GARRETT COUNTY FAMILY VIOLENCE COALITION Minutes of Meetings The next FVC meeting will be at 8:30AM at the GC Department of Social Services on August 11, 1998

Attending:  Phyllis Trickett, GCCW; Bob Stephens, GC OCYF; Henry Brown, GCDS; Erica Mowbray, GCDSS; Kellie Warnick, GCCAC; Barb Smith, P & P; Donna Shafer, Interested Party; Edgar Harman, Rep. Garrett Co. Commissioners; John K. Sines, Oakland Police Department; Carol Bass, GCHD; Mary VanSickle, GCMH; Pat Kelly, Garrett Co. State’s Attorney’s Office; Lisa Thayer Welch, Garrett Co. State’s Attorney’s Office; Brenda Arnold, Garrett Co. Sheriff’s Department; Larry Gnegy, Garrett Co. Sheriff’s Department; Elizabeth Biser, Lucia Ayers, Community Rep’s.; June Heseslbach, AAoA

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be July 14, at 8:30 a.m. at the Garrett County Court House Sheriff’s Meeting Room.

Mr. Henry Brown thanked the Sheriff’s Department for hosting the June FVC Meeting, while the GCDSS Conference Room is being used for staff training.

The May 12 minutes were amended to reflect three corrections.  Brenda Arnold reported there was an additional single female housed in the shelter the first part of May.  Lucia Ayers indicated that the web page classes were not funded by the S T O P Grant but by the LMB’s and Larry Gnegy not Lucia is contacting the necessary individuals in order to get information on the Arrest Booking System.

Old Business:

 Brenda Arnold reported that from May 4th through the 29th the Shelter housed three groups, mother with four children May 4 through May 8, female May 13 through May 27, and a female May 19 through May 29.  Brenda responded to an inquiry made by Henry Brown at the May FVC Meeting, stating that on average from July 1997 through May 1998 4.8 persons both adults and child received temporary housing in the Shelter.

Henry Brown inquired if the Shelter’s budget was remaining stable with the demands for food, Pat Kelly stated that the budget for food was sufficient.

 MSP-Hot Spots, Lisa Thayer Welch reported there was no news on the new grant year.

 Larry Gnegy reported that in May the Garrett County Sheriff’s Department received 12 domestic violence complaints.  Nine investigations were no assaults, five were assaults, two resulting in arrests.

 Lisa Thayer Welch that there would be Pro-Prosecution Training offered on June 19, 1998. The Morning session 9:00am – 12:00noon will be for Law Enforcement and provide Sheriff’s Officers with Police Training Credits.  Lisa, Darrell, Christina, and Pat will attend the Pro-Prosecution Training for Prosecutors from 1:00pm – 4:00p, on June 19, 1998.  This will be a nuts and bolts training on what to do with evidence with or without the cooperation of the victim.

Lisa reported that the Victim Witness Program Grant would continue at a 100%, 75%, and 50%, etc. match. The Garrett County Commissioners will also provide some monetary support.

Mr. Henry Brown reported that The Governor’s Office would be announcing on June 19, 1998 the decision regarding the awarding of VAWA monies for the GCFVC Data Mart Project and the GCFVC Coordinator grant proposals.

John Sines reported that the Oakland City Police had one domestic violence complaint, which ended in the complainant using spousal privilege.

New Business:

 Pat Kelly reported that a VOCA Grant has been applied for in the amount of $60,000 to provide funding for a half-time Mental Health Professional.  This individual would provide rapid response services to women and children who are direct or indirect victims of domestic violence housed in the Shelter or not. Mr. Brown added that 5 visits by the Professional to victims housed in the Shelter and 3 visits to victims not housed in the Shelter would be provide, individuals would then be referred if necessary to another provider for long term counseling.

 Pat Kelly stated that evening services at the Shelter would be improved by offering additional staff training.

Erica Mowbray reported on the Children’s Therapist Grant proposal that was submitted for victims of child abuse and sexual abuse.  This therapist would provide mental health services and crisis intervention.  Referrals for services would come from GCDSS Child Protective Services/open cases.  If approved the grant would provide $34,000 with a DSS 25% match beginning October 1, 1998.

Bob Stephens reported that the Public awareness would be meeting after the FVC Meeting.

Lucia Ayers stated there would be a Health Department survey to determine the public’s knowledge/awareness of domestic violence.  Lucia will collaborate with the Health Department on “right answers”.  Lucia also stated that Debbie Bright from the Governors Office would be at the Will O’ Wisp for a luncheon on Friday, June 19, 1998.

There will be a Memorial Service for Victims of Domestic Violence held on June 18, 1998 at the Court House in front of the Silent Witness Display in conjunction with a candle light walk.  Additional details will be available in the Republican.

Lisa Thayer Welch stated plans for a seminar for area clergy has been purposed for Tuesday, September 29, at Garrett Community College.  At this time the committee is working on developing an agenda and finding a slate of speakers.  Henry Brown stated that GCDSS could award S.S. CEU’s to clergy as a result of this training.  GCDSS would need 45 days to submit an outline of the course.
 

Lucia Ayers stated that at the next FVC Meeting she would be showcasing the FVC WebPages.  Lucia also stated that we are still waiting to hear the decision on the FCV Data Mart Grant Proposal.  Lucia stated that several agencies have published WebPages as a result of the FVC Webpage training course offered at GCC.  Lucia will put the Domestic Violence Handbook on line.  Lucia will also resent the Webpage at the Luncheon on June 19, at Will O’ Wisp.  GCFVC is the only FVC with a website.  A counter will be added to the website so the number of visitors to the site can be tracked.

Mary VanSickle was asked if all women who received treatment at the Oakland Memorial Hospital Emergency Room were screened for Domestic Violence, Mary stated that not all women were screened.  Lucia asked if screening was mandated, Mary replied it was not a mandate.

The FVC Nominating Committee presented nominations for the new slate of officers for 1998-1999.  Lisa Thayer Welch will serve as President, Pat Kelly for Vice-President and Henry Brown as Secretary.  The slate of new officers was unanimously approved.  New officers their terms will begin at the next FVC Meeting on July 14, 1998.

Family Violence Council Awards were given to the Sheriff’s Department who received a Certificate of Merit and a Law Enforcement Plaque the GCFVC will receive a Certificate of Merit.  Awards will be presented on July 20 at the World Trade Center in Baltimore.  Award recipients may each bring 3 representatives.

Lisa Thayer Welch stated there will be a Strategic Planning Meeting on Wednesday, July 1, at 9:00 a.m. in the States Attorney’s Office.  If anyone is interested in supplying input they are welcome to attend or send messages.

Carolyn Taylor has resigned from her position at GCCW, and her replacement will be determined by the GCCW at their meeting next Tuesday.

Henry Brown reported that he would follow-up with Dr. Teets concerning a new representative to FVC from the Board of Education.

Eric Mowbray stated that the GCDSS Conference Room would not be available for the July meeting of the FVC due to training being offered.  Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Examination Training Program sponsored by GCDSS and MDP.  It is a weeklong extensive training program designed for health care and law enforcement professionals who are interested in learning more about the field of sexual assault and forensic medicine.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a. m.