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 10th 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 1st – December 31st, 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 11th – May 13th, 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 1st, 2019 – December 31st,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 27th –July 29th, 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 15th, 2020
Meeting Adjourned – 2:20 p.m.