Court Improvement Project Committee

MinutesGladstone Inn, Jamestown May 3, 2005

Members Present Judge Lee Christofferson, Co-Chair Paul Ronningen, Co-Chair Vince Ament Dixie Evans Rita Hannesson Julie Hoffman Dave McGeary Pat Podoll Michon Sax Lanny Serrano Theresa Snyder	Members Absent Krista Andrews Larry Bernhardt Lisa Boxrud Gladys Cairns Connie Cleveland Robert Freed Marilyn Kary Kate Kenna Sandra Kuntz Judge William McLees Frank Myrick Marilyn Poitra Don Snyder
Staff Louie Hentzen Susan Sisk

The minutes of the December 13, 2004, meeting, which was held over the IVN system, were approved.

Susan Sisk provided a budget report. Susan reported that expected expenses for the current biennium (2003-05) will be $436,400.83. The budget for 2005-07 will be $527,875.00. She noted that she felt there were fewer pilot projects for the GAL program. Judge Christofferson indicated he felt there were very few, if any, pilot projects left.

Theresa Snyder indicated that the Department of Human Services legal department will bill for the manual.

Susan Sisk reported that we think we have submitted our Reassessment piece to the Court Improvement Grant last year. We are currently awaiting confirmation of that. We still need to submit our annual report by June 30, 2005.

Dixie Evans reported that about 14 or 15 GALs attended the ICWA Conference for which the Court Improvement Project paid some of the costs ($1,200 reported by Susan).

Susan reported that a Request for Proposal for GAL services was sent out for bid.

Dixie Evans furnished copies of the GAL report. She indicated that there was a question as to whether after the GAL is released at disposition and then brought back in at permanency, is that a new appointment? There is some confusion as to what counts as a new case versus a continuation of same case.

Discussion then centered on the need for an evaluation component for the program. How do we measure effectiveness and quality? Pat Podoll suggested that we pull data and compare to child welfare information. Suggested topics included quality of representation in the best interest of the child, timeliness of reports, accuracy, and which is better practice - closing at disposition or continuation?

Paul Ronningen suggested a subcommittee study. It was moved and seconded to create the subcommittee. The motion passed unanimously. Vince Ament was appointed chair and Pat Podoll volunteered to serve. Others will be appointed. An initial report is expected at the September 2005 meeting.

The next topic of discussion was what, if any, information is eligible for release from the GALs. Should we have a rule for GALs? Should the Juvenile Policy Board address this issue? Lanny Serrano will draft proposed rules for lay-GALs.

ICWA subcommittee was the next agenda item. It is necessary to appoint a subcommittee and a chair. Theresa Snyder was appointed chair with Krista Andrews, Judge Christofferson, Julie Hoffman, Pat Podoll, Dan Snyder, Paul Ronningen, Michon Sax, a referee, and a tribal representative on the subcommittee.

Judge Christofferson inquired as to whether we should expand the membership of the Committee. He also recommended we send a Committee member to the annual conference. It was moved and seconded and carried unanimously.

Paul Ronningen addressed the Court Improvement Specialist position in the Department of Human Services. Originally it was advertised as temporary without benefits, but now it has been upgraded to full-time with benefits. Interviews were scheduled for the following week with a projected start date of July 1, 2005.

The topic of lawyer training will be discussed at the next meeting.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2005, in Jamestown.