Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Scan Committee met June 15
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Call to Order: Veatrice Crawford, Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m.
Introductions/Roll Call - The following members were attending via WebEx: Present (13) Veatrice Crawford (Chair), Mary Bennett, Mary Jane Forney, Jackie Sharp, Lisa Vinson, Alice Staley, Denise McCaffrey, Delilah Nelson, Joe Hemphill, Judi Bradley, Mary Hardy-Hall, Nancie Brown, Elaine Bailey Johnson
DCFS Staff: Kara Hamilton (Associate Deputy Director, External Communications and Advisory Groups), Kenneth Leggin (Regional Admin in Cook Co), Dustin Frevert
A quorum was present (13 out of 20). This meeting was held virtually through WebEx in compliance with changes to the Open Meetings Act in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Public Comments: None
The minutes for the special meeting on March 29th, 2022 were reviewed by the committee. A motion to accept was given by Mary Jane-Forney and seconded by Joe Hemphill. This committee voted to approve the minutes.
The minutes for the meeting on February 16th, 2022 were reviewed by the committee. A motion to accept was given by Mary Bennett and seconded by Mary Hardy-Hall. This committee voted to approve the minutes.
The minutes for the meeting on April 20th, 2022 were reviewed by the committee. A motion to accept was given by Denise McCaffrey and seconded by Mary Jane-Forney. This committee voted to approve the minutes.
I. OLD BUSINESS
A. DCFS Legislative Review
Kara Hamilton stated that she will send the legislative report to members of this committee.
B. Mandatory Training Update
Kara reported that she is currently transitioning into this role. Once Kara has a list of members still in need of completing mandatory trainings put together, she will send to the group.
C. By-laws & Committee Profile Updates
Kara is waiting on the Division of Equity and Inclusion to respond with comments on the Committee Profile and waiting on the Office of Legal Services to respond regarding the by laws
D. Welcome Packet Comments
Ken Leggin and Kara Hamilton confirmed that the welcome packet has been completed and sent. Kara will resend.
E. Child Welfare and Family Court Committee Update - The committee has not yet met
F. New Committee Member
Elaine Bailey-Johnson motioned to approve that the committee recommend Dr. Petra to be recommended to the Director for appointment to the committee. Jude Bradley seconded and a vote by the group approved the motion.
G. Annual Citizen’s Review Report / All Citizen’s Review Committee Meeting
The meeting will be in July. Kara and Ken will confirm the date and update this group. The report will be ready for the October meeting.
II. New Business
A. Presentation: Human Trafficking
Victoria Davis-Jones, statewide program manager for the DCFS human trafficking unit, presented to the committee on her unit’s efforts to combat human trafficking in the state. Victoria stated that we have about 400 youth in care that are caught up in human trafficking.
Victoria introduced representatives from private agency partners her unit contracts with to provide overviews of their respective programs and answer questions from the group. Whitney McMahan and Cassandra Ma presented on behalf of the Cherish House. Kristen Shin spoke to the group about the Halo mentoring program. Next, Meiko Taylor spoke to the group to give an overview of the Power Project. Next, Kassandra Alvarado with the Selah Freedom program was introduced to the group and presented a PowerPoint presentation of the Selah Freedom program.
Action Step: Human Trafficking
The group held discussions regarding these presentations. An agreement amongst the members was made to suggest a survey of what programs are benefitting kids the most and what needs can this committee help with. Another suggestion was to help distribute the programs brochures, posters, etc. within the communities.
III. Comments /Announcements
Prevent Child Abuse Conference – October 13-14, 2022 in Springfield
Annual Citizens Review Committee Report – October 12, 2022
V. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 11:30 A.M.
https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/aboutus/policy/Documents/SCCAN/SCCAN_Minutes_061522.pdf
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