   STATE APPROPRIATION

Since July 1, 2019, we have distributed a total of $1,255,000 to 17 active Children’s Advocacy Centers. In addition, we have senta total of $315,000 to seven Child Safety Satellite Centers across the state for a total payout of $1,570,000. See attachment 3for a current list of CACs and amounts.

New Funding Available July l, 2019

2019 – 2020   CHILD SAFETY CENTER                                     STATE APPROPRIATION

Effective July 1, 2019, ACCARDV received $1,455,588 for our Child Safety Center Appropriation.  Funds will be used to support17 active Child Safety Centers across the state along with 7 Child Safety Satellite Centers and 68 multi­disciplinary teams(MDTs). Funds will also be used to support the Child First Training component, as well as operations expenses of ACCARDV andsalary/staff expenses of personnel involved in this project.

2019-2020     CHILD WELFARE                                          STATE APPROPRIATION

Effective July 1, 2019, ACCARDV received $274,400 from our Child Welfare State Appropriation, for payment of contractualservices provided by MDT Coordinators to review and process child abuse allegations, July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.

2019–2020     DOMESTIC VIOLENCE                                STATE APPROPRIATION

Effective July 1, 2019, ACCARDV received $63,767 from our Domestic Violence State Appropriation . These funds willbe used to pay a portion of salaries and fringe of office staff, along with operations expenses, July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.

FEDERAL FUNDING UPDATE

New Funding Available Oct 1, 2019

2019–2022      CHILDREN ‘S JUSTICE ACT GRANT                      FEDERAL DHHS

On Sept 16, 2019, ACCARDV received notice of award for $184,592, for our 2019-2022 CJA Grant. Funds will be used toprovide additional training to help professionals on recognizing and reporting of child maltreatment, along with MDT scholarshipsfor training. Additionally, funds will be used for operations expenses associated with this grant, along with salaries and fringe ofoffice staff.

2019–2020       PREVENTIVE HEALTH BLOCK GRANT              FEDERAL CDC

On Oct 3, 2019, ACCARDV received official notification from ADH that our 2019-2020 Preventive Health Block Grant badbeen approved for $65,198. Funds will be used for a portion of the Rape Prevention Project Coordinator’ s salary and fringe alongwith supporting rape prevention and education program activities such as: SANE scholarship awards, in-state trainings, purchase of curricula as well as purchase of sexual assault evidence collection kits for the State Crime Lab.

• OTHER BUSINESS

After years of committed service, Commission member Lisa Channell is retiring from the Arkansas Crime Lab!

Debbie Roark; acknowledged and thanked for her many years of dedicated service! 

Next quarterly Commission meeting: Wednesday, January 15^th, 2020

Meeting Adjourned –  2:30 p.m.