Midwest Regional Children’s Advocacy Center

Advisory Board Call

August 1, 2006

Meeting Minutes

Present: Ben Murray, Monica Maurer, Brenda Nelson, Mark Zimmerer, Jan Lutz, Amy Russell/Tom Frost, Kathleen Inwood, Sue Tesdahl, Kim Martinez, Jane Braun, Anne Cherek

Date of next call: Tuesday, September 5^th, 2006, 11am CST

October call will be changed from the 3^rd to the 10^th (tentatively) or the 17^th. We will confirm closer to the date.

Agenda:

- Candidates for NCA Board. Open fall 2006 slots: 1 Physician, 4 At Large and 1 Prosecutor. Suggestions for candidates: Gene Klein (NE) for At Large, nominated by Mark Zimmerer (and Ben Murray) will fill out nomination form. Sandra Hewitt (MN) for At Large, nominated by Carolyn Levitt and Rich Kaplan (MN) for Physician, nominated by Monica Maurer. Nomination packets should be sent out in September. Ballots go out November 3^rd, 2006 and must be submitted by November 19^th, 2006 (or thereabouts).

- Training funds from MRCAC. Today begins the new grant fiscal year, and as such, each state will receive their $5,000 state chapter grant to be used 7/31/07.

Grant monies not used due to the new federal fiscal year have been extended for use through a no-cost extension. Because of this, an additional $5,000 grant will be given to each state chapter to be used by Feb. 1, 2007. Terms/conditions: If a state has pre-existing training(s) scheduled between Aug1- Feb1, this grant must be used towards the training. If a state does not have pre-existing trainings planned for this time period, an “open-compete” application process between CAC’s in the state that want/need training. The grant will be available by application, on the MRCAC website, open to CAC’s and chapters. Trainings must follow federal guidelines. Email Kim Martinez with any questions.

State Updates:

Ohio: Ben reported that he is in Cincinnati meeting with people on an initiative regarding drug-endangered children and creating a program for the CAC communities. A joint retreat of BOD members and CAC directors will be held mid October, with Cathy Crabtree facilitating. Jane Braun will also be attending.

South Dakota: Monica reported that the chapter held meeting/phone call today, as they continue to work on their by-laws and infrastructure. Monica said they have a conference planned for the fall and will use the grant funds given by MRCAC.

Nebraska: Mark reported that their state chapter is preparing for “Children Need Everyday Heroes” Conference - Aug 29--31 in Kearney, Nebraska as well as The Nebraska Alliance for Drug Endangered Children Conference Sept 20 &21st in Lincoln.

Wisconsin: Brenda said there is a new developing center in Marshfield, WI that is coming along well. The chapter will be co-hosting their State Summit Dec 1^st, along with WI DOJ, in Appleton, WI. Nancy Chandler will be the keynote speaker. A new physician joined the Chapter from OH, and is at UW-Children’s Hospital in Madison. Everyone is excited to have her. The chapter is also working on a DOJ initiative to create a manual of sorts regarding Child Neglect to share with MDT’s.

Indiana: Jan reported that chapter members just passed by-law revisions to allow closer communication (email, etc) between centers.

Minnesota: Tom Frost is taking over for Amy Russell at CornerHouse. Good luck Amy at Law School!

Kansas: Kathleen reported that the chapter partnered with local school drug-programs and received a grant to fund a day-long conference next week regarding drug endangered children, home visitor safety, etc. The next Chapter meeting is Aug 25^th. Jane Braun will attend.

Iowa: Sue reported that a Chapter meeting was held last week, which they had combined with their strategic planning meeting as well. Another meeting has been set to discuss strategic planning on a more in-depth basis. The chapter is also working on a state-wide funding initiative, to create a paid chapter director position responsible for outreach and consultation for communities looking form new centers.