Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Latino Advisory met June 15.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Attendance: Jennifer Contreras, Coty Corcoles, Jose Garcia, Moises Jimenez, Jose Lopez, Juan Maldonado, Melissa Martinez., Julia Monzon,
Excused: Lilliana Romero, Evelyn Martinez, Rosamaria Molina Lasalle, Yeni Rojas Guests: Zuliema Ocampo, Child Interviewer, Chicago GAL.
A. Welcome
All members were welcome and introduced themselves. Our guest introduced herself.
B. Positive Vibes (Team building Activity)
Members were able to share positive vibes at work and outside of work.
C. Review & Approval of March and May Minutes
March Minutes reviewed and approved. May minutes were tabled.
D. Committee Written Reports (Send Written Reports if available
a. Child Safety, Risk Reduction and Permanency – Moises Jimenez Moises reported on their latest activities. They are awaiting data reports for assessment.
b. Data Analysis, Disproportionality and Staffing –Jose Garcia Jose Garcia formally requested data reports including staffing, bilingual workers and caseload sizes. Juan Maldonado joined the Data Analysis, Disproportionality and Staffing Committee.
c. Strategic Communications – Julia Monzon
The Office of Communications moved during the publication time of Noticias and it was a short edition, Julia proposed a Special Print Edition copy for the upcoming Latino Family Institute Day that would include highlights from the past two years.
d. POS Collaboration– Jennifer Contreras & Jose J. Lopez
Jennifer and Jose announced the next meeting date and ongoing recruitmen efforts.
E. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report – Jose J. Lopez
Jose reported that many data reports will be available July 1st as this is the beginning of the new fiscal year. Jose will request permission to share the data reports with Jose Garcia. Jose also reported that hiring will be done under the new Success Factors system and suggested inviting Ivia Ortega to the next LAC meeting to explain the new system if possible, if not in August.
F. Old Business
a. Open Meeting Act Training https://foiapac.ilag.gov/createaccount.aspx Julia reminded those members who haven’t yet taken the training that this is a requirement.
b. POS and DCFS LAC new members recruitment
This is ongoing. Recruitment is taking place in the community at various events and in churches.
G. New Business
a. OMA-Required Committee date, time and Agenda to be posted 48 hours in advance. This was announced at the meeting.
b. LAC-Professional Development Day Feedback
Jennifer needs the evaluation results from Alix Young to report on this at the next meeting.
H. Open Forum
Melissa spoke of the need to do an assessment of need regarding overweight minors in care who are on psychotropic medication. Melissa states that she has noticed that there are no organized activities for youth to be active. The data can help us be creative as there is a shortage of mental health providers. We may need to look at other avenues to service children. Exercise helps release endorphins and should be coupled with medication and can aid with mental health disorders. Melissa has spoken to assistant Guardian, Ron Remolina and will send him and Julia an email. Melissa will also communicate with Jose Garcia and discuss for further for clinical input.
I. LAC Institute Day Planning Committee
(Tentative date 10-14-22)
(All LAC members attend)
J. Next General Meeting July 20, 2022
https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/aboutus/policy/Documents/LAC/LAC_Minutes_061522.pdf
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