Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Carol Johnson at 7:32am. Dave Neupert led the flag salute.

Thought of the Day:

Peggy:  Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human race.

Minutes:

Dick P. moved to accept January 8 minutes, seconded by Gerry A. Motion carried.

Jim M. said Steve Deutermann’s wife passed away from cancer. Also USCG is taking donations due to the government shutdown.

Carol announced an email PABA received with USCG contact information. $25 gift cards were suggested.

Carol passed a card announcing a reception for new Senior Center Director and mentioned PABA dues, and that a letter went out with a form to update information. Jon will provide invoices if requested. Kaj suggested communication of how PABA is doing and what members need.

Andrew talked about the Chamber Board Retreat being focused on 2018 wrap up and financing. They will not add new functions but do what they do better. Kaj added the suggestion for seminars and education instead of presenters. Mike F. added that the joint chamber lunch for new paid sick leave was well attended.

Andrew said Government Affairs has a meeting right after today’s presentation and that they are working with the chamber as well.

Program:  Jodi Wilkinson, Juvenile Facility

Andrew announced Jodi Wilkinson from the juvenile facility. She said the detention center will be fully funded by tax the community voted for and talked about their programs. She said their daily population is small, assessment is better, but volume is still high. The first-time minor offender program called Diversion has about 80 kids a year. The national average is 30% who recidivate.

All youth receive risk assessment and case management. The last line is detention up to 7 days in a separate unit. They received a grant from Dept. of Commerce for a runaway unit with 4 pods for crisis stabilization, where they only stay a few days. They have an in-house drug and alcohol treatment program and any kid can go to True Star Behavioral Health.

Their CASA trained volunteer program is the eyes and ears for kids in court. They have 45 volunteers this year, up from 20 last year. Goal is 70, 1 per kid. Average age range is 12 – 17 and average daily population is 10.

Kaj asked how much prevention they are providing and, are we allocating our resources the best way. She said they are a responsive agency, kids come to them. The community right now provides prevention. Jon F. talked about the tour and recommended doing it again. He asked what the business community can do to help. She said hold various fundraisers, and other needs including clothing and housing have been provided. She’ll find out more.

Dick P . asked about stats for CASA. Jodi said she doesn’t have numbers yet. Sometimes kids are not recommended to go back with parents.

Shenna asked what accountability there is for parents. She said the court is made aware. It’s built into truancy to go against the parent but there is nothing in place on the criminal end for parents. True Star provides help and they refer out to local organizations.

Dave N asked her to talk about how effective the wrap around programs are. She said all work together: youth and family, tribes, cases meetings, Peninsula Behavioral Health.

Debby asked if a Serenity. House youth drop in center would help. Jodi said it would be great to learn basic skills. It’s possibly how the business community could help. They have 42 employees, a $3.2M budget, and other volunteers come based on various programs, but there are 40+ in CASA.

Peggy asked about food and clothing. Jodi said they are fully self-sufficient including showers.

John B. asked about school. They have it coordinated out of Kitsap. Crisis detention is separate.

Carol asked about the process to become a volunteer. Jodi says they meet, go over an application, background check, finger printing, 40-hour training, do a mock case, and have mentors to help in court for CASA. Diversion program isn’t as intensive.

Kaj asked if she could see any laws to be changed where the business community can help keep kids out of the court system. Jodi said kids need more opportunity to learn skills. There is lots of cell phone and video usage, they need more family time, outings, and to have licensing restrictions tweaked so they can be more helpful. Debby added age restrictions should be changed for kids to work.

Upcoming Meeting:

Jan 22: Marc Abshire, Chamber of Commerce
Jan 29: Bill Lindstrom, “Strait Press”

Meeting adjourned at 8:31am.